CH-3 The American Political Landscape – Government by the People : Exam Guide

Chapter 3 – The American Political Landscape Reading Comprehension Quiz Multiple Choice Questions 1. Someone who believes that the American way of life is inherently better and superior in every way to any other on earth is demonstrating A. fascism. B. patriotism. C. nationalism. D. ethnocentrism. E. socialism. Answer: D 2. People in the same demographic categories tend to vote alike despite individual differences in socioeconomic standing; they share certain A. political socialization that can predict political behavior. B. cross-cutting cleavages that can predict political behavior. C. reinforcing cleavages that can predict political behavior. D. political predispositions that can predict political behavior. E. group identities that can predict political behavior. Answer: D 3. The process by which parents and others teach children about the values, beliefs, and attitudes of a political culture is called A. political socialization. B. political indoctrination. C. demographic socialization. D. patriotic transfer. E. cultural socialization. Answer: A 4. The study of population characteristics in terms of age, education, religion, and occupation is called A. census studies. B. demography. C. human geography. D. nativism. E. cultural studies. Answer: B 5. The idea that the United States should be a continent-spanning nation was called A. expansion destiny. B. colonial destiny. C. manifest destiny. D. national destiny. E. exceptional destiny. Answer: C 6. Which region of the United States has the fastest rate of population growth? A. The Sun Belt B. The West C. The South D. The Midwest E. The Northeast Answer: A 7. A social division based on national origin, religion, language, and a sense of attachment to one’s group forms a(n) A. racial group. B. national group. C. ethnic group. D. cultural group. E. socioeconomic group. Answer: C 8. A profile of African American life in the United States would include all of the following EXCEPT the fact that A. the African American population is somewhat older than the white American population. B. African Americans tend to have lower levels of education than white Americans. C. the African American population is concentrated in economically hard-pressed central cities. D. African Americans have a higher unemployment rate than white Americans. E. the African American population has lower net worth than the white American population. Answer: A 9. Cuban Americans tend to vote for A. Republicans. B. other Cuban Americans. C. Independents. D. Castro. E. Democrats. Answer: A 10. Today, unequal distribution of wealth and income in the United States results in A. the formation of an aristocracy. B. laws of primogeniture. C. estate redistribution laws. D. political divisions and conflicts. E. similar ideologies across the entire income spectrum. Answer: D 11. The term that refers to the widely shared beliefs, values, and norms concerning the relationship of citizens to government and to one another is A. ideology. B. belief system. C. patriotic idealism. D. political culture. E. suffrage. Answer: D 12. Democratic and civic habits of discussion, compromise, and respect for differences, which grow out of participation in voluntary organizations, are referred to as A. suffrage. B. social capital. C. political culture. D. natural rights. E. popular sovereignty. Answer: B 13. The textbook lists a number of values shared by most Americans. These include all of the following EXCEPT A. liberty. B. equality of opportunity. C. deference to aristocracy. D. individualism. E. respect for the common person. Answer: C 14. The American Dream remains an unfulfilled dream as evidenced by A. the fact that the gap between the rich and the poor has grown in recent years. B. sharp income differences between white Americans and African Americans. C. the permanent existence of an underclass in the form of impoverished families. D. children who are malnourished because of poverty. E. All of the above Answer: E 15. An economic system characterized by private property, competitive markets, economic incentives, and limited government involvement in the production, distribution, and pricing of goods and services is called A. capitalism. B. robber barons. C. political ideology. D. liberalism. E. conservatism. Answer: A True/False Questions 1. Reinforcing cleavages tend to make political conflict more intense. Answer: True 2. Republicans have made major inroads into the old “solid Midwest” of pre-1964 Democratic control. Answer: False 3. Sun Belt states have experienced greater economic growth than most other areas in the United States. Answer: True 4. Race is a social division based on national origin, religion, and language. Answer: False 5. Evangelical Protestants have the highest percentage of voter turnout. Answer: False 6. Women were NOT allowed to vote anywhere in the United States until 1920. Answer: False 7. Education is one of the most important predictors of political participation. Answer: True 8. According to the authors, no value in the American political culture is more revered than suffrage. Answer: False 9. The idea that all people have the right to dignity and worth is called natural rights. Answer: True 10. U.S. citizens learn about our political culture from schools, the mass media, and our families. Answer: True Chapter Examination Multiple Choice Questions 1. Selective perception based on background