CH-1 State and Local Politics – State and Local Government by the People : Exam Guide

Chapter 1: State and Local Politics Multiple-Choice Questions 1. In the United States, the national government assumes major responsibility for ________. A. determining marriage laws B. funding recovery efforts after natural disasters C. regulating driving D. maintaining public highway systems E. formulating divorce laws Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because the federal government, through agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), provides significant funding and support for recovery efforts after natural disasters. This includes financial assistance to individuals, communities, and states affected by disasters. 2. In the United States, the national government exercises exclusive authority over matters pertaining to ________. A. health care coverage B. public highway systems C. social services D. marriage laws E. war and peace Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because the national government, specifically the federal government, holds exclusive authority over matters of war and peace through its control over the military and foreign policy. 3. In the United States, state governments are responsible for ________. A. fighting inflation B. issues relating to international trade and relations C. deciding what constitutes criminal behavior D. Medicare E. food and nutritional assistance Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because states are responsible for determining and enforcing criminal laws within their jurisdictions, including defining criminal behavior and administering justice through their court systems. 4. What state-administered federal program is responsible for providing health care coverage for poor Americans? A. Medicare B. Social Security C. Medicaid D. Aid to Families with Dependent Children E. Health care coverage for poor Americans is not provided through a federal program Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage to low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. 5. ________ is the total output of all economic activity in the nation, including goods and services. A. Net national product B. Gross domestic product C. Government spending D. Consumer price index E. Gross national product Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific period, reflecting the overall economic activity of the nation. 6. Which of the following best describes recent trends in state and local government spending as compared to federal government spending over the past 30 years? A. State and local government spending has grown, while federal spending has decreased except for federal spending in 2009-2011. B. Federal spending has increased, while state and local government spending has decreased. C. Both federal spending and state and local spending have increased, especially since the recession in 2009. D. Both federal spending and state and local spending have decreased, as Republican tax policies have decreased the federal budget, thereby impacting state and local budgets. E. Both federal spending and state and local spending have held steady in recent years; there have been no significant increases or decreases. Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because, in general, state and local government spending has increased over the past 30 years, while federal spending has decreased, with exceptions such as increased federal spending during the recession in 2009-2011. 7. Which of the following is NOT an area in which state and local governments typically determine policy? A. how schools are run B. defense against foreign threats C. where roads and bridges are built D. how land is used E. what social services are provided and to whom Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because defense against foreign threats is typically the responsibility of the federal government, specifically the Department of Defense and other national security agencies. 8. Community, business, and other leaders who determine public policy or block changes in policy without themselves necessarily holding office are collectively known as ________. A. centralists B. lobbyists C. opinion leaders D. the power elite E. decentralists Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because the power elite refers to influential individuals and groups in society who wield significant political and economic power, often shaping public policy and decision-making behind the scenes. 9. ________ refers to the divisions in a community among socioeconomic groups or classes. A. Social stratification B. Decentralization C. Pluralism D. Laissez-faire E. Gerrymandering Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society based on factors such as wealth, income, education, and social status. 10. Pluralism is ________. A. a belief and attitude that individuals who form the elite have greater influence or authority than others B. a political ideology that supports the rights and power of the people in their struggle against the privileged elite C. a theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power of any one group D. the view that politics and decision-making is limited to the government framework E. a system of government in which leaders are not subjected to the test of free elections Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because pluralism is a political theory that asserts that power is distributed among various competing interest groups, preventing any single group from dominating political decision-making. 11. When a variety of different people are active in different policy areas, it is representative of ________. A. elitism B. communism C. differentialism D. traditionalism E. pluralism Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because pluralism is characterized by the involvement of various individuals and groups in different policy areas, with no single group dominating decisionmaking. 12. Which of the following statements best describes the theory of pluralism? A. No matter whom one asks there is general agreement that a small group of people are the power brokers in a community. B. Corporate members of a community are active in some way, in different policy areas, and have an equal effect on the community‘s decisions. C. The “powers that be,” generally those with a large amount of control over the local economy, are the real power brokers in a community. D. A variety of people in a community are active (not just the power elite), and generally different people are active in different policy areas. E. A plurality of values, specific to a community, is the underlying source of community power. Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because the theory of pluralism asserts that multiple individuals and groups, not just the elite, are active in various policy areas, leading to diverse influences on decision-making. 13. Which of the following statements, if true, supports pluralism? A. Representative democracy ensures individuals are all-powerful. B. Public policy emerges from competition among groups. C. Direct democracy leads to anarchy and the loss of freedom. D. The values of respect and tolerance are absent in the present society. E. Studies show that the upper socioeconomic groups make up the power elite. Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because pluralism suggests that public policy results from the competition and interaction among various interest groups, reflecting diverse societal interests. 14. Which of the following statements is true about the mobility rate of the population of the United States? A. It contributes to political inaction because processes for updating voter registration are complicated. B. The people of United States have a low mobility rate. C. It increases local political participation since newly arrived residents are enthusiastic about bringing about change. D. The United States puts a large number of legal barriers in the way of people who want to move from state to state or within a county. E. The process of voter registration becomes easier when moving from state to state than at the county level. Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because the complexity of voter registration processes can hinder political participation among mobile populations, contributing to political inaction. 