Question 1

Which of the following statements about income inequality in South Africa is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A)  As measured by the Gini coefficient, it is fairly high. 
B)  Among Africans, income inequality has increased. 
C)  It is a historic product of government policies which, during the apartheid era, means that whites moved ahead economically at the expense of others. 
D)  In the post-apartheid era, large numbers of Africans have been joining the richer population. 
E)  The post-apartheid governments have sought to alleviate it by dramatically increasing public spending. 
A)  As measured by the Gini coefficient, it is fairly high. 
B)  Among Africans, income inequality has increased. 
C)  It is a historic product of government policies which, during the apartheid era, means that whites moved ahead economically at the expense of others. 
D)  In the post-apartheid era, large numbers of Africans have been joining the richer population. 
E)  The post-apartheid governments have sought to alleviate it by dramatically increasing public spending. E

Question 2

Comparatively speaking, the democratic transition in South Africa has been relatively easier than that in other transitional democracies because

Accepted Answer

A)  the politically independent settler state that existed during the apartheid years was able to use the revenues from the local production of primary commodities to develop a relatively diversified economy, which in turn has meant that the current transitional democracy has inherited a strong economy. 
B)  Democratization was proceeded by a much longer process of economic liberalization. This has meant that South Africa has not had to undergo the types of dual shocks seen in post-communist countries. 
C)  Many of the more severe elements of apartheid began to be dismantled even before 1990, which in turn encouraged the development and growth of associational life. 
D)  The constitutional negotiations that began the transition did not take place in a political vacuum or a situation of near state collapse. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  the politically independent settler state that existed during the apartheid years was able to use the revenues from the local production of primary commodities to develop a relatively diversified economy, which in turn has meant that the current transitional democracy has inherited a strong economy. 
B)  Democratization was proceeded by a much longer process of economic liberalization. This has meant that South Africa has not had to undergo the types of dual shocks seen in post-communist countries. 
C)  Many of the more severe elements of apartheid began to be dismantled even before 1990, which in turn encouraged the development and growth of associational life. 
D)  The constitutional negotiations that began the transition did not take place in a political vacuum or a situation of near state collapse. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. E

Question 3

The Democratic Party/Democratic Alliance (DA)

Accepted Answer

A)  was formed in 1990 when the Progressives absorbed a group of breakaway Inkatha parliamentarians. 
B)  has positioned itself as the party of business and free enterprise. 
C)  made its electoral gains at the expense of smaller parties , like the ANC. 
D)  supports Afrikaner irredentism. 
E)  is the governing party of East Cape Town. 
A)  was formed in 1990 when the Progressives absorbed a group of breakaway Inkatha parliamentarians. 
B)  has positioned itself as the party of business and free enterprise. 
C)  made its electoral gains at the expense of smaller parties , like the ANC. 
D)  supports Afrikaner irredentism. 
E)  is the governing party of East Cape Town. B

Question 4

The post-apartheid regime has sought to pay greater attention to environmental concerns. This is indicated by all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  "co-management" agreements between historically dispossessed communities and the National Parks Board. 
B)  plans to build a new nuclear reactor about 30 miles from Cape Town in order to provide cleaner energy. 
C)  tighter regulations on the mining industry. 
D)  opening up fishing grounds to impoverished villages so long as they keep the size of their catches within sustainable limits. 
E)  the inclusion of specific clauses in the constitution concerning environmental health and ecological sustainability. 
A)  "co-management" agreements between historically dispossessed communities and the National Parks Board. 
B)  plans to build a new nuclear reactor about 30 miles from Cape Town in order to provide cleaner energy. 
C)  tighter regulations on the mining industry. 
D)  opening up fishing grounds to impoverished villages so long as they keep the size of their catches within sustainable limits. 
E)  the inclusion of specific clauses in the constitution concerning environmental health and ecological sustainability.

Question 5

According to the text, the opposition party that is most likely to continue to remain important in the future is the

Accepted Answer

A)  Inkatha Freedom Party. 
B)  Congress of the People. 
C)  Freedom Front. 
D)  Democratic Party/Democratic Alliance. 
E)  African Christian Democratic. 
A)  Inkatha Freedom Party. 
B)  Congress of the People. 
C)  Freedom Front. 
D)  Democratic Party/Democratic Alliance. 
E)  African Christian Democratic.

