Government, Authority, Legitimacy & the Rule of Law — Drills · Grade 12 Social Studies

Chapter: Foundations of Government & Public Reasoning

What these drills covers

By the end of Government, Authority, Legitimacy & the Rule of Law you should be able to:

4 questions, written answer, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: government, state, authority, legitimacy, rule of law.

Problem 1

Why does winning an office not confer every desired public power?
Answer and explanation

An office has defined powers and procedures. Winning it changes the occupant, while authority may remain divided among a council, legislature, court, or other institution. A promise therefore needs a valid decision process and implementation before it establishes a policy outcome.

Problem 2

Why is compliance insufficient evidence of legitimacy?
Answer and explanation

People may comply because of sanctions, dependence, or lack of alternatives. Compliance shows behavior under particular conditions; legitimacy requires evidence about acceptance or justification. Check the governing rule and affected people’s reasoning rather than inferring consent from obedience.

Problem 3

Why should a public purpose be distinguished from a particular policy’s effects?
Answer and explanation

A purpose states what a policy is meant to achieve. Effects depend on financing, delivery, behavior, and circumstances. Compare evidence of benefits, costs, access, and alternatives before deciding whether the chosen mechanism served the purpose effectively.

Problem 4

What evidence is needed beyond a written rule to evaluate accountable administration?
Answer and explanation

Use records of notice, reasons, consistent treatment, opportunities to respond, and actual review. A written rule documents a framework, while administrative practice shows whether officials and applicants were constrained by it in particular decisions.

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