15. Which of the following is NOT an activity of interest groups in the states? A. lobbying at state capitols and city halls B. educating and organizing voters C. supporting political friends D. getting members of their group to run for public office E. trying to build up the membership of their organizations Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because while interest groups may support candidates sympathetic to their causes, actively recruiting members to run for public office is not typically considered a primary activity of interest groups. 16. Interest groups ________. A. assume major responsibility for funding recovery efforts after natural disasters B. educate and organize voters C. regulate driving D. provide Medicaid E. control Social Security Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because interest groups often engage in activities such as educating and organizing voters to advocate for their policy preferences. 17. Which statement best describes special-interest groups‘ power? A. The nature of the special-interest group determines whether it is stronger at the state and local level or in Washington, D.C. B. Special-interest groups‘ power is generally stronger in Washington, D.C. than at the local level. C. Special-interest groups‘ power is generally stronger at the state and local level than in Washington, D.C. D. Thanks to campaign reform laws, the strength of special-interest groups has greatly diminished at both the state and local levels and the federal level. E. Special-interest groups have never been particularly powerful in U.S. politics, either at the state, local, or federal level. Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because special-interest groups often exert significant influence at the state and local levels where policies directly affect their interests. 18. Which of the following interest groups is present in nearly every state and locality? A. auto unions B. association of wine producers C. tobacco farmers‘ association D. association of software professionals E. public school teachers‘ union Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because public school teachers' unions are commonly found in various states and localities, advocating for the interests of educators and education policies. 19. Why are professional associations concerned with public policy? A. because the states award contracts based on professional associations‘ lobbying strength and public image B. because the states provide their licenses and determine the requirements to become licensed C. because they want to make sure licensing requirements are as liberal as possible in order to increase their numbers and, therefore, their influence D. because their main priority is to shape public policy, which will make their professions more marketable to potential clients E. they aren‘t; professional associations do not involve themselves in government Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because professional associations often seek to influence public policy related to licensing requirements and regulations that directly impact their professions. 20. The Beauticians Aid Association, the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, and the Institute of Dry Cleaning are examples of ________. A. ethnic fraternal societies B. regulatory agencies C. political action committees D. legislative task forces E. professional associations Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because these organizations represent professional associations related to specific industries or professions, advocating for their interests and influencing relevant policies. 21. Which of the following professionals are NOT typically licensed by the state? A. doctors B. lawyers C. waiters D. dentists E. teachers Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because waiters typically do not require state licensing to practice their profession, unlike doctors, lawyers, dentists, and teachers who usually need state licensure to ensure competency and adherence to professional standards. 22. Which of the following statements is true of interest groups? A. Interest groups assume major responsibility over operating Social Security programs. B. When compared to states and local governments, interest groups tend to be more dominant at the national level. C. Interest groups tend to have minimal internal divisions. D. There are more interest groups and lobbyists in states that have larger economies. E. Interest groups manage health care coverage for poor citizens through Medicaid. Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because larger economies in states typically attract more interest groups and lobbyists due to the increased stakes and resources involved in policy-making and economic activities. 23. Which of the following statements is true of interest groups? A. Interest groups are stronger in states where political parties are better organized. B. Interest groups are weaker in states where the state government is strong, active, and professional. C. Interest groups appear to be weaker in states with traditionalistic political cultures. D. Interest groups tend to be stronger in states with individualistic political cultures. E. Interest groups are stronger in states where the state government is relatively strong. Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because interest groups often thrive in states where the state government is less dominant and bureaucratic, allowing more room for external influence from interest groups. 24. Interest groups appear to be stronger in states with ________ political cultures. A. traditionalistic B. anarchical C. oligarchic D. moralistic E. individualistic Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because traditionalistic political cultures, which prioritize the maintenance of existing social and political structures, often provide fertile ground for interest group activity and influence. 25. Which of the following is a direct strategy used by interest groups to exert influence? A. print advertisements B. email campaigns C. contributing to local events D. lobbying E. letter writing Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because lobbying involves direct interaction with policymakers to advocate for specific policy positions, making it a direct strategy for exerting influence. 26. KP Inc. is a software company based in California and is part of the Association of Software Companies (ASC), a local interest group. Which of the activities represents a direct strategy to exert influence? A. ASC collects $10,000 and donates it to the local 10K health marathon. B. A representative from the ASC is sent to Washington to convince officials about stricter laws on copyright infringement of software. C. KP Inc. organizes a conference on software piracy for all software companies in California. D. ASC arranges for an awareness campaign on software piracy through television commercials which is scheduled to be aired during the Super Bowl. E. KP Inc. launches a series of print as well as radio advertisements for its new anti-virus software. Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because sending a representative to Washington to advocate for specific laws directly engages with policymakers, making it a direct strategy to exert influence. 27. Which of the following is an example of a direct strategy for influencing state legislators? A. television advertisements B. radio commercials C. petitions D. email campaigns E. in-house lobbying Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because in-house lobbying involves direct interaction with state legislators, providing information and advocating for specific policy positions, thus constituting a direct strategy for influencing them. 28. Which of the following is true of lobbying? A. It is more stringent at the state and local level than at the federal level. B. Monetary contributions are considered as the top lobbying technique. C. It is an indirect strategy of exerting influence on state officials. D. It involves providing information on specific proposals. E. The U.S. federal law prohibits gifts to public employees. Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because lobbying involves providing information, data, and arguments on specific proposals to policymakers, aiming to influence their decision-making. 