attitudes and biases is called A. ethnocentrism. B. experience. C. wisdom. D. selfishness. E. natural rights. Answer: A 2. The most urban areas of the United States are A. the South and Midwest. B. the Midwest and Northwest. C. the Northwest and West. D. the West and Northeast. E. the Northeast and South. Answer: D 3. Southern states usually have given their votes for president to A. Republicans. B. Democrats. C. Independents. D. Greens. E. Libertarians. Answer: A 4. When social and economic differences reinforce each other, making political conflict more intense and polarizing in society, social scientists call them A. reinforcing cleavages. B. additive cleavages. C. polarizing cleavages. D. cross-cutting cleavages. E. predisposing cleavages. Answer: A 5. If the rich and the poor of all religions sometimes vote on the basis of their religion but sometimes vote on the basis of their wealth, it is an illustration of A. reinforcing cleavages. B. additive cleavages. C. polarizing cleavages. D. cross-cutting cleavages. E. predisposing cleavages. Answer: D 6. In the 1830s, Alexis de Tocqueville concluded that the United States had had no great wars because of its A. great technological advances. B. relative lack of social and political tensions. C. long periods of stability. D. lack of powerful neighbors on its borders. E. reluctance to become involved in foreign wars. Answer: D 7. The view that the United States is unique among nations and morally superior is called A. American Militarism. B. American Destiny. C. American Exceptionalism. D. American Fascism. E. American Dominion. Answer: C 8. The study of the characteristics of populations is called A. geography. B. population studies. C. political science. D. demography. E. social studies. Answer: D 9. A characteristic of individuals that predicts their political behavior is called A. political predisposition. B. political socialization. C. reinforcing cleavages. D. ethnocentrism. E. demography. Answer: A 10. Which serves as the United States’ barrier to foreign meddling? A. Our economy B. Atlantic Ocean C. Canada D. All of the above E. None of the above Answer: B 11. Divisions within society that cut across demographic categories to produce groups that are more heterogeneous are called A. cross-cutting cleavages. B. reinforcing cleavages. C. manifest destinies. D. cross-political dispositions. E. None of the above Answer: A 12. This is the notion held by nineteenth-century Americans that the United States was destined to rule the continent. A. Continental destiny B. Pacific destiny C. Manifest destiny D. Atlantic destiny E. Westward bound Answer: C 13. When social and economic differences coincide, making political conflict more intense and polarizing society, social scientists call them ___________ cleavages. A. reinforcing B. additive C. polarizing D. cross-cutting E. predisposing Answer: A 14. All of the following have contributed to the development of a sense of American exceptionalism EXCEPT A. isolation. B. relative prosperity. C. a sense of destiny. D. demographic homogeneity. E. Both A and B Answer: D 15. A parent teaches his or her children that America is built on freedom, that it is up to individuals to create their own success in life, and that religion and politics should never mix. Such a parent is engaging in A. political socialization. B. cultural stereotyping. C. democratic indoctrination. D. destiny shaping. E. All of the above Answer: A 16. The most urban state is A. California. B. New York. C. Florida. D. New Jersey. E. Massachusetts. Answer: A 17. The most rural areas of the United States are A. the South and Midwest. B. the Midwest and Northwest. C. the Northwest and West. D. the West and Northeast. E. the Northeast and South. Answer: A 18. The most distinct geographical region in the United States is the A. Midwest. B. South. C. Southwest. D. West. E. Northeast. Answer: B 19. All of the below are true about the South EXCEPT that A. the South is becoming less distinct from the rest of the United States. B. the Civil War made the Democratic party the party favored in the South. C. traditional religious and moral conservatism of the South has become unimportant in politics. D. the civil rights revolution of the 1960s eliminated legal barriers that prevented African Americans from voting. E. the South falls below the rest of the country in per-capita income and education. Answer: C 20. All of the below are considered Sun Belt states EXCEPT A. New Mexico. B. South Carolina. C. Nevada. D. Utah. E. California. Answer: D 21. Race can be defined as a group of human beings with distinctive physical characteristics determined by genetic inheritance, but some scholars define it as A. more demographically determined than physically determined. B. strictly physical with no genetic components. C. less genetically determined than ethnically determined. D. strictly genetic with no physical implications. E. more culturally determined than genetically determined. Answer: E 22. According to U.S. Bureau of the Census projections, the non-Hispanic white American population will decline to about what fraction of the population by the year 2050? A. One-quarter B. One-third C. One-half D. Two-thirds E. Three-quarters Answer: C 23. All of the following are true EXCEPT that A. 58 percent of African Americans go on to college. B. the median income for African Americans is about $40,000. C. the African American population is much younger than the white