Test on The Crisis of Democracy: An Overview

Question 1: Under the Rule of Law, government actions that break the constitution cannot be overturned by courts.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that under the Rule of Law, government actions that break the constitution 'can be overturned by courts'.

Question 2: The main function of independent media in a democracy is to ensure all government decisions are presented in a positive light to the public.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Independent media's primary role is to inform citizens and expose corruption, enabling people to make informed choices, rather than to present government decisions in a positive light.

Question 3: According to the study materials, which countries are cited as examples where elected governments weakened democratic institutions or where democratic backsliding occurred?

A. Hungary

B. Poland

C. Venezuela

D. Nigeria

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state: 'Hungary & Poland 2010s: Elected governments used their majority to weaken courts and media.' and 'Venezuela: Elections continued, but opposition was suppressed and institutions were hollowed out.' Nigeria's context is mentioned as having 'democratic stress points' but not as an example of an elected government actively weakening institutions in the same manner as the other three.

Question 4: According to the study materials, which of the following actions demonstrate the accountability of elected leaders and public officials?

A. Leaders are investigated for their actions.

B. Government decisions and budgets are open to the public.

C. Leaders must explain how they used public money and power.

D. Leaders can be voted out by the people.

Explanation: Accountability looks like leaders being voted out, investigated, and having to explain how they used public money and power. Government decisions and budgets being open to the public is an aspect of transparency, not accountability.

Question 5: A crisis of political participation typically leads to increased engagement in civic groups and higher voter turnout, particularly among young people.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: A crisis of political participation is characterized by people stopping taking part in democratic processes, which looks like low voter turnout and apathy, especially among youth, not increased engagement or higher turnout.