29. Lobbyists have greater influence in state legislatures than in Congress. Which of the following statements, if true, strengthens the argument? A. State legislators have smaller professional staff teams and serve shorter terms. B. States legislators are more responsive to indirect strategies. C. Lobbying regulations are stricter at the state and local level than at the federal level. D. State legislators are more informed and tend to have a high level of information on specific proposals. E. Lobbying is an often neglected public issue. Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because the smaller professional staff teams and shorter terms of state legislators make them more reliant on external sources of information and expertise, potentially increasing the influence of lobbyists. 30. Who among the following represents an in-house lobbyist? A. Sally is a retired state official who works at a local media company and provides information to local officials on policy issues relating to the media. B. Sam volunteers at the local school and is part of the “Save Education” group and works to influence local officials on local educational policies. C. Judy has experience in the state government and is hired by a local waste management company to influence state legislators on environmental laws. D. David is a member of a local environmental group and works to influence state legislators on waste management issues. E. Greg is the executive director at a realty company and has specialized information on policy issues regarding land use. Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because Greg, as the executive director at a realty company, directly represents the interests of his company, engaging in lobbying activities to influence state legislators on land use policies, which qualifies him as an in-house lobbyist. 31. How many states now ban lobbyists from contributing to campaigns? A. 22 B. 13 C. 5 D. 9 E. 50 Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because five states currently ban lobbyists from contributing to campaigns as a measure to reduce the influence of special interests in elections. 32. What legislative restriction is often called the “no cup of coffee” rule? A. Lobbyists are not allowed to meet with legislators outside legislators‘ offices. B. Lobbyists are not allowed to contribute to legislators‘ campaigns. C. Lobbyists are not allowed to meet with legislators during a legislative session. D. Lobbyists are not allowed to give state officials gifts exceeding $3. E. Lobbyists are not allowed to give state officials gifts of any kind. Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because the "no cup of coffee" rule refers to restrictions on lobbyists giving any gifts of value to state officials, even small ones like a cup of coffee, to avoid the appearance of impropriety or undue influence. 33. Which of the following states limits gifts to public employees to no more than $3 in value? A. Texas B. Virginia C. California D. Iowa E. Vermont Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because Iowa is one of the states that restricts gifts to public employees to no more than $3 in value as a means of preventing undue influence or corruption. 34. Four states ban gifts of any sort to state officials. This is sometimes called the “_______” rule. A. anti-incumbent B. no cup of coffee C. corruption prevention D. full disclosure E. public transparency Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because the "no cup of coffee" rule refers to the prohibition of any gifts, regardless of value, to state officials in order to maintain transparency and prevent potential corruption or undue influence. 35. In which government do U.S. citizens usually have the most trust? A. foreign governments B. local governments C. national government D. international governments E. state governments Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because citizens in the United States typically have higher levels of trust in their local governments compared to other levels of government, such as the national or state governments. 36. Which of the following statements is true of the participation patterns of citizens of United States in the local government? A. Citizens take less interest in and vote less often in the national government than in their local governments. B. Citizens are less informed about the national government than about their local government. C. Local governments are often preoccupied with controversial issues which drive citizens away from participating or taking interest in the matter. D. In local politics, rather than spend time and address local political issues, citizens tend to move to another community. E. The trust in state and local government has increased dramatically since 2002. Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because citizens often choose to avoid addressing local political issues directly by moving to another community instead of actively participating in local politics. 37. Citizen opposition to having a drug treatment clinic or a prison in their neighborhood is an example of ________. A. a total lack of empathy B. a political action committee C. the “Not In My Back Yard!” response D. political propaganda E. elitism Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because the "Not In My Back Yard!" (NIMBY) response refers to local opposition to the siting of potentially undesirable facilities, such as drug treatment clinics or prisons, in one's own neighbourhood. 38. A NIMBY reaction is most likely to be triggered in a community when it is announced that ________. A. federal funds have been procured to build a new high school B. an elected official has been accused of scandalous behavior C. a local election has no clear winner and a runoff will result D. a proposed new airport will not be built after all E. a new landfill will be built in the area Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because the announcement of a new landfill being built in the area is likely to trigger a NIMBY reaction as residents oppose the potential negative effects of the landfill on their community. 39. What is meant by redistribution of resources? A. shifting wealth from one segment of the population to another, generally from rich to poor B. shifting the tax burden from individuals to corporations C. shifting the source of taxes from income to purchases D. attempting to equalize the percentage of taxes paid by each individual, taking into account both income and sales taxes E. shifting the tax burden from corporations to individuals Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because redistribution of resources involves policies and mechanisms aimed at shifting wealth or income from wealthier segments of the population to those who are less affluent, typically through taxation and social welfare programs. 40. At what level of government are redistributive policies, which focus on redistributing resources to needier citizens, least likely to be found? A. the local level B. the state level C. the federal level D. about equally at the local and federal level E. about equally at all levels of government Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because redistributive policies, which involve significant taxation and social welfare programs, are typically more prevalent at the federal level compared to the local level, where resources and authority may be more limited. 41. Local government officials tend to see the redistribution of resources as the responsibility of ________. A. county fiscal courts B. city councils C. charitable organizations D. the state and/or national government E. lobbyists Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because local government officials often perceive the redistribution of resources as the responsibility of the state and/or national government due to their authority and capacity to implement large-scale social welfare programs and taxation policies. 42. Governmental tax and social programs that shift wealth or benefits from one segment of the population to another are known as ________. A. lobbyist policies B. regulatory policies C. redistributive policies D. monetary policies E. communist policies Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because redistributive policies involve governmental actions, such as taxation and social welfare programs, aimed at shifting wealth or benefits from one segment of the population to another to promote social equity and economic justice. 