population. D. 50 percent of African Americans are below the poverty line. E. 40 percent of African American households earn more than $50,000 annually. Answer: D 24. Virtually all African American voters cast their vote for which presidential candidate? A. Richard Nixon B. Ronald Reagan C. Lyndon B. Johnson D. George W. Bush E. Dwight D. Eisenhower Answer: C 25. Hispanic political importance is somewhat blunted because A. they tend to vote with absentee ballots. B. they are a united voting bloc. C. they tend to vote as a group. D. they are not a united voting bloc. E. they are too old to vote. Answer: D 26. Hispanics of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent tend to support A. decreased spending on education. B. making English the national language. C. a liberal domestic agenda. D. a conservative domestic agenda. E. decreased spending on drug control. Answer: C 27. Which Asian American subgroup is most likely to register as Democrats? A. Korean Americans B. Thai Americans C. Indian Americans D. Japanese Americans E. Chinese Americans Answer: D 28. Prior to the current immigration trend, the largest wave of new immigrants came to the United States in the years between A. 1840 and 1860. B. 1864 and 1896. C. 1900 and 1924. D. 1950 and 1984. E. 1980 and 1994. Answer: C 29. The framers of the Constitution did NOT sanction a national church because A. they could not agree upon a denomination so they left it to the states. B. they wished for the people to be allowed to vote for a national church. C. they believed that religious liberty flourishes when there is no official faith. D. they were not of faith themselves. E. they were deists. Answer: C 30. The religious group with the highest voter turnout in recent elections has been A. Catholics. B. Baptists. C. Jews. D. Mormons. E. Muslims. Answer: C 31. Women first gained the right to vote in A. southern states. B. northeastern states. C. midwestern states. D. western states. E. southwestern states. Answer: D 32. Women gained the right to vote in the entire United States in A. 1848. B. 1910. C. 1942. D. 1918. E. 1920. Answer: E 33. This is the term for the persistent difference between men and women in voting preferences and in attitudes on important issues. A. Gender gap B. Political socialization C. Comparable worth D. Divided preference E. Comparison elector Answer: A 34. All of the following statements are true about gender inequality EXCEPT that A. as age increases, the earnings gap decreases. B. among college graduates ages 25 to 34, women earn an average of 75 cents for every dollar earned by men. C. as a whole, women earn on average about 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. D. an increasing number of women are the sole economic support of their families. E. about three times as many men as women earn over $75,000 a year. Answer: A 35. The movement for expanded rights for lesbians and gays traces its roots to which major U.S. city? A. Boston B. San Francisco C. Chicago D. New York E. Miami Answer: D 36. Massachusetts and Vermont allow A. private employers to grant health care for same-sex domestic partners. B. antidiscrimination statutes regarding housing and employment. C. restrictions based on sexual orientation. D. same-sex marriages. E. “don’t ask, don’t tell” policies in the state militia. Answer: D 37. Well-educated people are more likely to A. favor democratic ideals. B. participate politically. C. have confidence in dealing with government. D. be aware of the issues. E. All of the above Answer: E 38. Aside from race, the most important factor in explaining views on issues, partisanship, and ideology is A. ethnicity. B. income. C. religion. D. citizenship. E. gender. Answer: B 39. Before 1900, most people in the United States worked primarily as A. farmers. B. railroaders. C. factory workers. D. craftspeople. E. ship fitters. Answer: A 40. According to Daniel Bell, the organizing device for the post industrial era is A. education. B. knowledge. C. income. D. computer skills. E. technology. Answer: B 41. The percentage of Americans engaged in agricultural production is about A. 1 percent. B. 5 percent. C. 10 percent D. 25 percent. E. 30 percent. Answer: A 42. Socioeconomic status is a division of the population based on A. wealth, ethnicity, and religion. B. occupation, race, and class. C. education, bourgeoisie, and race. D. income, occupation, and education. E. class, wealth, and education. Answer: D 43. Compared to other countries, class divisions in the United States are A. reinforced by competitive individualism. B. defined by degree of hostility to organized labor. C. less defined and less important to politics. D. defined by degree of acceptance of organized labor. E. stronger in union states and weaker in right-to-work states. Answer: C 44. The demographic change that has increased the proportion of the population over age 65 is called A. the graying of America. B. the baby boomers. C. the American gray lobby. D. the generational effect. E. lifecycle effects. Answer: A 45. Older Americans are a strong political force because A. they vote more often than other age groups. B. they have more discretionary time. C. they have a clear focus on issues. D. they form effective organizations. E. All of the above Answer: E 46. Which statement is true regarding lifecycle effects? A. The most elderly are most conservative. B. The middle aged are most liberal. C. The young are most concerned with government