Question 1

Which of the following is NOT correct about the informal market of Brazil?

Accepted Answer

A)  It is estimated to be as large as 20 percent of the country's GDP. 
B)  It is estimated to employ as many as 60 million people, all of whom work without benefits or contracts. 
C)  It is estimated to cost the country as much as $70 billion annually in lost tax revenues. 
D)  It has grown since the 1960s. 
E)  The Brazilian government has made few attempts to decrease the size of its informal economy because of political expediency. 
A)  It is estimated to be as large as 20 percent of the country's GDP. 
B)  It is estimated to employ as many as 60 million people, all of whom work without benefits or contracts. 
C)  It is estimated to cost the country as much as $70 billion annually in lost tax revenues. 
D)  It has grown since the 1960s. 
E)  The Brazilian government has made few attempts to decrease the size of its informal economy because of political expediency.

Question 2

Brazil has a weak party system because of all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  its historical circumstances, such as the corporatism of the New State era making the formation of independent political parties difficult. 
B)  the country's open list proportional representation system that creates incentives for politicians to ignore party labels because voters can easily cross party lines. 
C)  party loyalty is weak among both voters and politicians. 
D)  candidates could easily shift their party affiliation until 2007, even in the midst of an election. 
E)  corruption within Brazil's political parties has led to the citizenry to reject party labels and loyalty. 
A)  its historical circumstances, such as the corporatism of the New State era making the formation of independent political parties difficult. 
B)  the country's open list proportional representation system that creates incentives for politicians to ignore party labels because voters can easily cross party lines. 
C)  party loyalty is weak among both voters and politicians. 
D)  candidates could easily shift their party affiliation until 2007, even in the midst of an election. 
E)  corruption within Brazil's political parties has led to the citizenry to reject party labels and loyalty.

Question 3

The official language of Brazil is

Accepted Answer

A)  English. 
B)  Spanish. 
C)  Portuguese. 
D)  Italian. 
E)  Brazilian. 
A)  English. 
B)  Spanish. 
C)  Portuguese. 
D)  Italian. 
E)  Brazilian.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT true of Brazil's geography and population?

Accepted Answer

A)  It is larger than the continental United States. 
B)  Its population is concentrated in the southern and southeastern regions. 
C)  It is rich in natural resources, including oil and arable land. 
D)  It occupies about two-thirds of South America. 
E)  Its Amazon region is sparsely populated. 
A)  It is larger than the continental United States. 
B)  Its population is concentrated in the southern and southeastern regions. 
C)  It is rich in natural resources, including oil and arable land. 
D)  It occupies about two-thirds of South America. 
E)  Its Amazon region is sparsely populated.

Question 5

The shantytowns that sprang up around Brazil's large cities are called

Accepted Answer

A)  bolsa familas. 
B)  informal towns. 
C)  Cardoso-villes. 
D)  favelas. 
E)  reals. 
A)  bolsa familas. 
B)  informal towns. 
C)  Cardoso-villes. 
D)  favelas. 
E)  reals.

Question 6

Regional disparity in Brazil is exemplified by the

Accepted Answer

A)  Southeast accounting for about half of the country's GDP. 
B)  Northeast having about half of the population but accounting for only about fifteen percent of the country's GDP. 
C)  persistence of poverty in the South. 
D)  concentration of industry in the North. 
E)  states in the Southeast having a per capita GDP that is half of the national average. 
A)  Southeast accounting for about half of the country's GDP. 
B)  Northeast having about half of the population but accounting for only about fifteen percent of the country's GDP. 
C)  persistence of poverty in the South. 
D)  concentration of industry in the North. 
E)  states in the Southeast having a per capita GDP that is half of the national average.