43. Which of the following is a reason for the relative lack of public interest in local government? A. Cities are highly involved in redistributive politics. B. Most city officials wish to alter the status quo. C. Local governments are more often guided by interest group pressure than by professional and technical advice. D. Local governments are mostly concerned with seemingly noncontroversial, routine issues. E. Local governments do not make any decisions that have any impact on individuals‘ lives. Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because the relative lack of public interest in local government is often attributed to the perception that local governments primarily deal with routine and noncontroversial issues that may not directly impact individuals' lives in a noticeable manner. 44. Which of the following events is most likely to result in large voter turnout at the local level? A. a mayoral election B. a city council or commissioner election C. a school board election D. a gubernatorial election E. a police commissioner election Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because gubernatorial elections, involving the selection of a state's governor, typically attract larger voter turnout compared to local elections due to the higher profile and broader significance of the gubernatorial office. 45. Which of the following is NOT a reason for limited media coverage of local government? A. Many cities have limited media outlets, for example, only a single weekly newspaper. B. Local government has little effect on the daily lives of citizens. C. Citizens tend to be more interested in state and national government. D. Many reporters assigned to local politics are inexperienced. E. Citizens tend to be more interested in local sports. Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because limited media coverage of local government can be attributed to factors such as limited media outlets, reporter inexperience, and citizens' greater interest in state and national government, rather than the perception of local government having little effect on daily lives. 46. Which of the following is least likely to be found in a small community newspaper? A. coverage of the local high school football team‘s big game B. coverage of the most recent city council meeting C. coverage of a congressional debate over tax increases D. coverage of a new manufacturing plant opening E. coverage of a congressional election Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because small community newspapers are less likely to cover the proceedings of a city council meeting compared to local events such as high school sports, community developments, and local business activities, which are more relevant to their readership. 47. Lack of citizen interest in, and participation in, local politics is often referred to as ________. A. gerrymandering B. grassroots apathy C. elitism D. disillusionment E. rational abstention Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because grassroots apathy refers to the lack of interest and participation among citizens in local politics, often attributed to factors such as perceived lack of influence, uninspiring local issues, and limited awareness of local government activities. 48. Compared to state and national elections, local elections ________. A. tend to have lower levels of turnout B. occur less frequently C. are much more competitive D. generate greater levels of citizen interest E. typically have higher rates of citizen participation Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because local elections tend to have lower levels of voter turnout compared to state and national elections due to factors such as lower visibility of local issues, less media coverage, and fewer resources devoted to local election campaigns. 49. Which of the following factors contributes to grassroots apathy? A. local elections held at the same time as national elections B. voter empathy toward local politics C. the lack of competition that exists when local candidates in an election run unopposed D. intense local issues E. local governments holding partisan rather than nonpartisan elections Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because the lack of competition, with local candidates often running unopposed, can contribute to grassroots apathy by reducing voter engagement and interest in local elections. 50. Which of the following is a reason for lower voter turnout in local elections than in state or national elections? A. greater citizen interest in local politics B. low levels of competition in local elections C. high name recognition for all candidates in local elections D. local elections being held at the same time as presidential elections E. higher levels of campaign spending for local elections Answer: B Rationale: The correct answer is B because low levels of competition in local elections, with many candidates running unopposed or facing minimal opposition, can lead to lower voter turnout compared to state or national elections where more competitive races may generate greater voter interest and engagement. 51. People tend to become politically active when ________. A. no competition exists for some of the races on a particular ballot B. the government holds nonpartisan elections C. issues become more intense and seem to directly affect them D. the media does not cover politics E. the government forces them to be Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because individuals are more likely to become politically active when they perceive that issues are becoming more intense and directly affecting their lives, prompting them to engage in political action to address those issues. 52. Which of the following best describes the state and federal initiatives to assist inner-city residents and bring them into the economic mainstream? A. promising B. nonexistent (most have been discontinued) C. inadequate D. a bright spot of success in an otherwise dismal economic picture E. hugely successful in some states, but dismal in others Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because state and federal initiatives to assist inner-city residents and integrate them into the economic mainstream are often described as inadequate due to challenges such as limited funding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and complex socioeconomic issues. 53. Cities rarely have the funds to mount major economic development plans. Which of the following statements, if true, strengthens the argument? A. There has been a major reduction in housing values that has reduced property tax revenue. B. The economic crisis of 2008 saw a rise in the number of bailouts across the world. C. A recent poll of residents from 5 major cities in the United States suggests that citizens feel that the local government is not doing enough for the betterment of the lower sections of society. D. There has been a rise in income and sales tax revenue. E. Congress passed the American Reconstruction and Recovery Act of 2009, which included billions of dollars for road and highway construction and other state and local projects. Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because a major reduction in housing values resulting in decreased property tax revenue would further limit the funds available to cities for major economic development plans, strengthening the argument presented in the question. 54. Which of the following does NOT contribute to the fiscal challenges facing city and state officials? A. increased Internet purchasing B. a shift to the consumption of services rather than goods C. increasing health care costs D. increasing energy prices E. decreasing voter participation in state and local elections Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because decreasing voter participation in state and local elections, while a concern for democracy, does not directly contribute to the fiscal challenges facing city and state officials related to revenue generation, expenditure management, and economic development. 