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Government in America 17th Edition Test Bank

Government in America 17th Edition Test Bank delivers an efficient way to prepare, covering all important topics with clarity and precision.

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    1 Introducing Government in America  Multiple - Choice Questions Questions 1 and 2 refer to the following graph. Source: Authors’ analysis of 1972 – 2012 American National Election Studies data. 1. Based on the graph, how did political participation among 18 - 29 year olds and 65+ year olds change between 1972 and 2012? a. The two groups were equally politically involved at that time. — Consider This: Younger Americans reported infrequently following politics at high levels around 2000. b. Younger Americans grew more politically apathetic, and older Americans less so.

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    c. Older Americans were more disenchanted with the government than younger Americans. d. Both older and younger Americans consider themselves highly politically engaged. Answer: b Topic: Introduction Learning Objective: Introduction Page Reference: 3 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 2. Which of the following is a potential danger of lack of political interest? a. authoritarian government b. voting along party lines — Consider This: People who are disengaged from politics often do not vote at all. c. class division d. an uninformed citizenry Answer: b Topic: Introduction Learning Objective: Introduction Page Reference: 2 - 3 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult Questions 3 and 4 refer to the following graph .

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    Source: U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Surveys. 3. Based on the graph, which of the following statements is accurate ? a. A higher percentage of young people turned out to vote in 2008 than older people. b. The number of older people who vote fluctuates more than younger people. c. A higher percentage of older people vote in midterm elections than young people. d. Voter participation is not affected by the type of election. — Consider This: For both older and younger Americans, higher percentages vote in presidential than midterm elections. Answer: c Topic: Introduction Learning Objective: Introduction Page Reference: 5 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 4. Which of the following reasons might explain the trend in the graph ? a. Older people have more access to information than young people. b. No major political candidates have paid attention to younger voters. c. Modern political issues have no effect on older people. — Consider This: Many of the same issues that drew older voters to the polls, like Social Security and Medicare, continue to be debated today.

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    d. Young people haven’t lived in a time when most people paid attention to politics. Answer: d Topic: Introduction Learning Objective: Introduction Page Reference: 4 - 5 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult Questions 5 - 7 refer to the passage below. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last measure of full devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” -- Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863 5. According to the Gettysburg Address, who holds the power in a democracy? a. soldiers — Consider This: Lincoln honored the soldiers who lost their lives defending these ideals, but he asserts that all of the people have the power to carry on America’s democracy. b. the people c. the president d. survivors of war Answer: b Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4 : Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today . Page Reference: 12 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 6 . How is “government by the people, for the people” practiced in the U.S. ? a. a system that ensures freedom, justice, and peace to all citizens — Consider This: The term democracy is often used alongside other terms like freedom, justice, and peace because citizens are involved in forming the government. b. a system that perpetuates the status quo and upholds the values of the party in power c. a system that selects policymakers and organizes government so that policy represents and responds to the public’s preferences d. a system that grants a status of privilege to the most active and informed voters

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    Answer: c Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 12 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 7. Which of the following is an accurate statement about democracy in the U.S.? a. The people have a direct role in governmental decision making. — Consider This: It would be incredibly inefficient if the entire population needed to vote on laws and policies anytime new statues were needed. b. The size of the population makes direct democracy impossible. c. Democracy has given way to dynastic rule in the U.S. d. Everyone’s interests are reflected in all laws passed by Congress. Answer: b Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4 : Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today . Page Reference: 12 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate Questions 8 and 9 refer to the following graph . H ow policymaking on economic inequality is shaped by patterns of political participation.

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    Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Data on voter turnout and author’s analysis of the 2012 American National Election Study. 8. Based on the graph, what is the relationship between income and political participation? a. People who earn lower incomes tend to vote in more than others b. The middle class had the highest voter turnout in the 2012 election. — Consider This: Middle class voters came out in greater numbers than lower income voters, but they were outpaced by the nation’s highest earners. c. The nation’s highest earners had the highest voting percentages. d. There is no apparent correlation between income and participation. Answer: c Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 1 9 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 9 . Which principle of traditional democracy theory is violated in circumstances in which the wealthy have influence over the government’s policy agenda that far exceeds what would be expected based on their numbers? a. citizen control of the agenda b. effective participation — Consider This: Effective participation means that citizens have equal means for political participation, but it does not refer to which groups of people the government will most influence the policy agenda. c. enlightened understanding d. equality in voting Answer: a Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 12 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate Questions 10 - 1 2 refer to th e passage below . “ Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! ”