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE about the South African electoral system?

Accepted Answer

A)  The names of the candidates appear on the ballot. 
B)  National and provincial elections are held at different times. 
C)  Parties nominate separate lists of candidates for the National Assembly and each province, thus allowing voters to divide their support between two parties. 
D)  Individual candidates for the parties run in specific districts for seats in the National Assembly. 
E)  Parties nominate a single list of candidates for the National Assembly and each of the provinces, thus ensuring that the party that wins the national election will also control the provincial governments. 
A)  The names of the candidates appear on the ballot. 
B)  National and provincial elections are held at different times. 
C)  Parties nominate separate lists of candidates for the National Assembly and each province, thus allowing voters to divide their support between two parties. 
D)  Individual candidates for the parties run in specific districts for seats in the National Assembly. 
E)  Parties nominate a single list of candidates for the National Assembly and each of the provinces, thus ensuring that the party that wins the national election will also control the provincial governments.

Question 7

Evidence of continued racial divisions and tensions may be found in all of the following examples EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  the fact that while blacks tend to support soccer, whites tend to support rugby. 
B)  the fact that churches have racially integrated hierarchies. 
C)  the fact that racial and ethnic bloc voting has changed only slightly. 
D)  union leaders holding back from organizing a workers' party separate from the ANC 
E)  most black people still live in ghetto-like townships or the historical homelands areas. 
A)  the fact that while blacks tend to support soccer, whites tend to support rugby. 
B)  the fact that churches have racially integrated hierarchies. 
C)  the fact that racial and ethnic bloc voting has changed only slightly. 
D)  union leaders holding back from organizing a workers' party separate from the ANC 
E)  most black people still live in ghetto-like townships or the historical homelands areas.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is NOT indicative of the status of South Africa's standing in the world economy?

Accepted Answer

A)  The country has traditionally dominated the regional economy. 
B)  South Africa is the only African member of the G20. 
C)  The country's currency, the Rand, is used as an internationally accepted "hard" currency just like the EU's Euro and the American dollar. 
D)  South Africa has a fairly high growth in terms of GNP. 
E)  The country is part of an informal group of rapidly growing emerging economies known as BRICS. 
A)  The country has traditionally dominated the regional economy. 
B)  South Africa is the only African member of the G20. 
C)  The country's currency, the Rand, is used as an internationally accepted "hard" currency just like the EU's Euro and the American dollar. 
D)  South Africa has a fairly high growth in terms of GNP. 
E)  The country is part of an informal group of rapidly growing emerging economies known as BRICS.

Question 9

In what ways is the South African political system similar to both the British and American systems? Use specific examples from the text in your answer.

Accepted Answer

The South African political system share

Question 10

Opinion polls indicate that

Accepted Answer

A)  most South Africans are more likely to trust the national government rather than the provincial or municipal authorities. 
B)  there continues to be a very high level of satisfaction with democracy among all groups. 
C)  White South Africans are more likely than any other group to feel that race relations have improved since 1994. 
D)  only a small minority of South Africans believe that race relations have not changed significantly since 1994. 
E)  There is a small majority that feels post-apartheid democracy has failed to produce economic benefits. 
A)  most South Africans are more likely to trust the national government rather than the provincial or municipal authorities. 
B)  there continues to be a very high level of satisfaction with democracy among all groups. 
C)  White South Africans are more likely than any other group to feel that race relations have improved since 1994. 
D)  only a small minority of South Africans believe that race relations have not changed significantly since 1994. 
E)  There is a small majority that feels post-apartheid democracy has failed to produce economic benefits.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about "black empowerment" is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A)  It has involved legislation that requires all companies in South Africa to hire a certain percentage of Africans. 
B)  Those who have benefitted the most have often been politically well connected. 
C)  It has involved legislation that requires companies that win government contracts allocate shares to blacks and other previously disadvantaged people. 
D)  Although there is limited evidence that it has produced a substantial rise in the number of black-owned companies, there is significant evidence that it has increased black participation in the economy. 
E)  It has not reduced black poverty and may, in fact, have promoted economic inefficiencies that have curbed growth and job creation. 
A)  It has involved legislation that requires all companies in South Africa to hire a certain percentage of Africans. 
B)  Those who have benefitted the most have often been politically well connected. 
C)  It has involved legislation that requires companies that win government contracts allocate shares to blacks and other previously disadvantaged people. 
D)  Although there is limited evidence that it has produced a substantial rise in the number of black-owned companies, there is significant evidence that it has increased black participation in the economy. 
E)  It has not reduced black poverty and may, in fact, have promoted economic inefficiencies that have curbed growth and job creation.

