Chapter One Kennedy 2nd Block

The age group with the lowest voter turnout rate is 25 or younger. This is because younger individuals often face barriers to voting such as lack of awareness, limited access to transportation, and competing priorities such as work or education. Additionally, younger people may feel disengaged from the political process or believe that their vote does not make a difference. Overall, these factors contribute to a lower voter turnout rate among individuals aged 25 and younger.

Harold Lasswell's definition of politics as "who gets what, when, and how" implies that politics is concerned with the distribution of power and resources in a society. It suggests that politics is not just about the formal processes such as voting in elections, but also includes the various methods and strategies used to determine who gets access to resources, benefits, and opportunities, and how these are distributed among different individuals or groups. This definition highlights the fundamental role of power and decision-making in politics.

This answer suggests that a policy agenda is a list of problems that receive serious attention. It implies that public officials prioritize and address the issues listed in the policy agenda.

The correct answer is the bureaucracy. While Congress, the presidency, and the courts were all established by the Constitution, the bureaucracy is not specifically mentioned. The bureaucracy refers to the executive branch agencies and departments that are responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, but its establishment and organization are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution. Instead, the bureaucracy has evolved over time through legislation and executive action.

The correct answer is that the American policymaking system is a competition among many groups. Pluralists believe that there are numerous influential groups in society that compete with each other to shape policymaking. They argue that no single group dominates the decision-making process and that power is distributed among various interest groups. This perspective suggests that the policymaking system is open and accessible to multiple voices and that no single group or interest always prevails.

The media is considered a type of linkage institution because it serves as a bridge between the government and the public. It plays a crucial role in providing information, shaping public opinion, and holding the government accountable. Through various forms of media such as newspapers, television, and social media, individuals can access news, engage in political discourse, and participate in the democratic process. The media acts as a platform for political communication, facilitating the exchange of ideas and influencing public policy. Therefore, it is an essential linkage institution that connects citizens to the government and vice versa.

Single-issue groups have little taste for compromise because they are focused on advocating for a specific cause or problem. They prioritize their own agenda and are often unwilling to negotiate or find common ground with opposing viewpoints. Their single-mindedness and dedication to their cause can make it difficult for them to engage in the give-and-take necessary for compromise. This can limit their effectiveness in the policymaking process, as compromise is often essential for progress and successful policy outcomes.

When different parties control the presidency and Congress, it often leads to policy gridlock. This is because the parties have different agendas and priorities, making it difficult to pass legislation or make significant policy changes. Gridlock occurs when there is a stalemate or lack of progress in the decision-making process, resulting in little to no policy action being taken. This can be frustrating for both parties and can hinder the government's ability to address important issues and make meaningful policy changes.

The statement is false because America does not have one of the highest voter turnout rates in the world. Several other countries, such as Belgium, Sweden, and Australia, consistently have higher voter turnout rates compared to the United States. In recent years, America has struggled with low voter turnout, with only around half of eligible voters participating in presidential elections.

In democratic theory, the principle of minority rights is a crucial component that goes hand in hand with the principle of majority rule. While majority rule ensures that decisions are made by the majority, minority rights protect the rights and interests of individuals or groups who may hold minority viewpoints or belong to marginalized communities. This principle ensures that the majority does not oppress or disregard the rights of minorities, promoting inclusivity and fairness in democratic societies.

Linkage institutions play a crucial role in connecting the public with the government and influencing political decisions. These institutions, such as political parties, interest groups, and the media, serve as channels through which political issues can be raised and brought to the attention of the government. They provide a platform for citizens to voice their concerns, promote their interests, and advocate for policy changes. Therefore, it is true that political issues can get the government's attention through linkage institutions.

Hyperpluralism refers to a situation where there are numerous competing interest groups that have a significant amount of power and influence in the political process. When there are too many groups with conflicting interests, it becomes difficult to form coherent and consistent policies. This is because the government may try to please all the groups involved, leading to compromises and contradictions in policy decisions. As a result, the policies may lack clarity and consistency, resulting in a muddled and inconsistent policy approach.

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 refers to the actions, plans, and decisions made by the government to address societal issues and achieve specific goals. This can include passing laws, implementing regulations, making budgetary decisions, and choosing not to take certain actions. Therefore, all the given options are valid components of public policy.

Welfare benefits are not an example of a public good because they are not non-excludable and non-rivalrous. Public goods are goods or services that are available to everyone and their consumption by one person does not diminish their availability to others. However, welfare benefits are typically targeted towards specific individuals or groups based on their eligibility and need, and their provision to one person reduces the availability of resources for others.

The correct answer is "had no fondness for democracy." This is because the writers of the US Constitution did not have a favorable view of democracy. They believed in a system of government that limited the power of the majority and protected individual rights. They established a republic, where power is held by elected representatives rather than directly by the people. This can be seen in the structure of the Constitution, which includes checks and balances and the Electoral College, both of which serve to limit the influence of the majority.