Question 1

We often laud democracy as a form of government, but what are its weaknesses?  Describe what you see as the weaknesses of democratic forms of government, and argue whether these weaknesses indicate a need to change our form of government.

Accepted Answer

Democracy, while often praised for its emphasis on individual rights and representation, does have its weaknesses. One of the main weaknesses is the potential for majority rule to oppress minority groups. In a democratic system, the majority can easily dominate and marginalize minority voices, leading to inequality and injustice. Additionally, the democratic process can be slow and inefficient, making it difficult to address urgent issues in a timely manner.

Another weakness of democracy is the susceptibility to populism and demagoguery. Politicians can manipulate public opinion and exploit people's fears and prejudices for their own gain, leading to policies that are not in the best interest of the country as a whole.

Furthermore, democratic governments can also be prone to gridlock and partisan politics, making it difficult to achieve consensus and enact meaningful change. This can lead to a lack of progress and a failure to address pressing issues.

Despite these weaknesses, it is important to consider whether these flaws are inherent to democracy itself or are the result of specific shortcomings in the current system. It may be possible to address these weaknesses through reforms and improvements to the democratic process, rather than abandoning democracy altogether.

In conclusion, while democracy has its weaknesses, it also has many strengths. The key is to work towards a more inclusive and effective democratic system, rather than abandoning it in favor of an alternative form of government. By addressing the weaknesses of democracy, we can strive to create a more just and equitable society.

Question 2

Which of the following political groups strongly supports property rights and opposes attempts to regulate personal behavior and moral values?

Accepted Answer

A)   Liberals
B)   Conservatives
C)   Traditionalists
D)   Anarchists
E)   Libertarians E

Question 3

Compare and contrast direct democracy with representative democracy, and explain why direct democracy is seldom used in governmental elections in the twenty-first century in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Direct democracy and representative democracy are two different forms of government in which the people have a say in decision-making. In a direct democracy, citizens have the opportunity to participate directly in the decision-making process by voting on laws and policies. This form of democracy is often seen in small communities or organizations where all members can easily gather and make decisions collectively.

On the other hand, representative democracy involves citizens electing officials to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf. These elected officials are responsible for creating and implementing laws and policies, and they are held accountable by the citizens through regular elections.

One reason why direct democracy is seldom used in governmental elections in the twenty-first century in the United States is due to the size and complexity of the country. With a large and diverse population, it is impractical for every citizen to participate directly in decision-making on a national scale. Representative democracy allows for more efficient decision-making and governance by delegating the responsibility to elected officials who can dedicate their time and expertise to the legislative process.

Additionally, direct democracy can be susceptible to the influence of special interest groups and lack of informed decision-making by the general population. Elected representatives are expected to be knowledgeable about the issues and make informed decisions on behalf of their constituents.

Furthermore, the use of technology and mass media has made it easier for citizens to stay informed and participate in the democratic process through voting and advocacy, even in a representative democracy. This allows for greater participation and accountability without the need for direct democracy.

In conclusion, while direct democracy allows for direct citizen participation in decision-making, representative democracy is more practical and efficient for a large and diverse country like the United States. The use of technology and the role of elected officials in representing the interests of the people make direct democracy less necessary in modern governmental elections.

Question 4

Explain the role that interest groups play in the pluralist democratic model.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the role that interest groups play...

Question 5

The struggle over power or influence within organizations that can grant benefits or privileges best defines which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   National government
B)   A state government
C)   Elections
D)   Politics
E)   Political science

Question 6

An increased demand on Social Security and Medicare in the United States can be linked to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   A declining birth rate
B)   An increasing number of immigrants
C)   An increasing number of senior citizens
D)   The declining income of workers 20 to 35 years old
E)   An increased number of apathetic voters

Question 7

Which of the following pairs of terms best completes the statement?  _________ theorists have a narrower view of social and economic rights that should be guaranteed by a democratic government than do __________ theorists.

Accepted Answer

A)   Liberal, conservative
B)   Conservative, liberal
C)   Majoritarian, pluralist
D)   Progressive, pluralist
E)   Socialist, conservative

Question 8

Which of the following groups believes that the government should not interfere in economic or social matters?

Accepted Answer

A)   Conservatives
B)   Moderates
C)   Libertarians
D)   Populists
E)   Liberals

Question 9

To whom do most democracies give power to make laws?

Accepted Answer

A)   Business leaders
B)   Political parties
C)   Expatriates
D)   Representatives
E)   All citizens

Question 10

Which of the following is the best description of the political value known as liberty?

Accepted Answer

A)   Freedom to do whatever you want
B)   Available only in the United States
C)   The greatest freedom of the individual consistent with the freedom of other individuals
D)   Incompatible with government authority
E)   A uniquely American value

Question 11

Why is the growing Hispanic population politically important?

Accepted Answer

A)   Hispanics are more likely to vote on issues, rather than affiliate with a political party.
B)   Hispanics are more likely to affiliate with a political party than to vote on particular issues.
C)   Hispanics have the highest rate of new voter registration of any ethnic group.
D)   Hispanics have the highest rate of voter participation of any ethnic group.
E)   Hispanics give the majority of their support to Democratic candidates.

Question 12

As a political value, how is equality defined?

Accepted Answer

A)   All people should make the same amount of money.
B)   All people should be in a position to succeed economically.
C)   All people should have equal access to their elected representatives.
D)   All people have access to the courts to enforce their rights.
E)   All people are of equal worth.

Question 13

"The government should act to create jobs during an economic crisis." Which of the following ideologies is most compatible with this quote?

Accepted Answer

A)   Liberal
B)   Anarchist
C)   Conservative
D)   Libertarian
E)   Extreme conservative

Question 14

Explain how a liberal, a libertarian, and a conservative would respond to a government program used to promote traditional moral values.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how a liberal, a libertarian, and...

Question 15

An American who supports the creation of election districts that are likely to vote for minority candidates for public office and wants more restrictions on business is likely to be of what political ideology?

Accepted Answer

A)   Libertarianism
B)   Conservatism
C)   Liberalism
D)   Majoritarianism
E)   Socialism

Question 16

Which of the following is a flaw with majoritarianism that can be harmful?

Accepted Answer

A)   The majority can make decisions that are harmful to the minority.
B)   The decisions are difficult to enforce.
C)   A group of elites can end up with all the decision-making power.
D)   Interest groups can become the decision makers.
E)   It doesn't take into account the beliefs of ordinary citizens.

Question 17

When people have a fairly consistent view over a range of policy choices, they are said to have which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   An alliance
B)   A faction
C)   A political party
D)   A political ideology
E)   A democratic ideal

Question 18

Do you believe that pluralism or elite theory is the more accurate description of American politics? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you believe that pluralism or elite...

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of direct democracy?

Accepted Answer

A)   Louisiana's use of the parish
B)   New England town meetings
C)   The Soviet Union in the 1980s
D)   Voting in party primaries
E)   The electoral college system

Question 20

Which of the following nations will challenge America as a global economic power as we approach the mid-twenty-first century?

Accepted Answer

A)   Great Britain
B)   France
C)   China
D)   South Africa
E)   Canada

Exam 1: One Republic Two Americas

We often laud democracy as a form of government, but what are its weaknesses? Describe what you see as the weaknesses of democratic forms of government, and argue whether these weaknesses indicate a need to change our form of government.