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    -- Patrick Henry, 1775 10. Which of the following democratic ideals did Patrick Henry prioritize ? a. individualism — Consider This: Individualism is the idea that people can advance on their own; it is not directly related to freedom. b. natural rights c. egalitarianism d. liberty Answer: d Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Easy 11. Which of the following best exemplifies Patrick Henry’s ideas? a. License plates in Washington, D.C. say, “No taxation without representation.” b. New Hampshire license plates that say, “Live Free or Die.” c. America neither has nor ever had laws of primogeniture. d. Thomas Jefferson’s statement that “all men are created equal.” — Consider This: This is an example of egalitarianism more than liberty. Answer: b Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 12 . Which of the following statements about liberty is most accurate? a. The idea of liberty is deeply ingrained throughout U.S. history. b. Americans only began to understand liberty during the Red Scare. c. All Americans have similar ideas about what liberty entails. — Consider This: Americans are incredibly diverse, and have different ideas about what liberty means and the freedoms to which people are entitled. d. Liberty is unrestrained in the United States. Answer: a

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    Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 12 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult 1 3 . What are the institutions that make public policy decisions for a society collectively known as? a. political culture b. the courts c. government d. Congress — Consider This: Congress is one of the institutions that make public policy decisions that influence how we live. Answer: c Topic: Government Learning Objective: LO 1.1: Identify the key functions of government and explain why they matter. Page Reference: 7 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 1 4 . How does government usually protect its national sovereignty? a. by maintaining armed forces b. by maintaining schools, libraries, hospitals, and highways — Consider This: Providing goods and services is an essential function of government, but it does not protect national sovereignty. c. by collecting taxes d. by politically socializing the young Answer: a Topic: Government Learning Objective: LO 1.1: Identify the key functions of government and explain why they matter. Page Reference: 7 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Easy 1 5 . What determines whom we select as our governmental leaders and what policies these leaders pursue? a. the media — Consider This: The media focuses on the who le of this term, usually the candidates, voters, and parties.

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    b. public opinion c. politics d. public policy Answer: c Topic: Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Define politics in the context of democratic government. Page Reference: 8 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 1 6 . The ways in which people get involved in politics make up their political __________. a. ideology b. participation c. party — Consider This: Individual citizens get involved in politics because they understand that public policy choices made by governments affect them in significant ways and joining a party is just one way to get involved . d. opinions Answer: b Topic: Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Define politics in the context of democratic government. Page Reference: 9 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 1 7 . How does our government respond to the priorities of its people? a. through linkage institutions — Consider This: While l inkage institutions are channels through which p eople’s concerns reach policymakers , these institutions on their own do not address the priorities of the people because they do not create policy. b. through political science c. through political tolerance d. through a policymaking system Answer: d Topic: The Policymaking System Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people. Page Reference: 1 0 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate

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    1 8 . What best describes a linkage institution? a. a channel through which people’s concerns become part of the political agenda b. a location to express a political opinion — Consider This: Linkage institutions provide avenues for political participation and transmit Americans’ preferences to policymakers . c. the formation of a special interest group d. an environment where one learns about the political process Answer: a Topic: The Policymaking System Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people. Page Reference: 1 0 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 1 9 . What makes up the government’s policy agenda? a. all of the issues that candidates talk about on the campaign trail — Consider This: Candidates are likely to campaign only on the issues that voters care about, but these issues may not be of national concern and so they may not appear on the policy agenda . b. the issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other political actors c. the issues that are asked about on public opinion polls d. the issues that concern single - issue interest groups Answer: b Topic: The Policymaking System Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people. Page Reference: 1 1 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 20 . What are policy impacts? a. issues that attract serious attention of public officials — Consider This: Translating people's desires into effective public policy is the goal of public officials, and analyzing the impact the policy has had determines whether the policy is effective. b. government institutions that are charged with taking action on political issues c. the effects that a policy has on people and on society’s problems d. systems of selecting policymakers and of organizing government so that policy represents and responds to the public’s preferences

