AP Government - Chapter 1

The theory of government and politics in America today that asserts that public policy is controlled by the upper-class who ensure that the wealthy and big business benefit more than the lower classes from government actions is the Class/elite theory. This theory suggests that a small group of wealthy individuals and powerful corporations hold the most influence and power in shaping public policy, leading to policies that prioritize their interests and benefit them disproportionately compared to the lower classes.

Pluralist theory suggests that the public can influence the policy agenda through groups that share a common interest. This theory believes that power is dispersed among various interest groups, and that these groups compete with one another to shape public policy. Pluralist theory emphasizes the importance of citizen participation and the ability of diverse groups to influence decision-making processes. It stands in contrast to the traditional theory, which assumes that power is concentrated in the hands of a few elites, and the hyperpluralist theory, which argues that the influence of interest groups is excessive and leads to policy gridlock.

Political knowledge and participation tend to increase with age and education. As individuals grow older, they accumulate more life experiences, which often includes exposure to various political events and issues. This exposure, coupled with a better understanding of the world, can lead to an increase in political knowledge. Additionally, education plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's political awareness and engagement. Higher levels of education provide individuals with the tools to critically analyze political information and develop informed opinions. Therefore, as individuals age and acquire more education, their political knowledge and participation are likely to increase.

Policy gridlock is the condition that results when diverse and conflicting policy goals make it impossible for a coalition of interests to form a majority. In this situation, different groups or parties have opposing views and are unable to reach a consensus or make progress on policy decisions. This can lead to a stalemate and a lack of effective governance, as no significant policies or reforms can be implemented.

The correct answer states that in traditional democratic theory, the majority's desire must be respected while acknowledging the rights of the minority. This means that while the will of the majority should be taken into account and respected, it is also important to protect the rights and interests of the minority. This principle ensures that the democratic system remains fair and inclusive, preventing the majority from dominating and disregarding the needs and perspectives of the minority. It promotes a balance between majority rule and minority rights, fostering a democratic society that values both representation and protection of individual rights.

Congress is not a channel or linkage institution through which people's concerns are translated into issues on the policy agenda. While Congress plays a crucial role in the policy-making process, it is not directly involved in translating people's concerns into issues on the policy agenda. Instead, Congress is responsible for enacting laws and making policy decisions based on the concerns and issues that are brought to its attention through other channels such as interest groups, the media, and political parties.

The correct answer is one-third. This means that approximately one-third of the total value of all goods and services produced annually in the United States is spent by the national, state, and local governments combined.

Politics refers to the process of selecting governmental leaders and the policies they implement. It involves activities such as campaigning, voting, and decision-making within a government. Constitutionalism refers to the adherence to a constitution, electoral government refers to a system where leaders are chosen through elections, and republicanism refers to a system where power is held by the people and their elected representatives. However, politics encompasses all of these concepts and is the broadest term that encompasses the selection of leaders and the policies they pursue.

A belief in individualism that discourages dependence on government assistance has had a primary impact on the relatively small scope of the American government. This belief promotes self-reliance and limited government intervention, which in turn limits the size and reach of the government. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own welfare and discourages reliance on government programs or assistance. This belief has shaped the American political culture and has influenced the structure and functioning of the government, leading to a relatively small scope of government compared to other countries.

The answer suggests that voters in American democracy are a distorted sample of the American public because only a small percentage of the population actually votes. This means that the views and preferences of the voting population may not accurately represent the views and preferences of the entire American public.

Robert Dahl is the correct answer because he is known for his work on democracy and political theory. In his book "Polyarchy: Participation and Opposition," Dahl outlines the elements of a traditional ideal of democracy, which include equality in voting, effective citizen participation, an informed citizenry, citizen control of the policy agenda, and an inclusive definition of citizenship. Dahl's theories have had a significant impact on the study of democracy and his work is widely cited in the field.

Public policy refers to the decisions and actions taken by the government to address societal issues. Executive legislation is not a term commonly used in political science or public administration. It is likely a combination of two separate concepts - executive orders or actions by the President, and legislation passed by the executive branch. Therefore, executive legislation is not a valid term and does not contribute to the establishment of public policy.