55. How is the issue of immigration at the local level where foreign-born residents have recently settled best described? A. The value of immigrant labor is best appreciated at the local level. B. In smaller communities, individuals are more likely to be accepting of new immigrants. C. Immigration reform at the federal level has “trickled down” to the local level and greatly improved relations between native-born Americans and new immigrants. D. Many longtime residents resent new immigrants and have pushed both local and state officials to do something to stop, or at least slow, immigration. E. Most new immigrants keep to themselves and neither want nor seek interaction with the established community. Answer: D Rationale: The correct answer is D because the issue of immigration at the local level is often characterized by tensions between longtime residents and new immigrants, with many residents expressing resentment and pushing for actions to limit immigration, reflecting challenges in integration and community cohesion. 56. Which of the following is NOT a major challenge currently facing state and local governments? A. health care costs and delivery B. intense political divisions over new immigrants C. providing adequate defense against foreign military threats D. cost of corrections and prisons E. poverty in the inner cities Answer: C Rationale: The correct answer is C because providing adequate defense against foreign military threats is primarily a federal government responsibility, not a major challenge facing state and local governments, which are more concerned with issues such as healthcare, poverty, and criminal justice. 57. Which of the following is true of the challenges facing state and local governments? A. Communities across the United States are united over the new immigration laws. B. Property tax revenue is generally faster to recover from recessions than are income or sales tax revenues. C. The state government is funding programs despite the reduction in their sources of income. D. The state and local government have more funds as there is a reduction in the cost of corrections and prisons. E. Environmental regulation, land use, and recycling remain major challenges at the local level. Answer: E Rationale: The correct answer is E because environmental regulation, land use, and recycling are ongoing challenges at the local level, reflecting the complexities of urban planning, sustainability, and resource management that local governments must address to ensure the well-being of their communities. True-False Questions 1. The national government has the primary responsibility for decisions about how schools are run, where roads and bridges are built, and how land is used. Answer: False Rationale: The correct statement is False because decisions about how schools are run, where roads and bridges are built, and how land is used are primarily the responsibility of state and local governments, not the national government. While the national government may provide funding or guidelines in these areas, the actual decisions and implementation are decentralized to the state and local levels. 2. Gross domestic product is an estimated value of the total worth of production and services, by citizens of a country, on its land or on foreign land, calculated over the course on one year. Answer: False Rationale: The correct statement is False because gross domestic product (GDP) is indeed an estimated value of the total worth of production and services within a country's borders, but it does not include production by citizens on foreign land. GDP is calculated over a specific period, usually one year, but it does not necessarily specify that it's calculated over the course of one year. 3. The U.S. federal government has custody over a majority of the country‘s prison and jail inmates. Answer: False Rationale: The correct statement is False because the majority of prison and jail inmates in the United States are under the jurisdiction of state and local governments, not the federal government. While the federal government does oversee some inmates in federal prisons, the total number of federal inmates is significantly lower than those held in state and local facilities. 4. The national government has more daily contact with ordinary Americans than the local and state governments. Answer: False Rationale: The correct statement is False because local and state governments typically have more daily contact with ordinary Americans than the national government. Local governments, in particular, are responsible for providing essential services such as police and fire protection, education, and utilities, which directly impact citizens' daily lives. Additionally, state governments oversee a wide range of services, including transportation, healthcare, and education, which also involve regular interaction with citizens. 5. State and local employees are the face of government for many of us, and they help execute the federal government‘s laws and rules. Answer: True Rationale: The correct statement is True because state and local government employees often interact directly with citizens and are responsible for implementing and enforcing federal, state, and local laws and regulations. They play a crucial role in delivering public services and administering government programs at the grassroots level, making them the primary interface between government and citizens. 6. Social scientists who believe that the power elite exists in communities assume that political influence is a function of social stratification. Answer: True Rationale: The correct statement is True because social scientists who subscribe to the theory of the power elite posit that political influence is concentrated among a small group of individuals who hold significant economic, political, and social power within a community. This concentration of power often correlates with social stratification, where certain socioeconomic groups or classes wield disproportionate influence over political decisionmaking. 7. Pluralism refers to divisions in a community among socioeconomic groups or classes. Answer: False Rationale: The correct statement is False because pluralism refers to a political theory or system that acknowledges and accommodates diverse interests, opinions, and groups within a society. It emphasizes the existence of multiple competing groups and views as essential for a healthy democracy. While divisions among socioeconomic groups may exist within pluralistic societies, pluralism itself does not specifically refer to such divisions. 8. Local values, traditions, and the structure of governmental organizations affect which issues get on the agenda of the local government. Answer: True Rationale: The correct statement is True because local values, traditions, and the structure of governmental organizations indeed influence the prioritization and agenda-setting process of local government. Local governments often address issues that are of particular concern or relevance to their communities, taking into account cultural norms, historical context, and the preferences of local residents when determining policy priorities and allocating resources. 9. Interest groups have significantly lesser influence over state and local politics than over national politics. Answer: False Rationale: The correct statement is False because interest groups can exert significant influence over both state and local politics, often comparable to their influence at the national level. State and local governments are susceptible to lobbying and advocacy efforts by interest groups seeking to shape public policy, allocate resources, and influence decision-making processes. Interest groups may target state and local officials to advance their agendas on issues ranging from education and healthcare to zoning and taxation. 10. Public school teachers‘ unions and police and firefighter employee associations are present in nearly every state and locality in the United States. Answer: True Rationale: The correct statement is True because public school teachers‘ unions and police and firefighter employee associations are indeed widespread across the United States, with representation in nearly every state and locality. These organizations advocate for the interests and rights of their members, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and engage in political activities to influence policies related to education, public safety, and labor rights at the state and local levels. 