Question 7

Even with democratization, the role of the military retains a role in Brazilian politics. This is indicated by all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  the fact that during the Sarney administration, military officers retained cabinet-level rank in areas of importance to the military. 
B)  laws that grant the military broad powers to guarantee internal order and play a tutelary role in civilian government. 
C)  Brazilian officers lobbying on behalf of policies that they favor. 
D)  the fact that the military was successful in obtaining amnesty for human rights abuses during the previous authoritarian era. 
E)  the use of the military to "pacify" areas experiencing rising urban crime rates. 
A)  the fact that during the Sarney administration, military officers retained cabinet-level rank in areas of importance to the military. 
B)  laws that grant the military broad powers to guarantee internal order and play a tutelary role in civilian government. 
C)  Brazilian officers lobbying on behalf of policies that they favor. 
D)  the fact that the military was successful in obtaining amnesty for human rights abuses during the previous authoritarian era. 
E)  the use of the military to "pacify" areas experiencing rising urban crime rates.

Question 8

Brazil is the _____________ largest economy in the world.

Accepted Answer

A)  fifth 
B)  fifteenth 
C)  twentieth 
D)  third 
E)  fourth 
A)  fifth 
B)  fifteenth 
C)  twentieth 
D)  third 
E)  fourth

Question 9

Which ministry has tended to have more authority than other executive agencies?

Accepted Answer

A)  The Foreign Ministry 
B)  The Ministry of the Economy 
C)  The Ministry of Trade 
D)  The Ministry of Social and Economic Affairs 
E)  The Ministry of Finance, Trade, and Commerce 
A)  The Foreign Ministry 
B)  The Ministry of the Economy 
C)  The Ministry of Trade 
D)  The Ministry of Social and Economic Affairs 
E)  The Ministry of Finance, Trade, and Commerce

Question 10

Which of the following types of civil society groups has NOT arisen in Brazil?

Accepted Answer

A)  Those promoting women's rights 
B)  Those promoting the rights of indigenous peoples 
C)  Those dedicated to addressing racial discrimination 
D)  Professional associations 
E)  Environmental groups 
A)  Those promoting women's rights 
B)  Those promoting the rights of indigenous peoples 
C)  Those dedicated to addressing racial discrimination 
D)  Professional associations 
E)  Environmental groups

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the impact of technology in Brazil is NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

A)  Particularly in poor areas, politicians engage in what's called electronic clientelism, by owning radio stations that they use to mobilize voters and affect how they think about issues. 
B)  Electronic voting was adopted nationally shortly after the transition to democracy. 
C)  Brazil has the largest population of Facebook and Twitter users outside of the United States. 
D)  Brazil has the world's fastest rate of Internet user growth. 
E)  The Brazilian government makes little use of the Internet to disseminate information. 
A)  Particularly in poor areas, politicians engage in what's called electronic clientelism, by owning radio stations that they use to mobilize voters and affect how they think about issues. 
B)  Electronic voting was adopted nationally shortly after the transition to democracy. 
C)  Brazil has the largest population of Facebook and Twitter users outside of the United States. 
D)  Brazil has the world's fastest rate of Internet user growth. 
E)  The Brazilian government makes little use of the Internet to disseminate information.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the Real Plan is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

A)  It was introduced to address Brazil's fiscal problems. 
B)  It introduced a new currency. 
C)  It fixed the Brazilian currency to a value range against the U.S. dollar. 
D)  It significantly lowered the country's inflation rate. 
E)  It was instituted by President Cardoso. 
A)  It was introduced to address Brazil's fiscal problems. 
B)  It introduced a new currency. 
C)  It fixed the Brazilian currency to a value range against the U.S. dollar. 
D)  It significantly lowered the country's inflation rate. 
E)  It was instituted by President Cardoso.

Question 13

The term abertura refers to the

Accepted Answer

A)  opening of the Brazilian economy to the world economy. 
B)  opening of  the World Cup in 2014. 
C)  period of authoritarian liberalization begun in 1974 that eventually led to the return of democratic rule. 
D)  enfranchisement of women. 
E)  elimination of slavery in Brazil. 
A)  opening of the Brazilian economy to the world economy. 
B)  opening of  the World Cup in 2014. 
C)  period of authoritarian liberalization begun in 1974 that eventually led to the return of democratic rule. 
D)  enfranchisement of women. 
E)  elimination of slavery in Brazil.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about Brazil's Supreme Federal Tribunal is NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

