1.
The age group with the lowest voter turnout rate is
Correct Answer
A. 25 or younger
Explanation
The age group with the lowest voter turnout rate is 25 or younger. This is because younger individuals may not have developed the habit of voting yet, or they may feel less connected to the political system. Additionally, younger people often face barriers such as lack of transportation or difficulty in registering to vote. They may also feel that their vote does not make a difference or that politicians do not represent their interests. Overall, these factors contribute to the lower voter turnout rate in the 25 or younger age group.
2.
Which of the following is NOT an example of a public good?
Correct Answer
A. Welfare benefits
Explanation
Welfare benefits are not an example of a public good because they are not available to everyone in society. Public goods are non-excludable, meaning that once they are provided, it is impossible to prevent anyone from benefiting from them. In the case of welfare benefits, they are targeted towards specific individuals or groups who meet certain criteria, and not everyone is eligible to receive them. Therefore, welfare benefits do not meet the criteria of being a public good.
3.
Harold Lasswell's definition of politics is
Correct Answer
C. "who gets what, when, and how"
Explanation
Harold Lasswell's definition of politics as "who gets what, when, and how" implies that politics is concerned with the distribution of resources, power, and benefits in a society. It suggests that politics is not only about decision-making and governance, but also about understanding the dynamics of power and how it influences the allocation of resources and opportunities. This definition highlights the fundamental aspects of politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the distribution of resources and how it affects different individuals and groups in society.
4.
America has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the world
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because America does not have one of the highest voter turnout rates in the world. Several countries, such as Belgium, Sweden, and Australia, consistently have higher voter turnout rates compared to the United States. In recent years, America has struggled to achieve high voter participation, with turnout rates varying significantly in different elections.
5.
Single-issue groups
Correct Answer
D. Have little taste for compromise
Explanation
Single-issue groups are typically focused on a specific problem or cause, and they prioritize achieving their goals without compromising their stance. These groups often have a strong conviction and dedication to their cause, which can result in a reluctance to engage in compromise or negotiate with opposing viewpoints. This lack of willingness to compromise can limit their influence on voters and may hinder their ability to effectively shape policymaking.
6.
Political issues get government's attention through linkage institutions
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Linkage institutions, such as political parties, interest groups, and the media, play a crucial role in connecting the public with the government. These institutions help to raise awareness about political issues and influence public opinion, which in turn grabs the government's attention. Through various means like lobbying, campaigning, and media coverage, linkage institutions ensure that political issues are brought to the forefront and addressed by the government. Therefore, it is true that political issues get the government's attention through linkage institutions.
7.
One type of linkage institution is
Correct Answer
C. The media
Explanation
The correct answer is the media because it is considered a linkage institution. Linkage institutions are the channels through which individuals can express their preferences and influence government decision-making. The media plays a crucial role in this process by providing information, shaping public opinion, and facilitating communication between citizens and policymakers. Through news reporting, analysis, and commentary, the media helps to connect the government and the people, making it an important linkage institution in democratic societies.
8.
A policy agenda
Correct Answer
C. A list of problems to which serious attention is paid
Explanation
This answer suggests that a policy agenda is a comprehensive list of problems or issues that are given serious attention by public officials. It implies that these problems are prioritized and addressed by policymakers, indicating a level of importance and commitment to finding solutions.
9.
Which of the following policymaking institutions was NOT established by the Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. The bureaucracy
Explanation
The correct answer is the bureaucracy. While Congress, the presidency, and the courts were all established by the Constitution as separate branches of government, the bureaucracy is not specifically mentioned. The bureaucracy refers to the administrative agencies and departments that are created by Congress to carry out specific policies and laws. Although the bureaucracy is an integral part of the policymaking process, it is not explicitly established by the Constitution.
10.
Public policy
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above" because public policy encompasses laws passed by Congress, involves making decisions, and also includes what the government chooses not to do. Public policy is a broad term that encompasses various actions and decisions taken by the government to address societal issues and achieve specific goals. It can include the creation of laws, the implementation of programs, and the allocation of resources, as well as decisions to not take certain actions or pursue specific policies.
11.
Pluralists argue that
Correct Answer
B. The American policymaking system is a competition among many groups
Explanation
The correct answer is that the American policymaking system is a competition among many groups. Pluralists argue that there is a diverse range of influential groups in American politics, each with their own interests and resources. These groups compete with one another to shape policymaking, resulting in a system where no single group dominates and the interests of various groups are considered. This perspective suggests that power is dispersed among multiple actors, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few influential groups.
12.
Hyperpluralism can lead to
Correct Answer
B. Muddled and inconsistent policy
Explanation
Hyperpluralism refers to a situation where there are so many competing interest groups and factions that it becomes difficult for the government to make coherent and consistent policies. With numerous groups exerting their influence and pushing for their own agendas, policymakers may find it challenging to reconcile conflicting demands and create unified policies. This can result in muddled and inconsistent policy outcomes, as different groups may receive conflicting benefits or face contradictory regulations. Therefore, the given answer accurately reflects the potential consequence of hyperpluralism.
13.
A common consequence of the situation in which different parties control the presidency and Congress is
Correct Answer
C. Policy gridlock
Explanation
When different parties control the presidency and Congress, it often leads to policy gridlock. This means that there is a stalemate or deadlock in the decision-making process, as the parties have conflicting agendas and struggle to reach a consensus on important policies. This can result in a lack of progress and the inability to pass significant legislation, as each party tries to block the other's initiatives. Therefore, policy gridlock is a common consequence of this situation.
14.
In democratic theory, the principle of minority rights accompanies the priniciple of
Correct Answer
A. Majority rule
Explanation
In democratic theory, the principle of minority rights is an essential component that goes hand in hand with the principle of majority rule. This means that while the majority has the power to make decisions, the rights and interests of the minority should also be protected and respected. This ensures that the majority does not oppress or disregard the rights of the minority, promoting a fair and inclusive democratic system.
15.
The writers of the US Constitution
Correct Answer
C. Had no fondness for democracy
Explanation
The correct answer is "had no fondness for democracy." This can be inferred from the statement "The writers of the US Constitution cherished the idea of democracy." The word "cherished" indicates that the writers valued the concept of democracy, which contradicts the idea that they had no fondness for it. Therefore, the correct answer is that they did not have a fondness for democracy.