11. Advocates of low taxes and smaller government formed the “Tea Party” to cut state and local budgets. Answer: True Rationale: The statement is True because the Tea Party movement emerged in the United States in the early 21st century as a political movement advocating for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and limited government intervention in various policy areas, including state and local budgets. The movement gained prominence for its opposition to government bailouts, stimulus packages, and healthcare reform, all of which were perceived as expanding government influence and increasing spending at both the federal and state levels. 12. Lobbying is an example of an indirect strategy of influencing state officials. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because lobbying is typically considered a direct strategy of influencing state officials. Lobbyists engage directly with policymakers, legislators, and government officials to advocate for specific policies, legislation, or interests on behalf of their clients or organizations. This direct interaction involves efforts such as providing information, making persuasive arguments, and building relationships to influence decisionmaking processes at the state level. 13. Special interest groups show the greatest influence in states where there are powerful political parties that are well-organized. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because the influence of special interest groups does not necessarily correlate with the strength or organization of political parties in a state. Special interest groups can wield significant influence in states with both strong and weak political parties, depending on factors such as the alignment of their interests with policymakers, their resources and ability to mobilize support, and the political climate and culture of the state. 14. Lobbying regulations are more relaxed at the federal level than at the local and state level. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because lobbying regulations are generally stricter at the federal level compared to the local and state levels. Federal lobbying laws impose disclosure requirements, registration obligations, and restrictions on activities such as gifts and campaign contributions by lobbyists and lobbying firms. These regulations aim to increase transparency, prevent conflicts of interest, and ensure accountability in the interactions between lobbyists and federal officials. 15. Beyond influencing the legislature, lobbyists at the state level also work with officials in the executive branch and even the judiciary in getting their point across to state governments. Answer: True Rationale: The statement is True because lobbyists at the state level often engage not only with legislators but also with officials in the executive branch (such as governors, agency heads, and regulatory authorities) and, to a lesser extent, with members of the judiciary. Lobbyists may advocate for their clients' interests through various channels, including meetings, hearings, written communications, and legal proceedings, depending on the nature of the issue and the decision-making processes within state government. 16. Contract lobbyists have experience working in the state government as elected, appointed, or professional officials and can be termed “hired guns”—they work for whoever hires them. Answer: True Rationale: The statement is True because contract lobbyists are hired by organizations, corporations, or interest groups to represent their interests and advocate for their priorities in state government. These lobbyists often have prior experience working in state government, either as elected officials, appointed officials, or professional staff, which provides them with insider knowledge, networks, and expertise to navigate the legislative and regulatory processes effectively. As "hired guns," they work for whoever hires them to advance their clients' interests. 17. It has been proven that large corporations with full-time, highly-paid lobbyists wield more influence than organizations who cannot afford to pay for lobbying expertise. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because the influence of lobbyists and interest groups cannot be solely attributed to the size or financial resources of the organizations they represent. While large corporations with substantial resources may indeed employ full-time, highly-paid lobbyists to advocate for their interests, the effectiveness of lobbying efforts depends on various factors, including the merits of the arguments presented, the alignment of interests with policymakers, the credibility and reputation of the lobbyists, and the political and social context in which advocacy occurs. Smaller organizations or grassroots movements can also wield significant influence through strategic advocacy, grassroots mobilization, coalitionbuilding, and effective communication strategies. 18. People in the United States generally have more trust and confidence in the national government than in the state government. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because public trust and confidence in government institutions vary depending on factors such as historical events, political climate, and individual experiences. While some people may express greater trust and confidence in the national government, others may have more trust in state or local governments, particularly if they perceive these institutions as more responsive, accountable, or effective in addressing their needs and concerns. Trust in government is complex and multifaceted, and it can differ significantly among individuals and communities. 19. Citizens may trust local government the most, but they generally take less interest in, vote less often in, and are less informed about their local governments than about the national government. Answer: True Rationale: The statement is True because research has shown that while citizens may express greater trust and confidence in local government compared to state or national government, they often exhibit lower levels of interest, voter turnout, and information about local politics. Factors such as limited media coverage, complex issues, and a perception of less immediate impact on daily life may contribute to lower levels of engagement with local government compared to national government. Despite trusting local government, citizens may prioritize national issues or perceive them as more consequential, leading to greater attention and participation in national politics. 20. Local governments try to promote equality by redistributing various resources to needier citizens. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because while local governments may implement policies and programs aimed at addressing socioeconomic disparities and promoting equity within their communities, they typically have fewer resources and less authority than state or federal governments to engage in significant redistributive efforts. Local governments often focus on providing essential services, infrastructure, and public safety rather than large-scale redistribution of resources. Additionally, redistributive policies are more commonly associated with higher levels of government, such as progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and income redistribution measures implemented at the state or federal level. 21. Newspapers in medium-sized and large cities appear to be doing better financially than community newspapers. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because, in reality, newspapers in both medium-sized and large cities, as well as community newspapers, have faced significant financial challenges in recent years due to factors such as declining advertising revenue, competition from digital media, and changes in reader habits. Many newspapers, regardless of size, have experienced layoffs, reduced print circulation, and struggles to maintain profitability in the face of these challenges. 22. Voter participation is generally higher for local elections, since local issues affect voters‘ lives more directly. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because voter participation tends to be lower in local elections compared to state or national elections, despite the direct impact of local issues on voters' lives. Factors such as lower visibility of local candidates and races, less media coverage, and the perception of less consequential outcomes may contribute to lower voter turnout in local elections. While local issues may have a direct impact, they often do not attract the same level of attention or mobilization as state or national issues. 