A)  Just like the U.S. Supreme Court, it acts as the final arbitrator of cases. 
B)  It has the responsibility for monitoring the legal compliance of electoral campaigns. 
C)  It is similar to the U.S. Supreme Court in that its justices are nominated by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. 
D)  Like the U.S. Supreme Court, it decides on constitutional questions although it lacks the power of judicial review. 
E)  It is Brazil's highest court. 
A)  Just like the U.S. Supreme Court, it acts as the final arbitrator of cases. 
B)  It has the responsibility for monitoring the legal compliance of electoral campaigns. 
C)  It is similar to the U.S. Supreme Court in that its justices are nominated by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. 
D)  Like the U.S. Supreme Court, it decides on constitutional questions although it lacks the power of judicial review. 
E)  It is Brazil's highest court.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT true about Brazil's subnational governments?

Accepted Answer

A)  Although subnational governments were initially successful in deflecting additional spending responsibilities for health, education, and infrastructure programs, recent reforms have forced them to adopt a greater share of the financial burden in such areas. 
B)  An indication of the power of state governments in the Brazilian system can be seen in the fact that many key pieces of reform legislation have been watered down. 
C)  The bicameral legislatures of states are often dominated by the supporters of the governor. 
D)  Political decentralization allowed some subnational governments to create innovative policies. 
E)  Even the most underdeveloped subnational governments in Brazil can promote industrial investment, employment, and social services. 
A)  Although subnational governments were initially successful in deflecting additional spending responsibilities for health, education, and infrastructure programs, recent reforms have forced them to adopt a greater share of the financial burden in such areas. 
B)  An indication of the power of state governments in the Brazilian system can be seen in the fact that many key pieces of reform legislation have been watered down. 
C)  The bicameral legislatures of states are often dominated by the supporters of the governor. 
D)  Political decentralization allowed some subnational governments to create innovative policies. 
E)  Even the most underdeveloped subnational governments in Brazil can promote industrial investment, employment, and social services.

Question 16

In Brazil, constitutional amendments

Accepted Answer

A)  must be passed by a simple majority vote in each chamber of the legislature or by a simple majority in a special constituent assembly. 
B)  must be passed twice by two-thirds of the votes in both chambers of the legislature and subsequently ratified by three-fourths of state governments. 
C)  can be only passed by a special constituent assembly that is created by the president and both chambers of Congress. 
D)  must be passed twice by three-fifths of the votes in both chambers of the legislature or by an absolute majority of a special constituent assembly created by the president and both chambers of Congress. 
E)  must be passed twice by three-quarters of the votes in both chambers of the legislature and subsequently approved by the president. 
A)  must be passed by a simple majority vote in each chamber of the legislature or by a simple majority in a special constituent assembly. 
B)  must be passed twice by two-thirds of the votes in both chambers of the legislature and subsequently ratified by three-fourths of state governments. 
C)  can be only passed by a special constituent assembly that is created by the president and both chambers of Congress. 
D)  must be passed twice by three-fifths of the votes in both chambers of the legislature or by an absolute majority of a special constituent assembly created by the president and both chambers of Congress. 
E)  must be passed twice by three-quarters of the votes in both chambers of the legislature and subsequently approved by the president.

Question 17

Brazilian politicians who use their charisma to mobilize their constituents are known as

Accepted Answer

A)  populist politicians. 
B)  patrimonial politicians. 
C)  independent politicians. 
D)  personalist politicians. 
E)  clientelist politicians. 
A)  populist politicians. 
B)  patrimonial politicians. 
C)  independent politicians. 
D)  personalist politicians. 
E)  clientelist politicians.

Question 18

The Brazilian way refers to a convention whereby

Accepted Answer

A)  any Brazilian can ask for a temporary suspension of a rule for the sake of convenience. 
B)  bribery is a commonly accepted form of political exchange. 
C)  the president can ask a legislator to resign. 
D)  a governor can ask to be heard by the national legislature. 
E)  a legislator's vote can be bought in exchange for the promise of a future favor. 
A)  any Brazilian can ask for a temporary suspension of a rule for the sake of convenience. 
B)  bribery is a commonly accepted form of political exchange. 
C)  the president can ask a legislator to resign. 
D)  a governor can ask to be heard by the national legislature. 
E)  a legislator's vote can be bought in exchange for the promise of a future favor.

