Question 1

Which of the following is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  Although the higher level courts, such as the Supreme Federal Tribunal and the Electoral Supreme Tribunal, have won praise for their independence, lower courts are generally seen as being corrupt and inefficient. 
B)  There are several separate court systems-one involving federal jurisdiction, another involving state jurisdiction and another maintained by the military. 
C)  In recent years, the judiciary has been accused of being unresponsive to social problems. 
D)  Since 2004, reforms have been introduced allowing the courts to build judicial review functions that were never established completely by the 1988 constitution. 
E)  All of the above are true statements. 
A)  Although the higher level courts, such as the Supreme Federal Tribunal and the Electoral Supreme Tribunal, have won praise for their independence, lower courts are generally seen as being corrupt and inefficient. 
B)  There are several separate court systems-one involving federal jurisdiction, another involving state jurisdiction and another maintained by the military. 
C)  In recent years, the judiciary has been accused of being unresponsive to social problems. 
D)  Since 2004, reforms have been introduced allowing the courts to build judicial review functions that were never established completely by the 1988 constitution. 
E)  All of the above are true statements.

Question 2

The privatization of state enterprises began under the _______________ presidency.

Accepted Answer

A)  Cardoso 
B)  Lula 
C)  Collor 
D)  Sarney 
E)  Rousseff 
A)  Cardoso 
B)  Lula 
C)  Collor 
D)  Sarney 
E)  Rousseff

Question 3

The term bureaucratic rings refers to

Accepted Answer

A)  the clientelistic networks established by private interests and mid-level bureaucrats. 
B)  the organizational structure of the Brazilian bureaucracy. 
C)  the corporatist nature of Brazilian policy making. 
D)  official corruption. 
E)  the clientelistic networks established between foreign commercial interests and mid-level bureaucrats. 
A)  the clientelistic networks established by private interests and mid-level bureaucrats. 
B)  the organizational structure of the Brazilian bureaucracy. 
C)  the corporatist nature of Brazilian policy making. 
D)  official corruption. 
E)  the clientelistic networks established between foreign commercial interests and mid-level bureaucrats.

Question 4

The shantytowns that sprang up around 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 5

Which of the following BEST describes the role of the bureaucracy in Brazil's economy?

Accepted Answer

A)  They are constitutionally restricted from playing a large role. 
B)  They play a key role because of the large amount of publicly-owned or controlled industries and massive public works projects. 
C)  They are hindered by the lack of professional personnel. 
D)  Their degree of involvement varies with each administration. 
E)  High levels of corruption and inefficiency hinder their role. 
A)  They are constitutionally restricted from playing a large role. 
B)  They play a key role because of the large amount of publicly-owned or controlled industries and massive public works projects. 
C)  They are hindered by the lack of professional personnel. 
D)  Their degree of involvement varies with each administration. 
E)  High levels of corruption and inefficiency hinder their role.

Question 6

The official language of Brazil is

Accepted Answer

A)  English. 
B)  Spanish. 
C)  Portuguese. 
D)  Italian. 
E)  none of the above. 
A)  English. 
B)  Spanish. 
C)  Portuguese. 
D)  Italian. 
E)  none of the above.

Question 7

Traditional landowners and agribusiness elite hold positions of great influence in congress because

Accepted Answer

A)  complex constitutional provisions determining representation in congress favor sparsely populated states that traditionally have been the political bases of such individuals. 
B)  they are able to spend more money on getting elected than industrial elites. 
C)  they are closer to the presidency than are other groups. 
D)  complex constitutional provisions determining representation in congress favor the larger states that are the political bases of such individuals. 
E)  by tradition, these elites tend to chair important congressional committees. 
A)  complex constitutional provisions determining representation in congress favor sparsely populated states that traditionally have been the political bases of such individuals. 
B)  they are able to spend more money on getting elected than industrial elites. 
C)  they are closer to the presidency than are other groups. 
D)  complex constitutional provisions determining representation in congress favor the larger states that are the political bases of such individuals. 
E)  by tradition, these elites tend to chair important congressional committees.

Question 8

Many would argue that for democracy to thrive, it is necessary to have a strong civil society. First, explore how civil society groups were engaged in politics historically in Brazil. Next, discuss how this has changed since the end of authoritarianism. Finally, assess whether civil society reinforces or impedes Brazilian democratization.