23. Town meetings continue to be the one community political process that still attracts large crowds. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because town meetings, while historically significant in some communities, do not consistently attract large crowds in modern times. Participation in town meetings and other forms of direct democracy varies widely depending on factors such as community size, demographics, political culture, and the availability of alternative forms of civic engagement. In many communities, town meetings may attract only a small percentage of the population, with broader participation occurring through other channels such as elections, public hearings, and online forums. 24. Proposals to raise taxes, cut school funding, or build low-income housing are likely to spur political participation in small communities. Answer: True Rationale: The statement is True because proposals related to taxes, school funding, or housing, especially those perceived as affecting the community directly, often generate significant public interest and political participation in small communities. These issues can provoke strong reactions from residents who may have a vested interest or stake in the outcomes, leading to increased civic engagement, public debate, and activism. In small communities where residents may feel a greater sense of community identity and involvement, local issues tend to elicit more active participation compared to broader, national issues. 25. Federal officials are proposing cuts for many of the programs that aid state and local governments. Answer: True Rationale: The statement is True because federal officials, particularly during times of budgetary constraints or shifts in political priorities, may propose cuts to various programs that provide funding or assistance to state and local governments. These programs encompass areas such as education, transportation, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure, and cuts to federal funding can have significant implications for the operations and services of state and local governments. Budget proposals and legislative initiatives at the federal level often involve debates over the allocation of resources and the role of government in addressing societal needs, which can impact state and local governments. 26. Local communities generally welcome new immigrants because the role of immigrants in American history is revered. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because attitudes toward immigrants and immigration vary widely among local communities in the United States and are influenced by factors such as cultural, economic, and political considerations. While some communities may welcome immigrants and recognize their contributions to American society, others may express apprehension, resentment, or hostility toward immigrants, particularly in contexts where economic competition, cultural differences, or perceptions of social change are salient issues. Local responses to immigration are complex and can involve debates over issues such as employment, education, social services, and community identity. 27. The costs of corrections and prisons have declined in recent years due to the introduction of new policies and programs, such as offering "good-time" credits to low-risk offenders and making use of privately run prison facilities. Answer: False Rationale: The statement is False because the costs of corrections and prisons have not declined significantly in recent years, despite the introduction of certain policies and programs aimed at reducing incarceration rates or managing prison populations more efficiently. Factors such as increasing inmate populations, rising healthcare costs, aging prison infrastructure, and contractual obligations with private prison operators have contributed to ongoing budgetary challenges for state and local governments responsible for corrections and prison systems. While some jurisdictions may implement cost-saving measures or alternatives to incarceration, overall expenditures on corrections and prisons continue to constitute a significant portion of government budgets at both the state and local levels. 28. In the United States, health care costs have been rising rapidly for several years, while at the same time citizens have faced greater obstacles to gaining access to care. Answer: True Rationale: The statement is True because healthcare costs in the United States have indeed been increasing rapidly over recent years, driven by factors such as technological advancements, rising prescription drug prices, administrative expenses, and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. These rising costs have led to challenges in accessing affordable healthcare for many citizens, including barriers related to insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and limited availability of healthcare providers, particularly in underserved areas. Despite efforts to address healthcare affordability and access through reforms such as the Affordable Care Act, disparities in healthcare access and affordability persist, posing ongoing challenges for policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals seeking medical care. Short Answer Questions 1. Identify four policy areas in which state and local governments typically make decisions. Answer: An ideal response would be: State and local governments make decisions that affect many people‘s daily lives—they make most of the decisions about how schools are run, where roads and bridges are built, how land is used, and what social services are provided and to whom. They regulate our driving, our occupations, and our families (through marriage and divorce laws, among others). They decide, for the most part, what constitutes criminal behavior and how it should be charged, tried, and punished, and they have custody of more than 91 percent of the nation‘s nearly 2.4 million prison and jail inmates. State and local governments administer most of our laws and domestic programs, including those funded by the federal government. 2. Define social stratification and explain its relationship to the power elite as identified by some social scientists. Answer: An ideal response would be: Social stratification refers to the divisions in a community among socioeconomic groups or classes. Social scientists concerned with social stratification in the political system assume that political influence is a function of social stratification. These investigators try to find out who governs particular communities by asking various citizens to identify the people who are most influential. They base their work on the classical political philosopher Thomas Hobbes‘ assertion in Leviathan “the reputation of power is power.” Then they study those influential people to determine their social characteristics, their roles in decision making, and the interrelations among them and between them and the rest of the citizens. Using this technique, they find that the upper socioeconomic groups make up the power elite. Elected political leaders are subordinate to that elite, and the major conflicts within the community are between the upper and the lower socioeconomic classes. 3. Explain the theory of pluralism. Answer: An ideal response would be: Pluralism refers toa theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power of any one group. 4. What are professional associations and why are they active in state and local politics? Answer: An ideal response would be: Professional association refers to a type of interest group. They represent the social and economic majorities of people who rely on a particular industry or corporation for their jobs and livelihood. States license barbers, beauticians, architects, lawyers, doctors, teachers, accountants, dentists, and many other occupational groups. Such interest groups are naturally interested in the nature of the regulatory laws and the makeup of boards that do the regulating. Medical associations monitor licensing standards for physicians, nurses, and other health professionals, just as legal associations monitor licensing standards for their profession and the appointment of state and local judges. 