Chapter 1
Which of these is considered to be a core value of American political ideals?
Liberty, Individualism, Equality, and Self-Government
In terms of opportunity, Black Americans today are ______.
Not equal in terms of opportunities for a better life for their children.
A single individual controls governance in which of these forms of government? democracy republic autocracy oligarchy
autocracy
The idea that there are lawful restrictions on government power is called ______. authority majoritarianism constitutionalism party polarization
constitutionalism
Who or what owns the means of production in a free-market economic system? citizens with connections in the government state government federal government private firms
private firms
Critical thinking should involve which of the following? putting aside one's own values and interests recognizing how choices will affect one's interests and values stating an opinion without fear of disapproval evaluating information carefully
recognizing how choices will affect one's interests and values evaluating information carefully
In a pluralist system, who or what would have the most influence on policies regarding regulation of Internet service providers? the general public the providers themselves people who actually vote in elections the Federal Communications Commission
the providers themselves
Who or what holds the power in a pluralist system? government regulatory bodies voters special interests political parties
special interests
At what point in American history did the influence of business firms on public policy become a defining feature of American politics? the Great Depression era the late 1800s post-World War II the 1970s
the late 1800s
Concerning power sharing, the United States is ______. comparable to India unique comparable to Russia comparable to most western European nations
unique
What are the "two Americas" we have today?
white America and Black America
System with which political leaders respond to the policy desires of more than half of the people. pluralism majoritarianism constitutionalism fascism
majoritarianism
Term used by Political scientists to describe the situation in which more than half of citizens effectively determine what government policy will be. pluralism party polarization majoritarianism authority
majoritarianism
Compared to other countries, the United States holds ______. far fewer elections more elections about the same number of elections
more elections
The ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political developments is called ______. politics majoritarianism power individualism
power
What best describes the ways in which our media system has presented obstacles to critical thinking in recent history?
1. Some sources purposely hide contradictory information. 2. Some sources invent information that suits their purpose. 3. Media consumers fail to question media sources.
Which of the following statements are true about the motivations for creating American democracy?
1. The American Revolution sought to create a radically different form of society. 2. The idea of individual potential could be achieved more easily in the New World than in the Old World. 3. Colonists, following Enlightenment ideas, wanted to overturn the European way of governing.
The obstacles to critical thinking have ______ in recent decades.
increased
political power
Basic to politics, needed to influence political developments.
The notion that all individuals have the same moral worth and treatment under the law.
Equality
Which of the following statements about political institutions and interests in the United States is true? The executive branch of the government wields almost all the power in the United States. Most nations have more competing interests and institutions than the United States. Few nations have as many competing interests and institutions as the United States. Corporate leaders have little power in the United States compared to other countries.
Few nations have as many competing interests and institutions as the United States.
Which of the following statements are true of economic power in the United States? (Multiple select question) Firms have greater control over wages and working conditions than in other Western democracies. Roughly two-thirds of all lobbyists in the nation's capital represent business firms. Corporate power operates in part through the influence that firms have with government officials. Business firms are prohibited from making political contributions that might influence government officials.
Firms have greater control over wages and working conditions than in other Western democracies. Roughly two-thirds of all lobbyists in the nation's capital represent business firms. Corporate power operates in part through the influence that firms have with government officials.
principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe on the freedoms of others.
Liberty
Which of the following are true of party polarization? (Multiple select question) Partisanship has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Partisan divisions have surfaced on nearly every issue. Partisan fights have become prolonged and bitter. Partisanship today is very different than it was through most of the nation's history.
Partisanship has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Partisan divisions have surfaced on nearly every issue. Partisan fights have become prolonged and bitter.
Why do citizens differ in their opinions even when their views are informed by the same facts?
People vary in what they value and need.
What role, generally, do politicians play in misinformation?
Politicians' deceptions have always been part of our politics, and they have contributed to the current rise in misinformation.
Which of these ideals encompasses the principle that the people are the ultimate source of government authority and should have a voice in their governing? Liberty individualism Equality Self-Government
Self-Government
How are the media treated under an authoritarian government?
They are tightly controlled.
______ is a commitment to personal initiative and self-sufficiency.
individualism
Compared to other countries, Americans have pursued their individual rights ______.
aggressively and in many areas
Political culture in the United States is based upon Americans' ______.
allegiance to common goals
What government are characterized by the following? opposition leaders are sometimes brutalized or imprisoned the regime is usually backed by the military or police political opposition is openly repressed
authoritarian government
A form of government in which the power to govern is in the hands of the citizens, either directly or through representatives, is called a(n) ______.
democracy
critical thinking
forming an opinion after weighing the relevant facts
Elements of constitutionalism include ______. (Multiple select question) immunity from prosecution for elected officials lawful restrictions of governmental power the protection of individual rights officials being required to follow the laws
lawful restrictions of governmental power the protection of individual rights officials being required to follow the laws
Which of the following were placed in the U.S. Constitution in order to prevent the tyranny of the majority? (multiple answers) supremacy clause separation of powers checks and balances a bill of rights
separation of powers checks and balances a bill of rights
The term party polarization refers to ______. the politics resulting from the recent rise of third parties that challenge the traditional power of Republicans and Democrats the dominance that occurs when one party controls the presidency and both houses of Congress the observation that Republicans and Democrats have essentially become a single political party the situation resulting from the intense conflicts between Republicans and Democrats in recent years
the situation resulting from the intense conflicts between Republicans and Democrats in recent years
Participants in a free-market economy depend primarily on which of the following for their economic security? (Multiple choice question) foreign companies themselves the government special interest groups
themselves
A country's political culture derives from its ______.
traditions