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    Answer: c Topic: The Policymaking System Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people. Page Reference: 1 2 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 2 1 . What most closely exemplifies equality in voting? a. inclusion — Consider This: The government must extend rights of citizenship to all people subject to its laws. Voting is one of these rights. b. free dom of speech and of the press c . one person, one vote d . universal citizenship Answer: c Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 1 3 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 2 2 . Which principle asserts that, in a democracy, policies should reflect the will of more than half of the voters ? a. enlightened rule b. pluralism — Consider This: Pluralism emphasizes that all groups with shared interests have a voice in policymaking with no single group dominating. c. representation d. majority rule Answer: d Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 1 3 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 2 3 . In the United States, pluralism suggests which of the following?

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    a. Because most citizens fail to pay attention to serious issues, government has become an elite institution. b. Congress is stronger and more influential than the presidency. c. Many groups vie for power with no one group dominating politics. d. Too many influential groups cripple government’s ability to govern. — Consider This: Hyperpluralism suggests that the fragmented nature of our government, with overlapping jurisdictions, finds itself serving too many group interests. Answer: c Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 14 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 2 4 . Which theory contends that American society is divided along class lines? a. pluralism b. policy gridlock — Consider This: The diversity of the American people is reflected in the diversity of the interests represented in the political system. When interests conflict and no majority exists, policy gridlock occurs. c. balance of power d. elitism Answer: d Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 16 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 2 5 . Which theory argues that special interest groups have essentially become sovereign, and the government is merely their servant? a. pluralism b. hyperpluralism c. majority rule — Consider This: Majority rule says that the interests of the majority must be represented in gove rnment, but the government system is fragmented, making it difficult for the majority to be represented. d. federalism Answer: b

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    Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 1 5 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 2 6 . What condition occurs when interests conflict and no coalition is strong enough to form a majority and establish policy , yet each may be strong enough to thwart the will of the others ? a. divided government b. H yperpluralism — Consider This: Government is weakened because of the plethora of groups. c. policy gridlock d. separation of powers Answer: c Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 1 6 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Moderate 2 7 . Which of the following refers to a set of values widely shared within a society? a. government b. politics — Consider This: Democracy depends on the people to function, and shared values are essential for effective governance . c. public policy d. political culture Answer: d Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 1 6 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 2 8 . Preference for w hich of the following economic policies helps to explain why the U.S. has a smaller and more limited government than do most other advanced industrialized countries ?

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    a. laissez - faire b. populist — Consider This: Populism isn’t directly related to economic policies, but it does champion the political legitimacy of the “little people” over the elite. c. pluralist d. egalitarian Answer: a Topic: Democracy in America Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today. Page Reference: 18 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 2 9 . A law passed by Congress and the adoption of a regulation by an agency are examples of which of the following? a. collective action — Consider This: Congress passes laws and agencies adopt regulations in response to problems or political issues. b. red tape c. public policies d. government rule Answer: c Topic: The Policymaking System Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people. Page Reference: 11 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Easy 30 . What is an example of a collective good? a. clean air b. medical care c. a college education — Consider This: A collective good is a good or service provided by the government that all receive and cannot be denied to anyone person or groups. By this definition, a college education is not a collective good. d. food stamps Answer: a Topic: Government Learning Objective: LO 1.1: Identify the key functions of government and explain why they matter. Page Reference: 7

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    Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 3 1 . From which of the following did t he withdrawal of American troops from Iraq result ? a. a regulation b. a budgetary choice c . a congressional statute — Consider This: Congress does have significant foreign and defense policymaking papers but determining troop movement and withdrawal, or say bombing ISIS targets, is usually conducted by the Executive branch. d . a presidential action Answer: d Topic: The Policymaking System Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people. Page Reference: 1 1 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 3 2 . What kind of public policy involves the legislative enactment of taxes and expenditures? a. budgetary choice b. regulation c. court decision d. congressional statute — Consider This: A congressional statute refers to a law passed by Congress that impacts the public, such as the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to obtain health insurance. Answer: a Topic: The Policymaking System Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people. Page Reference: 1 1 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 3 3 . What is public policy? a. all government decisions b. the root causes of political culture c. the public’s political issues — Consider This: Public policies are responses to political issues, actions which address various problems. d. only legislation enacted by Congress

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