GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
A civic education class is discussing the historical context of the U.S. Constitution. They learn that many delegates to the Constitutional Convention were concerned about creating a central government that was too powerful, reminiscent of the British monarchy. This concern most directly led to the inclusion of which fundamental principle in the Constitution?
- ADirect democracy
- BUnlimited executive power
- CUnitary system of government
- DLimited government
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Limited government
The delegates' fear of an overly powerful central government, similar to their experience with the British monarchy, was a primary motivation for incorporating the principle of limited government into the Constitution. This ensures that governmental power is restricted and defined by law.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Direct democracy was largely avoided in the Constitution in favor of a representative republic.
- B. The Constitution explicitly limits executive power through checks and balances, not grants unlimited power.
- C. A unitary system of government concentrates power in a central authority, which is precisely what the delegates wanted to avoid; they established a federal system.
Limited Government
A political system in which the powers of the government are restricted by a constitution or laws, and individual rights are protected.
- Government is not all-powerful
- Ensures protection of individual liberties
- Foundation of constitutional democracies
Memory trick: L.G. = 'Limit Government' to prevent tyranny.