Question 19

Which of the following about Brazil's Chamber of Deputies and Senate is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  The Chamber of Deputies and the Senate share equal authority to make laws and both must approve a bill for it to become a law. 
B)  The Senate may advise on legislative matters but it has no authority to make laws, a power that rests solely with the Chamber of Deputies. 
C)  Both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate must approve presidential nominees. 
D)  The Chamber of Deputies is empowered to impeach top officials, including the president. 
E)  The Chamber of Deputies has the power to block but not make legislation. 
A)  The Chamber of Deputies and the Senate share equal authority to make laws and both must approve a bill for it to become a law. 
B)  The Senate may advise on legislative matters but it has no authority to make laws, a power that rests solely with the Chamber of Deputies. 
C)  Both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate must approve presidential nominees. 
D)  The Chamber of Deputies is empowered to impeach top officials, including the president. 
E)  The Chamber of Deputies has the power to block but not make legislation.

Question 20

President Lula da Silva

Accepted Answer

A)  reversed the reforms of his successor. 
B)  nationalized several key industries. 
C)  continued the economic programs initiated by his successor. 
D)  left office in disgrace following a charge of bribery. 
E)  supported the actions of the United States following 9/11. 
A)  reversed the reforms of his successor. 
B)  nationalized several key industries. 
C)  continued the economic programs initiated by his successor. 
D)  left office in disgrace following a charge of bribery. 
E)  supported the actions of the United States following 9/11.

Which of the following is NOT correct about the informal market of Brazil?

Brazil has a weak party system because of all of the following EXCEPT

The official language of Brazil is

Which of the following is NOT true of Brazil's geography and population?

The shantytowns that sprang up around Brazil's large cities are called

Regional disparity in Brazil is exemplified by the

Even with democratization, the role of the military retains a role in Brazilian politics. This is indicated by all of the following EXCEPT

Brazil is the _____________ largest economy in the world.

Which ministry has tended to have more authority than other executive agencies?

Which of the following types of civil society groups has NOT arisen in Brazil?

Which of the following statements about the impact of technology in Brazil is NOT correct?

Which of the following statements about the Real Plan is INCORRECT?

The term abertura refers to the

Which of the following statements about Brazil's Supreme Federal Tribunal is NOT correct?

Which of the following is NOT true about Brazil's subnational governments?

In Brazil, constitutional amendments

Brazilian politicians who use their charisma to mobilize their constituents are known as

The Brazilian way refers to a convention whereby

Which of the following about Brazil's Chamber of Deputies and Senate is TRUE?

President Lula da Silva

Introducing Comparative Politics

Britian

France

Germany

European Union

Japan

India

The United States

Mexico

South Africa

Nigeria

The Russian Federation

Iran

China

Filters

Exam 9: Brazil

Which of the following is NOT correct about the informal market of Brazil?

Brazil has a weak party system because of all of the following EXCEPT

The official language of Brazil is

Which of the following is NOT true of Brazil's geography and population?

The shantytowns that sprang up around Brazil's large cities are called

Regional disparity in Brazil is exemplified by the

Even with democratization, the role of the military retains a role in Brazilian politics. This is indicated by all of the following EXCEPT

Brazil is the _____________ largest economy in the world.

Which ministry has tended to have more authority than other executive agencies?

Which of the following types of civil society groups has NOT arisen in Brazil?

Which of the following statements about the impact of technology in Brazil is NOT correct?

Which of the following statements about the Real Plan is INCORRECT?

The term abertura refers to the

Which of the following statements about Brazil's Supreme Federal Tribunal is NOT correct?

Which of the following is NOT true about Brazil's subnational governments?

In Brazil, constitutional amendments

Brazilian politicians who use their charisma to mobilize their constituents are known as

The Brazilian way refers to a convention whereby

Which of the following about Brazil's Chamber of Deputies and Senate is TRUE?

President Lula da Silva

Introducing Comparative Politics

Britian

France

Germany

European Union

Japan

India

The United States

Mexico

South Africa

Nigeria

The Russian Federation

Iran

China

Filters