Accepted Answer

In Brazil, civil society groups have pla

Question 9

Problems concerning Brazil's welfare state system include all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  Workers in the informal sector cannot collect welfare as the government technically considers them employed. 
B)  Brazil's welfare expenditures are among the lowest in the world. 
C)  Only about 15 percent of the country's salaried workers qualify for benefits such as health care and the like. 
D)  A substantial portion of the income transfers associated with the welfare system goes to middle and upper class retirees rather than the indigent. 
E)  More people need welfare than those who contribute to it, thus forcing the government to finance the shortfall with debt. 
A)  Workers in the informal sector cannot collect welfare as the government technically considers them employed. 
B)  Brazil's welfare expenditures are among the lowest in the world. 
C)  Only about 15 percent of the country's salaried workers qualify for benefits such as health care and the like. 
D)  A substantial portion of the income transfers associated with the welfare system goes to middle and upper class retirees rather than the indigent. 
E)  More people need welfare than those who contribute to it, thus forcing the government to finance the shortfall with debt.

Question 10

Which of the following types of civil society groups is NOT seen in Brazil?

Accepted Answer

A)  Organizations promoting women's rights 
B)  Organizations promoting the rights of indigenous peoples 
C)  Organizations dedicated to addressing racial discrimination 
D)  Professional associations 
E)  Nongovernmental organizations 
A)  Organizations promoting women's rights 
B)  Organizations promoting the rights of indigenous peoples 
C)  Organizations dedicated to addressing racial discrimination 
D)  Professional associations 
E)  Nongovernmental organizations

Question 11

During the Brazilian Empire, the emperor acted as a moderating power (poder moderador). This meant that he

Accepted Answer

A)  mediated conflicts among the branches of government and the oligarchy. 
B)  mediated conflicts among the branches of government. 
C)  mediated conflicts among the oligarchy. 
D)  mediated conflicts among regional strongmen. 
E)  was granted total control of the country's foreign policy. 
A)  mediated conflicts among the branches of government and the oligarchy. 
B)  mediated conflicts among the branches of government. 
C)  mediated conflicts among the oligarchy. 
D)  mediated conflicts among regional strongmen. 
E)  was granted total control of the country's foreign policy.

Question 12

Land ownership is concentrated in _____________ percent of the Brazilian population.

Accepted Answer

A)  1 
B)  3 
C)  5 
D)  8 
E)  10 
A)  1 
B)  3 
C)  5 
D)  8 
E)  10

Question 13

Brazil offers a challenge to the study of comparative politics because

Accepted Answer

A)  it has had periods of both centralization and decentralization, both of which have strengthened and weakened the state's capacity. 
B)  it demonstrates how the lack of coherent party systems and electoral institutions can endanger democracy. 
C)  even while the country has developed economically, it has become a more socially unequal country. 
D)  the complex divisions that afflict the country's collective identities challenge attempts to address its problems. 
E)  All of the above contribute to the challenge for Brazil in the study of comparative politics. 
A)  it has had periods of both centralization and decentralization, both of which have strengthened and weakened the state's capacity. 
B)  it demonstrates how the lack of coherent party systems and electoral institutions can endanger democracy. 
C)  even while the country has developed economically, it has become a more socially unequal country. 
D)  the complex divisions that afflict the country's collective identities challenge attempts to address its problems. 
E)  All of the above contribute to the challenge for Brazil in the study of comparative politics.

Question 14

The period of bureaucratic authoritarian rule in Brazil was characterized by all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  political repression, sometimes severe. 
B)  a commitment to state-led economic development. 
C)  the continued functioning of democratic institutions like the national congress although with severe limits on their powers. 
D)  state and local governments taking on additional policy responsibilities. 
E)  direct elections for national legislators, but not the president, taking place at fairly regular intervals. 
A)  political repression, sometimes severe. 
B)  a commitment to state-led economic development. 
C)  the continued functioning of democratic institutions like the national congress although with severe limits on their powers. 
D)  state and local governments taking on additional policy responsibilities. 
E)  direct elections for national legislators, but not the president, taking place at fairly regular intervals.

Question 15

The text describes Brazil as socially and politically fragmented. First, using specific examples, describe how Brazil is fragmented along several axes. Next, explain how, given such fragmentation, Brazil nevertheless has managed to construct a fairly solid and stable sense of national identity. Finally, assess whether or not the challenges currently facing the country are likely to reinforce fragmentation or national identity.

Accepted Answer

Brazil is socially and politically fragm

Question 16

____________ are state-owned or -controlled corporations created to undertake a broad range of activities including the marketing of goods, providing banking services and managing public utilities and transportation.

