Chapter 1 Quiz

1.

1 point

The Framers' concerns about direct democracy are well illustrated by the fact that the Constitution

frequently uses the word democracy, but never in reference to the enumeration of a formal power

only uses the word democracy in reference to Congress

only uses the word democratic

only uses the word democracy once, in the Preamble

does not feature the word democracy at all

2.

1 point

What is the most basic definition of democracy?

rule by many

rule by representatives who are directly elected

any system of government with elections

any system of government with a written constitution

any system where citizenship is widely extended by most adults

3.

1 point

All of the following are arguments against direct democracy EXCEPT

most people are not interested in government or politics

most people do not have enough expertise to make good decisions on complicated policies

direct democracy leads to bad decisions because people act according to their passions

people might fall under the influence of charismatic speakers

it is impractical because of limited time, information, and energy

4.

1 point

A city council representative faces an important vote on how much, if any, money to spend on a new school. The representative relies on a poll of her constituents (the people she represents) to make a decision. This is in keeping with the form of politics known as

pluralist politics.

participatory politics.

reciprocal politics.

elitist politics.

majoritarian politics.

5.

1 point

For representative democracy to work, all of the following must be present EXCEPT

voter turnout above 60 percent

competition among political parties

voter perception that there is a meaningful choice

the opportunity for individuals to run for office

freedom of expression

6.

1 point

Which of the following is an example of political beliefs changing over time?

Americans wanted the federal government to play a bigger role in our lives until the 1980s, when this trend reversed.

Americans have held relatively consistent views about the role of the federal government over time.

Americans have come to believe that the federal government should play less of a role in regulating the economy than it did when the country was founded.

Americans have come to believe that the federal government should play a bigger role in our lives.

Americans have become more convinced of the importance of political participation over the last fifty years.

7.

1 point

How are power and authority related?

The terms are synonymous.

Neither requires popular support.

Power includes the right to rule.

Authority can exist without power.

A government can have power without having authority

8.

1 point

In the United States, government agencies make a variety of regulations that impact the day-to-day life of Americans. According to the bureaucratic view of government, who holds most of the power in the American government?

Congress, because it makes laws that are then translated into regulations by the bureaucracy.

The courts, because they make policy and are unelected and serve for life.

No one, because our government is so tangled in red tape it is difficult to determine who holds power.

State governments, because they make most of the rules that impact a citizen's daily life.

Appointed officials and career government workers who translate public laws into administrative actions.

9.

1 point

In the past couple of decades, several events have challenged traditional theories of policy-making. Which of the following examples demonstrate that Americans do not always act in their own self-interest?

I. the response of police and firefighters to the attacks of September 11, 2001
II. some wealthy Americans supporting tax increases to fund health care
III. the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) working to have its agency abolished
IV. the tobacco industry lobbying to prevent tobacco from being put under the authority of the Food and Drug Administration

I and II

I, II, and III

II and III

II, III, and IV

III and IV

10.

1 point

Which of the following statements best represents pluralist theory?

The class that dominates the economy also controls the government.

Unelected bureaucrats who run agencies dominate the government.

The most important policies are set by a loose coalition of three groups - corporate leaders, top military officers, and key political leaders.

There are so many groups that none of them can dominate the political process.

Leaders outside of the government structure dominate government.

11.

1 point

Some argue that the government is dominated by business owners. Which of the following terms does this best describe?

pluralism

power elite view

bureaucratic view

prestige view

class view

12.

1 point

Which of the following is the best evidence that direct democracy is expanding in America today?

increased voter turnout

continued support for the Electoral College

a movement to lower the drinking age

a movement to directly elect federal judges

a more frequent use of ballot initiatives

13.

1 point

What best explains the legitimacy of the United States Government?

The government has been in existence for more than two hundred years.

All citizens have the right to vote and hold office.

Elections are frequent, and their outcome is rarely in doubt.

Citizens may use the initiative process to change the law.

The Constitution is widely accepted as the source of authority.

14.

1 point

According to John Locke, all of the following are necessary for proper government EXCEPT

consent of the governed

a strong executive

protection of property

majority rule

separation of powers

15.

1 point

All of the following statements about the beliefs of the framers of the Constitution are true EXCEPT

they favored representative democracy over direct democracy

they believed that government decisions should mirror popular viewpoints

they recognized that representative democracy would proceed slowly

they insisted on the protection of civil right and civil liberties

they believed that most citizens did not have the time, information, and expertise to make informal choices