services. D. The most elderly are most liberal. E. The young are the least mobile. Answer: D 47. Fundamentalist Christians are an important force for which party? A. Republicans B. Democrats C. Independents D. Greens E. Libertarians Answer: A 48. Which of the following is NOT a gender issue? A. Sexual harassment B. Child support C. Gun control D. English as the official language E. Abortion Answer: D 49. After gaining the right to vote, American women tended to vote ________ than their Western European counterparts. A. more often B. more compassionately C. across party lines more D. less often E. None of the above Answer: D 50. _______________ make up the largest religious group in the United States. A. Protestants B. Catholics C. Atheists D. Mormons E. Agnostics Answer: A 51. Which of the following is NOT true of the U.S. population? A. People marry later than they did fifty years ago. B. Since the 1960s, birthrates have steadily declined in the United States. C. The number of adults living with someone without being married has decreased in the last twenty years. D. As of 2006, it was estimated that about half of all marriages end in divorce. E. All of the above Answer: C 52. Which of the following is NOT true of older Americans? A. Older Americans vote more often than younger Americans. B. Older Americans are more politically aware than younger Americans. C. Older Americans’ votes are particularly important in the Northeast. D. Older Americans are better organized than younger Americans. E. Older Americans have more disposable income than younger Americans. Answer: C 53. James Madison cautioned that one of the greatest sources of faction was A. ethnicity. B. unequal distribution of property. C. religion. D. citizenship. E. gender. Answer: B 54. The rule of law refers to A. the rights of all people to dignity and worth. B. the belief that ultimate power resides in the people. C. widely shared attitudes about government and its values, procedures, documents, and institutions. D. an enduring sense of group identity or consciousness that derives from cultural, historic, linguistic, or political forces. E. the idea that government is based on a body of law applied equally and by just procedures. Answer: E 55. To adhere to the rule of law, governments should follow all of these rules EXCEPT A. generality. B. prospectivity. C. publicity. D. force. E. due process. Answer: D 56. The idea that laws should be enforced impartially and with fair processes is called A. generality. B. prospectivity. C. publicity. D. authority. E. due process. Answer: E 57. U.S. citizens learn about our political culture from A. family. B. schools. C. churches, mosques, and synagogues. D. mass media. E. All of the above Answer: E 58. A widespread belief that the United States is a land of opportunity and that individual initiative and hard work can bring economic success is called A. the democratic consensus. B. majority rule. C. nationalism. D. the rule of law. E. the American Dream. Answer: E 59. Most people in the United States support an economic system that is A. pure free-market capitalism. B. semi-regulated or a mixed free-enterprise system. C. highly regulated by the government. D. democratic. E. unregulated by government. Answer: B 60. The most important source for children learning about American political culture is the A. peer group. B. school. C. family. D. mass media. E. church. Answer: C 61. American political culture includes all of the following EXCEPT A. liberty. B. economic equality. C. self-government. D. economic individualism. E. equal opportunity. Answer: B 62. A nation’s political culture is comprised of A. widely shared beliefs toward government. B. shared values of how citizens relate to government. C. shared values of how citizens relate to one another. D. widely shared behavior toward government. E. All of the above Answer: E 63. That laws should NOT single out any one group of people is referred to by the textbook as the rule of A. generality. B. prospectivity. C. publicity. D. authority. E. due process. Answer: A 64. The right to private property is A. not very important to most Americans. B. one of the economic incentives that motivates Americans to embrace capitalism. C. more attainable to middle-income citizens in Europe. D. granted in the Constitution. E. None of the above Answer: B 65. U.S. political culture includes widely shared attitudes about government and its values, procedures, documents, and institutions, collectively called A. the democratic consensus. B. majority rule. C. nationalism. D. the rule of law. E. the American Dream. Answer: A 66. Social scientists used to describe the U.S. as an ethnic melting pot but now describe it as a A. ham sandwich. B. potato cake. C. salad bowl. D. fruitcake. E. bag of nuts. Answer: C True/False Questions 1. People often assume that others share their economic opportunities, social attitudes, sense of civic responsibility, and self-confidence. Answer: True 2. The United States is NOT a land of abundant natural resources. Answer: False 3. The most distinct section of the United States is the industrial Northeast, including Boston, New York City, and most of New England. Answer: False 4. Most nations consist of groups of people who have lived together for centuries. Answer: True 5. Political socialization does NOT significantly influence how individuals see politics as they mature into adulthood. Answer: False 6. Cross-cutting cleavages tend to pull