Chapter 6 Quiz Rippee 1st

1.

Demography refers to

A.

The science of population changes
B.

The science of public opinion
C.

The science of democracy
D.

The U.S. census planning process
E.

Constitutional rules governing reapportionment of Congress

Correct Answer
A. The science of population changes

Explanation
Demography refers to the science of population changes. It involves studying the size, structure, and distribution of populations, as well as the factors that influence these changes such as birth rates, death rates, migration, and aging. Demographers analyze data and trends to understand population dynamics and make predictions about future population growth or decline. This field is important for understanding social, economic, and political issues, as well as for planning and policy-making purposes.

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2.

Most Americans learn about government and politics through

A.

An informal learning process
B.

High school civics courses
C.

University political science classes
D.

Direct explanation from their parents
E.

Newspapers

Correct Answer
A. An informal learning process

Explanation
Most Americans learn about government and politics through an informal learning process, which is not limited to any specific source or method. This could include discussions with friends and family, watching news and political programs on television, listening to podcasts or radio shows, engaging in online forums and social media, and participating in community activities and events. This informal learning process allows individuals to gain knowledge and understanding of government and politics through various channels, making it a comprehensive and dynamic way of learning about these subjects.

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3.

The _________ refers to the emergence of a non-Caucasian majority, as compared with White, generally Anglo-Saxon majority

A.

Minority majority
B.

Melting pot
C.

Immigrant population
D.

Population explosion
E.

Majority minority

Correct Answer
A. Minority majority

Explanation
The term "minority majority" refers to the situation where a non-Caucasian group becomes the majority population, surpassing the White, generally Anglo-Saxon majority. This term is used to describe a demographic shift in which the previously marginalized group becomes the numerical majority. It signifies a change in the racial or ethnic composition of a population and highlights the increasing diversity and multiculturalism within a society.

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4.

Reapportionment

A.

Can dramatically shift political power between the regions
B.

Affects how much federal aid population groups can receive
C.

Changes the states’ number of representatives in the United States Senate
D.

Has most recently increased congressional representation for New England
E.

Rarely occurs

Correct Answer
A. Can dramatically shift political power between the regions

Explanation
Reapportionment refers to the process of redistributing representation in a legislative body based on changes in population. It can have a significant impact on political power by shifting it between different regions. This is because the number of representatives a region has in the legislative body will change based on population changes. As a result, regions with increasing populations may gain more representation and therefore more political power, while regions with decreasing populations may lose representation and political power. This redistribution of power can have far-reaching implications for policy-making, resource allocation, and decision-making processes.

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5.

As one becomes more socialized with age, one’s political orientations

A.

Become less important
B.

Change as one’s position in the aging order changes their life conditions
C.

Grow firmer
D.

Lack commitment
E.

Fluctuate more

Correct Answer
C. Grow firmer

Explanation
As individuals become more socialized with age, their political orientations tend to grow firmer. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as increased life experience, exposure to different perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the political landscape. As people mature and engage more with society, they often develop a stronger sense of their own beliefs and values, leading to a firmer stance on political issues. This is a natural progression as individuals gain more knowledge and confidence in their political views over time.

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6.

The key to the accuracy of public opinion polls is

A.

Political ideology
B.

Polygraphs
C.

Sampling error
D.

The larger the size of the sample, the better
E.

Random sampling

Correct Answer
E. Random sampling

Explanation
Random sampling is the correct answer because it ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the survey. This helps to eliminate bias and increase the representativeness of the sample. By randomly selecting participants, the results of the survey are more likely to accurately reflect the opinions and characteristics of the entire population. Other factors such as political ideology, polygraphs, and sampling error may influence the accuracy of public opinion polls to some extent, but random sampling is the key factor in ensuring accuracy.

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7.

The procedure for conducting ____________ includes randomly selected voting places around the country and asking every tenth person how they voted.

A.

Absentee balloting
B.

A referendum
C.

Preventing voting fraud
D.

Reapportionment
E.

An exit poll

Correct Answer
E. An exit poll

Explanation
An exit poll is a method used to gather data on voter preferences and behavior during an election. It involves randomly selecting voting places and surveying every tenth person to determine how they voted. This technique allows researchers to estimate the overall voting patterns and make predictions about the election outcome. Exit polls are commonly used to provide early indications of election results and to analyze voter demographics and trends.

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8.

A political ideology is

A.

The process through which an individual acquires his or her political skills
B.

A relatively small proportion of people who are chosen as representative of the whole
C.

The distribution of the population’s beliefs about politics and policy issues
D.

The set of courses that a political science student must complete to attain a degree
E.

A coherent set of values and beliefs about public policy

Correct Answer
E. A coherent set of values and beliefs about public policy

Explanation
A political ideology refers to a coherent set of values and beliefs about public policy. It encompasses the principles, ideas, and goals that guide a person's political views and actions. It provides a framework for understanding and addressing political issues and shaping public policy. Political ideologies can vary widely, ranging from liberalism to conservatism, socialism to libertarianism, and so on. They shape individuals' perspectives on governance, the role of the state, social justice, economic systems, and other policy-related matters.

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9.

Conservatives would tend to favor each of the following EXCEPT

A.

Affirmative action
B.

Low taxes
C.

Increased military spending
D.

Free-market solutions
E.

The right to life

Correct Answer
A. Affirmative action

Explanation
Conservatives typically prioritize limited government intervention and support free-market principles. They believe in personal responsibility and merit-based systems, which may lead them to oppose affirmative action policies that involve preferential treatment based on race or gender. However, conservatives generally support low taxes as a means to promote economic growth, increased military spending for national security purposes, and the right to life by advocating for pro-life policies.

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10.

According to the classic study, The American Voter, done in the 1950s, most Americans fell into the category of

A.

Group benefits voters
B.

Ideologues
C.

No-issue-content voters
D.

Anti-ideologues
E.

Nature-of-the-times voters

Correct Answer
A. Group benefits voters

Explanation
According to the classic study, The American Voter, conducted in the 1950s, the majority of Americans were categorized as "group benefits voters." This means that they primarily based their voting decisions on the benefits and advantages they believed they would receive as part of a particular group or social class. These voters were more concerned with the specific policies and programs that would directly impact their own interests and well-being, rather than broader ideological or philosophical considerations.

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11.

Which of the following is TRUE in regard to the voting habits of African Americans and Hispanic Americans?

A.

They have always voted about as much as whites despite legal barriers
B.

The gap between their voter turnout and that of whites has widened considerably over the past thirty years
C.

Members of these groups are less likely to vote the higher their income
D.

Members of these groups are more likely to vote than whites of the same income level
E.

None of the above

Correct Answer
D. Members of these groups are more likely to vote than whites of the same income level

Explanation
The correct answer states that members of African American and Hispanic American groups are more likely to vote than whites of the same income level. This implies that even with the same income level, individuals from these groups are more politically engaged and active in exercising their right to vote compared to their white counterparts. This answer highlights the higher voter turnout and participation of African Americans and Hispanic Americans in elections, challenging the stereotype that minority groups are less likely to vote.

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