gov chapter 1

Are there any redeeming qualities to elitism and any downsides to pluralism? Are there benefits to having elites rule? Are there problems with allowing interest groups to exercise influence over government? Explain.

Elite: focus on one topic/ idk I don't see anything good Plural:might have too many people to please to make it fair but the people are heard There too many interest groups you have to have a little bit of guidance while the people can still be heard and have an opinion.

Which is the more important reason for being engaged: to gain power or improve the quality of life? Why?

Improve quality of life, because the government's job is to make decisions based on improving the citizens lives

What is the difference between a representative democracy and a direct democracy?

In a representative democracy, the people elect representatives to make political decisions and pass laws for them, but in a direct democracy the decisions are made by the people themselves.

What does the government do for people?

Makes laws, and aims to provide jobs, education and safety.

Are all Americans equally able to become engaged in government? What factors make it more possible for some people to become engaged than others? What could be done to change this?

No it's not equal. Some people have more connections and more money and easier access to have a say in something. People might be more passionate about a certain issue. or some people aren't as likely to be listened to because of their social status or race

What kinds of people are most likely to become active in politics or community service?

People with higher levels of education and income

What political activities can people engage in other than running for office?

Vote, show support for a certain politician whose views they favor, pay attention to the news

Which pathways of engagement in U.S. government do you plan to follow? Why do you prefer these approaches?

Voting, paying attention to the news and doing my research, speaking up about the things I feel strongly about on social media

Is citizen engagement necessary for a democracy to function? Explain.

Yes, because the citizens voice and opinions need to be heard

Which of the following is a good example of a tradeoff? a. The government pleases environmental activists by preserving public lands but also pleases ranchers by allowing them to rent public lands for grazing purposes. b. The government pleases environmental activists by reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park but angers ranchers by placing their cattle in danger. c. The government pleases oil companies by allowing them to drill on lands set aside for conservation but allows environmental activist groups to protest the drilling operations. d. Groups that represent a variety of conflicting interests are all allowed to protest outside Congress and the White House.

a.

According to the pluralist theory of government, ________. a. government does what the majority of voters want it to do b. government policy is formed as a result of the competition between groups with different goals and interests c. ordinary people acting on their own have a significant influence on government d. wealthy people decide what government policy will be, and politicians have no interest in pleasing anyone else

b.

The elite theory of government maintains that ________. a. special interest groups make government policy b. politicians who have held office for a long time are favored by voters c. poor people and people of color should not be allowed to vote d. wealthy, politically powerful people control government, and government has no interest in meeting the needs of ordinary people

d.

When a person is asked a question about a political issue that he or she has little interest in and has not thought much about, that person's answer will likely reflect ________.

latent preferences

In which form of government does a small group of elite people hold political power?

oligarchy

Supporting the actions of the Democratic Party simply because one identifies oneself as a member of that party is an example of ________.

partisanship

What goods are available to all without direct payment?

public goods