Question 12

The South African bureaucracy is said to be generally weak and ineffective, especially at the provincial level. What factors account for this? What does this suggest for the continued democratization of the country?

Accepted Answer

There are several factors that account f

Question 13

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  The president appoints the cabinet. 
B)  The president appoints the deputy president. 
C)  The president appoints members of the judiciary although his discretion in this regard is limited by constitutional provisions. 
D)  The president's appointment powers have increasingly been used to reward political allies. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  The president appoints the cabinet. 
B)  The president appoints the deputy president. 
C)  The president appoints members of the judiciary although his discretion in this regard is limited by constitutional provisions. 
D)  The president's appointment powers have increasingly been used to reward political allies. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 14

The National Council of the Provinces

Accepted Answer

A)  reviews all legislation but has only an advisory role for the most part. 
B)  is comprised of 90 members who are elected in provincial elections. 
C)  utilizes a weighted voting system that grants the larger provinces more than one vote. 
D)  is the more powerful chamber of parliament. 
E)  was initially established during the apartheid era. 
A)  reviews all legislation but has only an advisory role for the most part. 
B)  is comprised of 90 members who are elected in provincial elections. 
C)  utilizes a weighted voting system that grants the larger provinces more than one vote. 
D)  is the more powerful chamber of parliament. 
E)  was initially established during the apartheid era.

Question 15

All of the following are major economic challenges facing South Africa EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  a low high school graduation rate, which in turn means a shortage of skilled workers. 
B)  a low savings rate. 
C)  a high death rate among the economically active population. 
D)  a high foreign debt. 
E)  All of the above are major economic challenges facing South Africa. 
A)  a low high school graduation rate, which in turn means a shortage of skilled workers. 
B)  a low savings rate. 
C)  a high death rate among the economically active population. 
D)  a high foreign debt. 
E)  All of the above are major economic challenges facing South Africa.

Question 16

Homelands

Accepted Answer

A)  were areas reserved for the exclusive use of Africans established through provisions of 1913 and 1936 land legislation and later developed into supposedly sovereign states during the Grand Apartheid years. 
B)  remained in existence until the end of apartheid. 
C)  became increasingly overcrowded during the Grand Apartheid years as Africans were forcibly resettled into them. 
D)  effectively made African urban workers into migrant workers. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  were areas reserved for the exclusive use of Africans established through provisions of 1913 and 1936 land legislation and later developed into supposedly sovereign states during the Grand Apartheid years. 
B)  remained in existence until the end of apartheid. 
C)  became increasingly overcrowded during the Grand Apartheid years as Africans were forcibly resettled into them. 
D)  effectively made African urban workers into migrant workers. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 17

The president

Accepted Answer

A)  is less powerful than the British prime minister. 
B)  retains his seat in parliament just like the British prime minister. 
C)  is able to serve unlimited terms of office. 
D)  is chosen from the membership of the National Assembly. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  is less powerful than the British prime minister. 
B)  retains his seat in parliament just like the British prime minister. 
C)  is able to serve unlimited terms of office. 
D)  is chosen from the membership of the National Assembly. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 18