Accepted Answer

A)  Statist firms 
B)  Quangos 
C)  Quasi-independent state firms 
D)  Public corporations 
E)  Para-statals 
A)  Statist firms 
B)  Quangos 
C)  Quasi-independent state firms 
D)  Public corporations 
E)  Para-statals

Question 17

Liberation theology refers to the belief that

Accepted Answer

A)  persons should be free from authoritarian rule. 
B)  one is free to practice any religion without state interference. 
C)  religion should seek to free people not only from their sins but also social injustices. 
D)  religious bodies should oppose authoritarian rule through passive resistance. 
E)  religious beliefs of individuals are the ultimate expression of their freedom. 
A)  persons should be free from authoritarian rule. 
B)  one is free to practice any religion without state interference. 
C)  religion should seek to free people not only from their sins but also social injustices. 
D)  religious bodies should oppose authoritarian rule through passive resistance. 
E)  religious beliefs of individuals are the ultimate expression of their freedom.

Question 18

Senators to the national legislature are elected

Accepted Answer

A)  by a plurality vote in each state and the federal district. 
B)  on a staggered basis with two-thirds being elected one time and the other third four years later. 
C)  on a staggered basis with two-thirds being elected one time and the other third three years later. 
D)  every four years 
E)  through a series of primaries held in each state and the federal district. 
A)  by a plurality vote in each state and the federal district. 
B)  on a staggered basis with two-thirds being elected one time and the other third four years later. 
C)  on a staggered basis with two-thirds being elected one time and the other third three years later. 
D)  every four years 
E)  through a series of primaries held in each state and the federal district.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

A)  Import substitution expanded the size of the middle class. 
B)  Afro-Brazilians continue to make less than their white colleagues and have fewer opportunities for upward mobility. 
C)  Although working women typically have more education than their male colleagues, they still receive lower salaries for the same jobs. 
D)  Comparatively speaking, income distribution in Brazil, although unequal, is about on par with income distribution in the United States. 
E)  Rising median incomes have begun to reverse decades of worsening inequality. 
A)  Import substitution expanded the size of the middle class. 
B)  Afro-Brazilians continue to make less than their white colleagues and have fewer opportunities for upward mobility. 
C)  Although working women typically have more education than their male colleagues, they still receive lower salaries for the same jobs. 
D)  Comparatively speaking, income distribution in Brazil, although unequal, is about on par with income distribution in the United States. 
E)  Rising median incomes have begun to reverse decades of worsening inequality.

Question 20

President Lula

Accepted Answer

A)  reversed the reforms of President Cardoso. 
B)  nationalized several key industries. 
C)  continued the economic programs initiated by his successor. 
D)  initiated a series of major social programs. 
E)  supported the actions of the United States following 9/11. 
A)  reversed the reforms of President Cardoso. 
B)  nationalized several key industries. 
C)  continued the economic programs initiated by his successor. 
D)  initiated a series of major social programs. 
E)  supported the actions of the United States following 9/11.

Which of the following is TRUE?

The privatization of state enterprises began under the _______________ presidency.

The term bureaucratic rings refers to

The shantytowns that sprang up around large cities are called

Which of the following BEST describes the role of the bureaucracy in Brazil's economy?

The official language of Brazil is

Traditional landowners and agribusiness elite hold positions of great influence in congress because

Problems concerning Brazil's welfare state system include all of the following EXCEPT

Which of the following types of civil society groups is NOT seen in Brazil?

During the Brazilian Empire, the emperor acted as a moderating power (poder moderador). This meant that he

Land ownership is concentrated in _____________ percent of the Brazilian population.

Brazil offers a challenge to the study of comparative politics because

The period of bureaucratic authoritarian rule in Brazil was characterized by all of the following EXCEPT

____________ are state-owned or -controlled corporations created to undertake a broad range of activities including the marketing of goods, providing banking services and managing public utilities and transportation.

Liberation theology refers to the belief that

Senators to the national legislature are elected

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

President Lula

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Exam 9: Brazil

Which of the following is TRUE?

The privatization of state enterprises began under the _______________ presidency.

The term bureaucratic rings refers to

The shantytowns that sprang up around large cities are called

Which of the following BEST describes the role of the bureaucracy in Brazil's economy?

The official language of Brazil is

Traditional landowners and agribusiness elite hold positions of great influence in congress because

Problems concerning Brazil's welfare state system include all of the following EXCEPT

Which of the following types of civil society groups is NOT seen in Brazil?

During the Brazilian Empire, the emperor acted as a moderating power (poder moderador). This meant that he

Land ownership is concentrated in _____________ percent of the Brazilian population.

Brazil offers a challenge to the study of comparative politics because

The period of bureaucratic authoritarian rule in Brazil was characterized by all of the following EXCEPT

____________ are state-owned or -controlled corporations created to undertake a broad range of activities including the marketing of goods, providing banking services and managing public utilities and transportation.

Liberation theology refers to the belief that

Senators to the national legislature are elected

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

President Lula

Introducing Comparative Politics

Britain

France

Germany

Japan

India

The United States

Russia

Mexico

South Africa

Nigeria

Iran

China

Filters