Name: ____________________________________ Date: ________________________ Period: ___________
Constitutional Monarchy and Monarchy
1. What is a major characteristic of an absolute monarchy?
a. Ordinary citizens vote on who is going to be their next leader
b. An all-powerful king or queen rules over everyone
c. There is a written constitution and the role of law prevails
d. A national legislature votes on what is best for the people
2. A chart is shown
Monarchy
Democracy
Government leaders are elected
Dictatorship
The dictator or leader often seizes
powers
Which statement best completes the chart?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The ruler’s governing powers are limited
The ruler ignores laws and traditions
The ruler inherits his or her power
The ruler is chosen by the people in an election
Democracy
3. Which is an essential requirement of a democratic government?
a. Citizens have a voice in choosing their leaders
b. Government leaders can do anything they wish
c. Judges run for election rather than get appointed
d. Everyone pays the same amount in taxes to the government
4. Which of the following would someone who supports a democratic government most likely favor?
a. Rule by a king or queen
b. Special privileges for wealthy people
c. Control over the government by a single person
d. A society in which citizens freely elect their leaders
Dictatorship
5. List two rights that are denied to people living under a dictatorship
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. What can someone expect to find in a society ruled by a dictator?
a. Government controls most aspects of life
b. Religious beliefs are supported by the government
c. The government is considered a servant of ordinary citizens
d. Citizens can publicly speak out against their ruler’s policies
7. A graphic organizer is shown.
Elections are held to select government representatives.
?
There are several political parties.
Government authority is based on the consent of the people.
Which title is best for this graphic organizer?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Characteristics of a dictatorship
Features of a democracy
Characteristics of a theocracy
Features of a monarchy
8. Democracy and dictatorship are two types of government that have opposite characteristics.
Below are statements that characterize either democracy or dictatorship. Write the letter of each box
in the correct column of the chart.
Dictatorship
Democracy
A. This form of government is based on the idea
that the majority should rule.
E. In this form of government, all power is held by
a single individual or small group.
B. In this form of government, ordinary people have
no input or say in the way in which they are
governed.
F. This form of government does not allow the
general population to exercise an influence.
C. In this form of government, all political authority
comes from the people.
G. In this form of government, citizens can vote for
a candidate whom they feel will represent their
interests.
D. In this form of government, ordinary people’s
basic rights are respected.
H. In this form of government, people don’t vote on
laws. Harsh laws are enforced violently and brutally.