5. What are the indirect strategies used by interest groups to exert their influence on state officials? Answer: An ideal response would be: Interest groups can be effective in influencing state officials by turning ordinary citizens into lobbyists for their positions. This is done through indirect strategies. Indirect strategies involve use of the media, email campaigns, letter writing, and so forth. Typically, an interest group will develop a paid commercial for television that informs the public of its stance on an issue; these commercials often look like public service announcements. 6. Why might local governments avoid redistributing resources to needier citizens? Answer: An ideal response would be: Local governments, as a rule, do not try to promote equality by redistributing various resources to needier citizens. Local officials tend to believe that this is the task of national or state authorities—if they think it should be done at all. 7. What is meant by NIMBY? Give an example of how it might happen. Answer: An ideal response would be: Neighbourhood groups sometimes become engaged in protecting their neighbourhoods and petitioning for improvements. One concern that often activates them is the possibility that “undesirable” facilities—such as drug treatment clinics, prisons, dumps, or homeless shelters—may be located in their neighbourhood. Although attendance at local government meetings is usually low, the announcement of a landfill or a prison construction project often stimulates the reaction that local officials call NIMBY, an acronym for “Not In My Back Yard!” This response can have the perverse effect of forcing facilities such as airports to remain in densely populated areas because it is too difficult to find alternative sites for them. 8. In terms of political involvement, what is meant by grassroots apathy? Answer: An ideal response would be: Grassroots apathy refers to reduced involvement by voters in local politics. Some of the reasons for this include local governments holding elections separate from state and federal elections and a lack of public interest in local issues. 9. Identify four of the main issues currently facing state and local governments. Answer: An ideal answer may include any of the following issues: • People want more services but at the same time would like to see their taxes cut. • Intense political divisions over new immigrants exist in many communities. • Much of the nation‘s infrastructure needs to be repaired or rebuilt. • The costs of corrections and prisons have skyrocketed in recent years, driven by the rapid growth of prison populations as well as the costs of caring for an aging population of prisoners. • Poverty in the inner cities persists. • Education needs improvement. • Environmental regulation, land use, and recycling remain major challenges at the local level. • Health care costs and delivery are challenges to all levels of government. 10. Identify four of the techniques currently being used to deal with increasing costs of corrections and prisons. Answer: An ideal response would be: States are trying to cut costs by introducing new policies and programs including stronger efforts to divert inmates to rehabilitation facilities; “good-time” credits to low-risk offenders who would then be allowed to shorten their prison terms; shorter sentences at the discretion of judges; more effective systems of parole and probation; and greater use of privately run (and often out-of- state) prison facilities. Essay Question 1. Describe the role played by state and local governments in the American political system. Answer: An ideal response would be: State and local governments have more daily contact with ordinary Americans than the national government and make decisions that affect many people‘s daily lives—how schools are run, where roads and bridges are built, how land is used, and what social services are provided and to whom. They regulate our driving, our occupations, and our families (through marriage and divorce laws, among others). They decide, for the most part, what constitutes criminal behavior and how it should be charged, tried, and punished, and they have custody of more than 91 percent of the nation‘s nearly 2.4 million prison and jail inmates. State and local governments administer most of our laws and domestic programs, including those funded by the federal government. Through Medicaid and related programs, state governments provide health care coverage for approximately half of all poor children and a quarter of all poor adults. With federal assistance, they finance half of all nursing home expenditures and more than one-third of all births. They pay for 79 percent of the total costs of building and maintaining our public highway system, and they are responsible for building and maintaining most of our bridges, water and sewage systems, and other elements of our nation‘s infrastructure. State and local colleges and universities educate nearly three of every four students enrolled in higher education. State and local governments are a very large part of our economy. State and local expenditures as a percentage of national GDP have steadily grown during the last 30 years and have nearly the same total impact on our country‘s economy as does that of the national government. These governments employ nearly 20 million people in education, hospitals, police protection, and corrections. 2. Identify three of the most active types of interest groups in state and local politics. Answer: An ideal response would be: • Business elite ○ Business interests and its effects on local politics ○ Interest in community planning and taxes • Professional associations ○ Examples: health care professionals, barbers, etc. ○ Interest in regulatory laws and the makeup of boards that do the regulating • Special-interest groups ○ Dominate certain states and affect public policies in these states ○ Examples: corn and hog farmers in Iowa, gas and oil companies in Texas and Louisiana, tobacco farmers in North Carolina and Virginia, etc. 3. Briefly describe the role of lobbying in state and local politics. What strategies do lobbyists employ to influence government decisions? Answer: An ideal response would be: • Importance of lobbying in present-day politics • The common misconception of lobbying • What constitutes lobbying • The influence of lobbyists on state and local level politics • Example of direct and indirect strategies used by lobbyists 4. As racial and ethnic minority groups become majorities in more states, what might happen to political divisions in those states and what might the effects of this trend be on public policies? Answer: An ideal response would be: As our nation has become more diverse, most U.S. citizens have learned to appreciate the strength that comes from multiple cultures and races, and many of our businesses have come to rely on immigrant labor, both legal and illegal. However, in many communities where foreign-born residents have settled in large numbers, longtime residents have resented the changing racial, linguistic, and ethnic composition of their communities and have pushed state and local officials to stem or even reverse the growth of immigrants. New immigration laws passed in Arizona in 2010 reignited a national debate on how all levels of government might address this problem. In June, 2012 the United States Supreme Court ruled much of the Arizona immigration law unconstitutional, although the court did allow Arizona law enforcement officers to continue to check the immigration status of those who were stopped for other offenses. 5. List and discuss the eight main challenges currently facing state and local governments. Answer: An ideal answer will elaborate on the following issues: • People want more services but at the same time would like to see their taxes cut. • Intense political divisions over new immigrants exist in many communities. • Much of the nation‘s infrastructure needs to be repaired or rebuilt. • The costs of corrections and prisons have skyrocketed in recent years, driven by the rapid growth of prison populations as well as the costs of caring for an aging population of prisoners. • Poverty in the inner cities persists. • Education needs improvement. • Environmental regulation, land use, and recycling remain major challenges at the local level. • Health care costs and delivery are challenges to all levels of government. Test Bank for State and Local Government by the People David B. Magleby Paul C. Light, Christine L. Nemacheck 9780205966530, 9780205828401