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

A)  Over 10 percent of the South African population is HIV-positive. 
B)  Over one million South Africans have already died of AIDS and an additional 5 to 7 million more deaths are likely over the next decade. 
C)  One of the first acts of the Mandela government was to initiate a public awareness campaign to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS and how to prevent its spread. 
D)  Government efforts to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic were severely hindered during the Mbeki government chiefly because the president adopted the position that there was no link between HIV and AIDS. 
E)  In 2002, the Constitutional Court ruled that the government had to provide antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients, thus overruling a government policy to stop such treatment. 
A)  Over 10 percent of the South African population is HIV-positive. 
B)  Over one million South Africans have already died of AIDS and an additional 5 to 7 million more deaths are likely over the next decade. 
C)  One of the first acts of the Mandela government was to initiate a public awareness campaign to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS and how to prevent its spread. 
D)  Government efforts to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic were severely hindered during the Mbeki government chiefly because the president adopted the position that there was no link between HIV and AIDS. 
E)  In 2002, the Constitutional Court ruled that the government had to provide antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients, thus overruling a government policy to stop such treatment.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the South African population is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  Roughly speaking, the number of Africans is equal to the combined populations of Whites, Coloureds, and Indians. 
B)  Whites are the smallest racial group. 
C)  There are roughly as many Coloureds as there are Indians. 
D)  There are roughly as many Indians as there are Whites. 
E)  Africans are the largest racial group. 
A)  Roughly speaking, the number of Africans is equal to the combined populations of Whites, Coloureds, and Indians. 
B)  Whites are the smallest racial group. 
C)  There are roughly as many Coloureds as there are Indians. 
D)  There are roughly as many Indians as there are Whites. 
E)  Africans are the largest racial group.

Question 20

The South African constitution

Accepted Answer

A)  is based upon principles adopted at multiparty talks that led to a transitional government. 
B)  is difficult to amend as most clauses require the approval of three-fourths of the National Assembly. 
C)  does not include a formal bill of rights. 
D)  requires that executive power is shared between political parties. 
E)  is difficult to amend as most clauses require the approval of the majority of provincial governments. 
A)  is based upon principles adopted at multiparty talks that led to a transitional government. 
B)  is difficult to amend as most clauses require the approval of three-fourths of the National Assembly. 
C)  does not include a formal bill of rights. 
D)  requires that executive power is shared between political parties. 
E)  is difficult to amend as most clauses require the approval of the majority of provincial governments.

Which of the following statements about income inequality in South Africa is FALSE?

Comparatively speaking, the democratic transition in South Africa has been relatively easier than that in other transitional democracies because

The Democratic Party/Democratic Alliance (DA)

The post-apartheid regime has sought to pay greater attention to environmental concerns. This is indicated by all of the following EXCEPT

According to the text, the opposition party that is most likely to continue to remain important in the future is the

Which of the following is TRUE about the South African electoral system?

Evidence of continued racial divisions and tensions may be found in all of the following examples EXCEPT

Which of the following statements is NOT indicative of the status of South Africa's standing in the world economy?

In what ways is the South African political system similar to both the British and American systems? Use specific examples from the text in your answer.

Opinion polls indicate that

Which of the following statements about "black empowerment" is FALSE?

The South African bureaucracy is said to be generally weak and ineffective, especially at the provincial level. What factors account for this? What does this suggest for the continued democratization of the country?

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

The National Council of the Provinces

All of the following are major economic challenges facing South Africa EXCEPT

Homelands

The president

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Which of the following statements about the South African population is TRUE?

The South African constitution

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Exam 11: South Africa

Which of the following statements about income inequality in South Africa is FALSE?

Comparatively speaking, the democratic transition in South Africa has been relatively easier than that in other transitional democracies because

The Democratic Party/Democratic Alliance (DA)

The post-apartheid regime has sought to pay greater attention to environmental concerns. This is indicated by all of the following EXCEPT

According to the text, the opposition party that is most likely to continue to remain important in the future is the

Which of the following is TRUE about the South African electoral system?

Evidence of continued racial divisions and tensions may be found in all of the following examples EXCEPT

Which of the following statements is NOT indicative of the status of South Africa's standing in the world economy?

In what ways is the South African political system similar to both the British and American systems? Use specific examples from the text in your answer.

Opinion polls indicate that

Which of the following statements about "black empowerment" is FALSE?

The South African bureaucracy is said to be generally weak and ineffective, especially at the provincial level. What factors account for this? What does this suggest for the continued democratization of the country?

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

The National Council of the Provinces

All of the following are major economic challenges facing South Africa EXCEPT

Homelands

The president

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Which of the following statements about the South African population is TRUE?

The South African constitution

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