1.
Should the growing inequality between the top 1% and the rest of society be addressed through government redistribution?
Correct Answer
A. Yes. Taxes on capital gains and the rich need to be increased in order to redistribute income.
Explanation
The correct answer is Yes because increasing taxes on capital gains and the rich can help redistribute income. This approach aims to address the growing inequality between the top 1% and the rest of society by ensuring that wealth is more evenly distributed. By implementing progressive taxation, the government can collect more revenue from those who can afford to pay more and use it to fund social programs and initiatives that benefit the wider population. This can help reduce the wealth gap and promote a more equitable society.
2.
What should be done regarding the Bush tax cuts?
Correct Answer
B. They redistribute income from the middle and working class to the rich, do not spur growth, waste resources and, therefore, ought to be repealed.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the Bush tax cuts redistribute income from the middle and working class to the rich, do not spur growth, waste resources, and therefore, should be repealed. This explanation highlights the negative consequences of the tax cuts, stating that they result in income inequality by benefiting the rich at the expense of the middle and working class. Additionally, it argues that the tax cuts do not stimulate economic growth and instead waste resources. Therefore, the answer suggests that repealing the tax cuts would be the appropriate action to take.
3.
How should marriage be defined?
Correct Answer
A. Between two consenting adults.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Between two consenting adults." This answer suggests that marriage should be defined as a union between two individuals who are capable of giving their consent. This definition emphasizes the importance of mutual agreement and equal partnership in a marriage, regardless of gender or other factors. It promotes inclusivity and recognizes the rights of individuals to choose their own partners based on their personal preferences and desires.
4.
Who should face most risk in society?
Correct Answer
B. Institutions and the government should shoulder most risk, reducing the risk faced by individuals. People should never have to worry about their basic needs being met.
Explanation
Institutions and the government should shoulder most risk because it is their responsibility to ensure that individuals' basic needs are met and that they do not have to worry about their well-being. By taking on the risk, institutions and the government can create a safety net for individuals, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives without the constant fear of their basic needs not being fulfilled. This approach promotes a more stable and equitable society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to essential resources.
5.
When is a person free?
Correct Answer
A. When his or her basic needs are met and he or she feels secure.
Explanation
A person is considered free when their basic needs are met and they feel secure. This implies that freedom is not solely dependent on being left alone by the government and not being told what to do. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of having one's fundamental necessities fulfilled and feeling a sense of safety and stability. This broader understanding of freedom encompasses both external and internal factors that contribute to an individual's overall sense of liberty.
6.
Is nationalism out-dated?
Correct Answer
A. Yes, all of humankind forms one single ethical and moral community. Ideally, there would be a world government.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Yes, all of humankind forms one single ethical and moral community. Ideally, there would be a world government." This answer suggests that nationalism is outdated because it promotes division and separation among different nations. It argues that all humans are part of the same global community and should prioritize ethical and moral values that transcend national boundaries. The ideal solution presented is the establishment of a world government that can unite all nations under a common framework.
7.
What constitutes a rational and just immigration policy?
Correct Answer
A. Letting all peaceful immigrants enter. They are essential to our economy, enhance our multi-cultural society, and have a right to move about the planet freely, unless it is proven to cause harm.
Explanation
The given answer suggests that a rational and just immigration policy should allow all peaceful immigrants to enter. This is because peaceful immigrants are seen as essential to the economy and contribute to a multicultural society. Additionally, they should have the right to freely move around the planet unless there is evidence to suggest that their movement would cause harm.
8.
How should people be rewarded?
Correct Answer
B. Depending on one's contributions to society.
Explanation
People should be rewarded based on their contributions to society because this approach promotes fairness and incentivizes individuals to work hard and make valuable contributions. Rewarding people according to their abilities and needs may lead to inequality and discourage individuals from putting in effort. Similarly, relying on the free market to determine rewards may result in disparities and favor those who are already privileged. By rewarding individuals based on their contributions to society, it encourages productivity, innovation, and a sense of social responsibility.
9.
Is the harm principle is a good guide for public policy?
Correct Answer
A. Yes, unless you can prove a person's actions cause harm, you should not infringe upon individual liberty.
Explanation
The given correct answer suggests that the harm principle is a good guide for public policy. It argues that unless there is clear evidence that a person's actions cause harm, their individual liberty should not be restricted. This aligns with the idea of prioritizing personal freedom and autonomy, and only intervening when there is a demonstrable harm being caused. It implies that the harm principle provides a reasonable and fair approach to public policy, allowing for the protection of individual rights while also considering the potential consequences of one's actions.
10.
Does government need to ensure the provision of basic human rights.
Correct Answer
A. Yes, police, health care and education must be guranteed by the government and made available to each individual regardless of their status in society.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Yes, police, health care and education must be guaranteed by the government and made available to each individual regardless of their status in society." This answer supports the idea that the government has a responsibility to ensure the provision of basic human rights such as safety (through police), healthcare, and education. It emphasizes the importance of equal access to these rights for all individuals, regardless of their social status.
11.
How should global warming be addressed?
Correct Answer
B. Discourage pollution while subsidising environmentally friendly technologies.
Explanation
The answer suggests that in order to address global warming, it is important to discourage pollution by implementing measures that reduce harmful emissions and promote environmentally friendly technologies. This approach acknowledges the existence of human-caused global warming and emphasizes the need to take action to mitigate its effects. By discouraging pollution and providing subsidies for sustainable technologies, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
12.
What is the best approach to curbing crime?
Correct Answer
B. Poverty reduction, investment in social services and urban redevelopment are key to lowering crime.
Explanation
The best approach to curbing crime is not solely through longer prison sentences, restricting immigration, or stricter punishment of minor infractions. While these measures may have some impact, the most effective way to lower crime rates is by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Poverty reduction helps to alleviate the desperation that can drive individuals to commit crimes, while investment in social services provides support and opportunities for individuals to turn away from criminal activities. Urban redevelopment can also contribute to reducing crime by creating safer and more vibrant communities. Therefore, the combination of poverty reduction, investment in social services, and urban redevelopment is the most effective approach to lowering crime.
13.
Why are most economists liberals?
Correct Answer
A. Becuase the objective evaluation of empirical evidence regarding the economy happens to support liberal viewpoints.
Explanation
The reason why most economists are liberals is because the objective evaluation of empirical evidence regarding the economy tends to align with liberal viewpoints. This suggests that when economists analyze data and facts about the economy, they find that policies and ideas typically associated with liberalism are more effective or beneficial. This could include concepts such as government intervention in the economy, social welfare programs, and progressive taxation. Therefore, economists who base their views on evidence and analysis are more likely to lean towards liberal ideologies.
14.
What constitutes a rational and just drug policy?
Correct Answer
C. Assign "soft drugs" the same status as tabacco and alcohol. Discourage excessive consumption through taxation and education.
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that a rational and just drug policy should treat "soft drugs" (presumably referring to less harmful substances) in the same way as tobacco and alcohol. This implies that these drugs should be regulated and controlled, rather than being fully legalized or strictly prohibited. Additionally, the answer suggests that discouraging excessive consumption through taxation and education is an important aspect of a rational and just drug policy.
15.
How does the U.S. compare to other developed countries?
Correct Answer
B. While the U.S. has a higher standard of living than most developed countries it is also home to more poverty, higher inequality and more economic insecurity; problems that could be resolved through a better social saftey net.
Explanation
The statement in the answer accurately reflects the information provided in the passage. It acknowledges that the U.S. has a higher standard of living compared to most developed countries but also highlights the presence of poverty, inequality, and economic insecurity. It suggests that these issues can be addressed by implementing a better social safety net.