Chapter 12 Politics And The Economy: Quick Quiz

A government is the formal organization in which political units exercise authority. It is responsible for making and enforcing laws, maintaining order, and providing public services. Governments have the power to make decisions and control the actions of individuals and groups within a specific territory. They play a crucial role in shaping and governing a society, ensuring the well-being and security of its citizens.

Traditional authority refers to power that is legitimized through long-standing customs and historical practices. It is based on the belief that certain individuals or groups have the right to hold power and make decisions because of their traditional or hereditary roles. This type of authority is often found in societies that value and uphold their cultural and historical traditions. It is different from charismatic authority, which is based on the personal qualities and charisma of a leader, and rational-legal authority, which is based on a system of laws and regulations. Unregulated authority is not a recognized concept in this context.

The economy is the social institution that determines a society's production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It encompasses all the activities and interactions involved in the production and exchange of goods and services, including the allocation of resources, the creation of wealth, and the management of economic systems. The economy plays a crucial role in shaping the overall well-being and development of a society, as it influences factors such as employment, income, prices, and standards of living.

Capitalism is an economic model that is based on private ownership of the means of production. In a capitalist system, individuals and businesses have the freedom to own and control property, including factories, land, and resources. They can use these resources to produce goods and services for profit. The government's role is typically limited to enforcing property rights and maintaining a legal framework for economic activity. This model encourages competition and the pursuit of individual self-interest, with the belief that it leads to economic growth and prosperity.

Under an authoritarian regime, the public does not have a lot of influence over the running of the government. In an authoritarian regime, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, and they make decisions without input or accountability to the public. The government is typically characterized by strict control, limited political freedoms, and suppression of dissent. Therefore, the statement that the public has a lot of influence over the running of the government under an authoritarian regime is false.

The correct answer is "elite." The elite model suggests that a small group of individuals who share similar interests and perspectives hold the power and control over the political and economic aspects of society. This model implies that decisions and policies are made by a select few, rather than being influenced by a broader range of individuals or groups.

Nation-states are units of political organization that have recognized boundaries and specific rights and legal obligations for their citizenry. This means that they have a defined territory that is acknowledged by other political entities, and their citizens have certain rights and responsibilities under the law. Nation-states are typically characterized by a shared culture, language, and history among their citizens, and they exercise sovereignty over their territory. This distinguishes them from other types of states, such as city-states, constitutional-states, or kingdom-states, which may have different forms of political organization or governance structures.

The official U.S. unemployment rate is derived from the percentage of people who are unemployed and actively seeking work. This means that it only includes individuals who are out of work and actively looking for employment. It does not take into account those who are not actively seeking work or those who have given up looking for a job. This measure provides a more accurate representation of the current labor market and helps policymakers assess the health of the economy.

Professions are considered to be at the top of the occupational pool because they typically require advanced education, specialized skills, and offer higher salaries and social status compared to other jobs. Professions often involve roles such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and architects, which require extensive training and expertise. These occupations are highly respected and valued in society, and individuals in these professions often have more opportunities for advancement and career growth.

In the last 20 years, union membership in the United States has not been rising.