1.
The fact that democracy flourished in the United States can best be explained by
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "None of the above." The question asks for the best explanation for the flourishing of democracy in the United States, and none of the options provided directly address this. While the U.S. Constitution played a significant role in establishing the framework for democracy, it alone cannot explain its flourishing. The physical advantages of the country and opportunities to acquire land and make a living may have contributed to the growth of the United States, but they do not directly explain the flourishing of democracy. Therefore, the correct answer is that none of the options provided adequately explain the flourishing of democracy in the United States.
2.
The Protestant ethic is sometimes called the
Correct Answer
A. Work ethic.
Explanation
The Protestant ethic is often referred to as the "work ethic" because it emphasizes the value of hard work, discipline, and frugality as a means of achieving success and salvation. This ethic originated from the teachings of Protestant theologian Martin Luther and was popularized by sociologist Max Weber. It emphasizes the moral duty to work diligently and responsibly, viewing work as a calling and a way to honor God. The Protestant work ethic has had a significant influence on Western societies, particularly in shaping attitudes towards labor, productivity, and success.
3.
Political culture refers to
Correct Answer
C. An overall set of values widely shared within a society.
Explanation
Political culture refers to an overall set of values widely shared within a society. This includes the beliefs, attitudes, and norms that shape the political behavior and expectations of individuals within that society. It encompasses the collective understanding of how government should function, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the desired outcomes of political processes. Political culture is not limited to a specific political party affiliation or a measure of someone's "Americanness," but rather represents the broader social and cultural context in which politics operates.
4.
Political socialization is defined as
Correct Answer
D. The process through which an individual acquires his or her particular political orientations.
Explanation
Political socialization is the process through which an individual develops their specific political beliefs, values, and orientations. It involves the transmission of political knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors from one generation to another, as well as the influence of various social institutions such as family, school, media, and peers. This process shapes an individual's understanding of political issues, their political ideology, and their participation in the political system. It is a lifelong process that begins in childhood and continues throughout adulthood, constantly being influenced and shaped by personal experiences and societal factors.
5.
The most obvious intrusion of the government into America's socialization is through
Correct Answer
C. Schooling.
Explanation
Schooling is the correct answer because it is a direct and formal institution through which the government plays a significant role in shaping and influencing the socialization process of individuals. The government establishes curriculum standards, sets educational policies, and determines what knowledge and values are taught in schools. Through schooling, the government can promote its ideologies, values, and social norms, shaping the beliefs and behaviors of individuals from a young age. This intrusion is evident as the government has control over the content and structure of education, making schooling a powerful tool for socialization.
6.
One can predict how the majority of young people will vote simply by
Correct Answer
A. Knowing the political leanings of their parents.
Explanation
The correct answer is knowing the political leanings of their parents. This is because young people often adopt the political beliefs and values of their parents, as they are influenced by their upbringing and the environment they grow up in. Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's political attitudes, values, and behaviors, making it a reliable predictor of their voting patterns. Factors such as friends, race, teachers, and age can also have some influence, but the strongest predictor in this scenario is the political leanings of their parents.
7.
Internal efficacy refers
Correct Answer
E. One'a ability to understand and take part in politics.
Explanation
Internal efficacy refers to one's ability to understand and take part in politics. It reflects an individual's confidence and belief in their own ability to comprehend political issues, engage in political activities, and have an impact on the political process. It is about feeling knowledgeable and capable of participating effectively in the political system. This concept is important for a functioning democracy as it encourages citizens to be informed, engaged, and active participants in their government.
8.
The absence of a high degree of class consciousness in the U.S. is due to many factors, including
Correct Answer
A. An individualistic pHilosopHy.
Explanation
The absence of a high degree of class consciousness in the U.S. can be attributed to the influence of an individualistic philosophy. Individualism is a core value in American society, emphasizing personal freedom, self-reliance, and the pursuit of individual goals and success. This philosophy tends to prioritize individual interests over collective concerns, making it less likely for people to identify strongly with a specific social class and advocate for class-based solidarity. Instead, Americans often focus on personal achievements and upward mobility, which can contribute to a lower level of class consciousness compared to societies with a more collectivist orientation.
9.
Political diversity and participation in the political process in the U.S. was encouraged most strongly by
Correct Answer
E. Religious diversity.
Explanation
Religious diversity encouraged political diversity and participation in the political process in the U.S. because it allowed for different religious groups to have their own beliefs, values, and perspectives. This diversity led to a greater variety of opinions and ideas in the political sphere, fostering a more inclusive and democratic system. It also encouraged individuals from different religious backgrounds to engage in political activities and advocate for their rights and interests. Religious diversity thus played a crucial role in promoting a vibrant and participatory political environment in the U.S.
10.
Which one in each of the following pairs are Americans more likely to tolerate?
Correct Answer
C. Economic versus political inequality
Explanation
Americans are more likely to tolerate economic inequality rather than political inequality. This is because the American society values individualism and the idea that hard work and merit should be rewarded. Economic inequality is seen as a result of individual effort and success, whereas political inequality may be perceived as a threat to democracy and fairness. Americans are more willing to accept economic disparities as long as there is equal opportunity and the chance for social mobility. Political inequality, on the other hand, goes against the principles of democracy and equal representation.
11.
The difference between a political ideology and a political culture is that
Correct Answer
C. The former deals with what government should do, the latter with how government should operate.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the former deals with what government should do, the latter with how government should operate. This explanation highlights the distinction between political ideology and political culture. Political ideology focuses on the beliefs and values regarding the role and functions of government, determining what actions and policies it should undertake. On the other hand, political culture refers to the shared attitudes, norms, and expectations about how government should operate and function, including issues such as accountability, transparency, and the relationship between citizens and the state.
12.
According to Alexis de Tocqueville, a democratic republic took root in the United States for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
Correct Answer
D. The absence of foreign intervention.
Explanation
According to Alexis de Tocqueville, a democratic republic took root in the United States due to the absence of a feudal aristocracy, opportunities for people to acquire land, the minimal taxes imposed by the government, and opportunities to make a living. However, the absence of foreign intervention is not mentioned as a reason for the establishment of a democratic republic in the United States.
13.
External efficacy refers to
Correct Answer
B. One's belief in the government's responsiveness.
Explanation
External efficacy refers to an individual's belief in the government's responsiveness. It reflects their perception of whether the government will listen to their concerns and take appropriate actions to address them. This concept is important in understanding citizens' trust and confidence in the government and their willingness to participate in political processes. It does not pertain to feelings about international politics, government attempts to build coalitions, the efficiency of higher-level government agencies, or one's level of political understanding.
14.
One's own confidence in one's ability to understand and take part in politics is referred to as
Correct Answer
B. Internal efficacy.
Explanation
Internal efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to understand and participate in politics. It is a measure of one's confidence in their own political knowledge and skills. This term specifically focuses on an individual's internal beliefs and attitudes, rather than external factors. Therefore, internal efficacy is the most appropriate term to describe one's own confidence in their ability to understand and take part in politics.
15.
One of the ways in which the culture war differs from other political disputes is that
Correct Answer
B. Compromise is almost impossible.
Explanation
The culture war differs from other political disputes because compromise is almost impossible. This means that the two sides involved in the culture war are unwilling to find common ground or reach a middle ground on the issues at hand. Unlike other political disputes where negotiation and compromise are possible, the culture war is characterized by a deep divide and an unwillingness to find a solution that satisfies both sides. This makes it a unique and challenging type of political conflict.