1.
Demography refers to
Correct Answer
A. The science of population changes
Explanation
Demography refers to the study of population changes, including factors such as birth rates, death rates, migration patterns, and population growth or decline. It involves analyzing and understanding the size, composition, and distribution of populations, as well as the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence these changes. Demography is a scientific field that uses statistical methods and data to study and predict population trends and patterns, which can have significant implications for various aspects of society, such as healthcare, education, and policy-making.
2.
Most Americans learn about government and politics through
Correct Answer
A. An informal learning process
Explanation
Most Americans learn about government and politics through an informal learning process rather than formal education or direct explanations from their parents. This could include conversations with friends and family, discussions with colleagues or classmates, exposure to media coverage such as newspapers, television, and online sources, as well as personal experiences and observations. This informal learning process allows individuals to gain a broader understanding of government and politics by being exposed to diverse perspectives and information from various sources.
3.
The _________ refers to the emergence of a non-Caucasian majority, as compared with White, generally Anglo-Saxon majority
Correct Answer
A. Minority majority
Explanation
The term "minority majority" refers to the situation where a non-Caucasian population becomes the majority in comparison to the White, generally Anglo-Saxon majority. This term is used to describe a demographic shift where ethnic or racial minorities collectively make up the majority of the population. It signifies a change in the dominant racial or ethnic group within a society or country.
4.
Reapportionment
Correct Answer
A. Can dramatically shift political power between the regions
Explanation
Reapportionment refers to the process of redistributing representation in a legislative body, usually based on population changes. This redistribution can have a significant impact on the distribution of political power between different regions. By adjusting the number of representatives each region has, reapportionment can alter the balance of power and influence in a legislative body. Additionally, reapportionment can also affect the amount of federal aid that different population groups receive, as it is often allocated based on population size. While reapportionment does not specifically increase congressional representation for New England, it does have the potential to impact representation in any region.
5.
As one becomes more socialized with age, one’s political orientations
Correct Answer
C. Grow firmer
Explanation
As individuals age and become more socialized, their political orientations tend to grow firmer. This can be attributed to a variety of factors such as increased life experience, exposure to different perspectives, and a deeper understanding of political issues. As people mature, they often develop a stronger sense of their own beliefs and values, leading to a more steadfast political stance. This is a natural progression in the process of socialization and personal growth.
6.
The key to the accuracy of public opinion polls is
Correct Answer
E. Random sampling
Explanation
Random sampling is the process of selecting a sample from a larger population in a way that each individual has an equal chance of being chosen. This method helps ensure that the sample is representative of the population and reduces the potential for bias. By using random sampling, public opinion polls can provide accurate insights into the opinions and attitudes of the larger population. Other factors such as political ideology, polygraphs, and sampling error may affect the accuracy of polls, but random sampling is the key factor that ensures the reliability of the results.
7.
The procedure for conducting ____________ includes randomly selected voting places around the country and asking every tenth person how they voted.
Correct Answer
E. An exit poll
Explanation
An exit poll is a procedure for conducting surveys to gather information about how people voted in an election. It involves randomly selecting voting places across the country and asking every tenth person how they voted. This method is used to collect data on voter preferences and trends, providing insights into the outcome of an election before the official results are announced. It helps in understanding voting patterns and can be used to analyze the impact of different factors on election results.
8.
A political ideology is
Correct Answer
E. A coherent set of values and beliefs about public policy
Explanation
A political ideology refers to a coherent set of values and beliefs about public policy. It encompasses a person's overarching principles and ideas regarding how society should be governed, what policies should be implemented, and what goals should be pursued. It provides a framework for understanding and evaluating political issues and serves as a guide for decision-making and political behavior.
9.
Conservatives would tend to favor each of the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer
A. Affirmative action
Explanation
Conservatives generally believe in limited government intervention and prefer free-market solutions, low taxes, and increased military spending. They also tend to support the right to life. However, conservatives typically oppose affirmative action policies, which they view as government interference in the free market and as preferential treatment based on race or gender. Therefore, the correct answer is affirmative action.
10.
According to the classic study, The American Voter, done in the 1950s, most Americans fell into the category of
Correct Answer
A. Group benefits voters
Explanation
According to the classic study, The American Voter, conducted in the 1950s, the majority of Americans were categorized as group benefits voters. This means that they based their voting decisions on the benefits they believed they would receive from a particular political group or candidate. These voters were primarily concerned with their own personal interests and the advantages they could gain from supporting a certain party or individual.
11.
Which of the following is TRUE in regard to the voting habits of African Americans and Hispanic Americans?
Correct Answer
D. Members of these groups are more likely to vote than whites of the same income level
Explanation
The given answer states that members of African Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely to vote than whites of the same income level. This means that even if their income level is the same, African Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely to participate in voting compared to their white counterparts. This suggests that there may be cultural or social factors that influence the voting habits of these groups, leading to a higher voter turnout.