Edwards, Lineberry Chp. 1
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This quiz correlates with chapter 1 in the Edwards and Lineberry Government in America.
- 1.
Which of the following statemetns is the best indication of pluralism in American politics?
- A.
The American Assocation of Retired Persons has the largest membership of any interest group.
- B.
Third parties often endorse candidates for office, but rarely do they win elections.
- C.
The federal bureaucracy is expanding as more and more citizens are hired for federal jobs.
- D.
Numerous interest groups lobby Congress each year.
- E.
Citizens are able to vote in local, state, and national elections.
Correct Answer
D. Numerous interest groups lobby Congress each year.Explanation
Pluralist theory holds that numerous groups particpate in politics to represent a wider variety of public concerns. Interest groups are usually a good example of pluralism in American politics. The fact that there are thousands of them would indicate, according to pluralists, that these groups are speaking on behalf of many different public needs. The political agenda would therefore be determined by the people.Rate this question:
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- 2.
According to traditional democratic theory, all of the following are characteristics of an ideal democracy EXCEPT
- A.
Freedom of speech
- B.
A bill of rights
- C.
Equality of voting
- D.
Citizens have collective control over the government's policy agenda
- E.
Government extends rights to everyone who is subject to its laws
Correct Answer
B. A bill of rightsExplanation
Although a bill of rights often reinforces a democracy, it is not necessarily indicative of a democracy. The essential elements of a democracy can be specified in a constitution. The Bill of Rights does protect the freedoms guaranteed under this democratic form of government, but it does not itself establish a democracy.Rate this question:
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- 3.
According to the elite and class theorists, which of the following statements describe the American political system?I. Political action committees translate the financial power of large corporations into poltical influenceII. Interest groups fairly shape the public agenda by representing the interests of all AmericansIII. The wealthiest 1 percent of the public is in some way responsible for most policymakingIV. Policymaking relies heavily on compromise becasue interest groups receive equal access to the policy arena.
- A.
I only
- B.
II only
- C.
I and III only
- D.
II and IV only
- E.
I, II, and IV only
Correct Answer
C. I and III onlyExplanation
Elite and class theorists believe that the government is mainly controlled by an elite and wealthy minority, most of whom are involved in big business. Statement I is therefore correct because political action committees are one method by which the elite influence politics during elections. Statement III mentions the wealthy, so there is a good chance this statement is in keeping with elite theory. Only choice (C) lists statement III as well as statement I.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The following functions are shared by all governments EXCEPT
- A.
Maintaining a national defense
- B.
Ensuring social equality
- C.
Preserving order
- D.
Providing public service
- E.
Socializing the young
Correct Answer
B. Ensuring social equalityExplanation
All governments share certain functions, such as maintaining a national defense, preserving order, providing public services, and socializing the young. All governments also collect taxes. Ensuring social equality, however, is not typically a function of government. While some governments may try to reduce social inequality, very few attempt to eliminate it. Democratic governments attempt to ensure political equality, but not social or economic equality.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following concepts is fundamental to democracies?
- A.
Economic equality
- B.
Tyranny of the majority
- C.
Majority rule with minority rights
- D.
Bicameralism
- E.
Seniority
Correct Answer
C. Majority rule with minority rightsExplanation
A democracy must listen to the will of the people, as expressed by a majority of its citizens. At the same time, democracies must ensure that the rights of the minority are respected. Thus, democracies operate under majority rule, but protect minority rights.Rate this question:
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- 6.
On which of the following indicators of democratic health does American democracy do poorly?
- A.
Political equality
- B.
Majority rule
- C.
,minority rights
- D.
Voter turnout
- E.
Freedom of speech
Correct Answer
D. Voter turnoutExplanation
When compared with other democracies, voter turnout in the United States is very low. American democracy does reasonably well at ensuring majority rule with minority rights. Political equality, or "one person,one vote," is a hallmark of American democracy. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, another essential element of democracy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Linkage institutions are mechanisms through which citizens can influence the policy agenda. All of hte following are linkage institutions EXCEPT
- A.
The Constitution
- B.
Political parties
- C.
Interest groups
- D.
The media
- E.
Elections
Correct Answer
A. The ConstitutionExplanation
The Constitution establishes and limits the powers of government. It is not considered a linkage institution because it is not a mechanism for citizens to influence the policy agenda. Linkage institutions include parties, interest groups, the media, and elections--each of which enables citizens to affect the policy agenda.Rate this question:
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- 8.
According to pluralists, a wealthy interest group would
- A.
Have more access to policymakers
- B.
Compete with other interest groups for an equal share of influence
- C.
Buy all of the votes on a piece of legislation
- D.
Manipulate public opinion to support legislations proposed by Congress
- E.
Have no influence on the policy agenda
Correct Answer
B. Compete with other interest groups for an equal share of influenceExplanation
Pluralists believe that all groups have access to policymaking, thereby representing a wide range of public needs. Elite theorists, not pluralists, believe that there is a connection between wealth and influence. A pluralist would expect all interest groups, regardless of their financial resources, to vie for influence. If a group fails to influence polcy on one issue, it might still succeed on another. Competition among groups ultimately balances out inequities among them.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Hyperpluralists differ from pluralists in their belief that
- A.
The representation of too many interests is detrimental to policymaking
- B.
Only the wealthiest lobbyists are heard in Congress
- C.
Power should be centralized in one branch of government
- D.
Competition among groups leads to compromise and, hence, stronger policy
- E.
Political groups get their funds exclusively from big business
Correct Answer
A. The representation of too many interests is detrimental to policymakingExplanation
Hyperpluralists agree with pluralists in asserting that a number of groups represent the interests of the public in the political arena, but they contend that so many groups are essentially glutting the whole policymaking system. Representatives who are eager to appease as many groups as possible end up producing conflicting or diluted policies.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Politics is defined as
- A.
The resolution of conflict in a way that serves the public
- B.
Who gets what, when and how
- C.
Conflict in society
- D.
A course of action to solve a problem
- E.
The exercise of power
Correct Answer
B. Who gets what, when and howExplanation
Lasswell's definition of politics.Rate this question:
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