people in different directions. Answer: True 7. The attacks of September 11, 2001, were the first time a foreign enemy struck successfully within the continental United States. Answer: False 8. Early settlers used the notion of manifest destiny to justify taking land from other settlers, ignoring the Canadians and Mexicans. Answer: True 9. Unlike other countries, geography in the United States does NOT define an ethnic or religious division. Answer: True 10. Political socialization is the process by which we develop our political attitudes and values. Answer: True 11. Political science is the study of the characteristics of populations. Answer: False 12. The nineteenth-century notion that Americans were destined to rule North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific is known as manifest destiny. Answer: True 13. The West and Northeast are more urban, relative to the rest of the United States. Answer: True 14. Individuals often have a sense of identification with their state. Answer: True 15. State identities have begun to erode, in part, because we elect members of Congress and the president at the national level. Answer: False 16. Hispanic Americans are NOT a monolithic group; they often differ depending on which country their forebears emigrated from. Answer: True 17. The relative youth of the Hispanic population increases the group’s political power. Answer: False 18. The Constitution of the United States clearly allows for the practice of sampling in order to get accurate census numbers. Answer: False 19. About half of the people in the United States describe themselves as Protestant. Answer: True 20. In the last three presidential elections, women have turned out to vote in greater numbers than men. Answer: True 21. Men and women in the United States make the same amount of money for the same amount of work. Answer: False 22. More than half the names of states are Native American. Answer: True 23. The gray lobby has disposable income, discretionary time, and effective organization. Answer: True 24. Fewer and fewer women are the sole income earners for their families. Answer: False 25. The framers of the constitution were unaware of the dangers of an unequal concentration of wealth. Answer: False 26. According to the U.S. Census, between 1930 and 1990, the percentage of the U.S. population over 65 has increased in every decade. Answer: True 27. The median income of Asian Americans is well above the national median. Answer: True 28. For the first 50 years after gaining the right to vote, American women voted at a lower rate than in other Western democracies. Answer: True 29. More female voters voted for McCain in the 2008 election than for Obama. Answer: False 30. The textbook lists a number of values shared by most Americans, which includes all of the following: liberty, equality of opportunity, deference to aristocracy, individualism, and respect for the common person. Answer: False 31. The idea that the ultimate power resides in the people is called popular sovereignty. Answer: True 32. To adhere to the rule of law governments should use force. Answer: False 33. Most people in the United States support an economic system that is pure free-market capitalism. Answer: False 34. One of the first rights to be won in America was the right to vote by all, regardless of gender or race. Answer: False 35. Natural rights are the rights of all people to dignity and worth. Answer: True 36. Democratic consensus is the agreement on fundamental principles of democratic governance. Answer: True 37. Majority rule is the belief that ultimate power resides in the people. Answer: False 38. The family is the most important source of American political culture. Answer: True 39. The American Dream includes equality of income. Answer: False 40. Political culture is a set of widely shared values and beliefs about who should govern, for what ends, and by what means. Answer: True 41. The term patriotic idealism refers to the widely shared beliefs, values, and norms concerning the relationship of citizens to government and to one another. Answer: False 42. The American Dream remains an unfulfilled dream as evidenced by the permanent existence of an underclass in the form of impoverished families. Answer: True Short Answer Questions 1. Define ethnocentrism and give an example. Answer: Ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one's own culture or ethnic group. Example: A person from one country judging the traditions of another as inferior without understanding them. 2. Why do social scientists study demographics? Answer: Social scientists study demographics to understand population characteristics, trends, and their impact on society, policy, and economic development. 3. Describe a cross-cutting cleavage that is true for you personally. Answer: Cross-cutting Cleavage: An example might be having multiple, intersecting identities, such as being both a student and a part-time worker, which affects perspectives and experiences. 4. Define and describe your political socialization. Answer: Political Socialization: The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs and values, influenced by family, education, media, and social interactions. 5. List two reinforcing cleavages you have learned about. Answer: Two Reinforcing Cleavages: • Race and Class: Socioeconomic status often overlaps with racial and ethnic identity. • Religion and Region: Religious beliefs can reinforce regional cultural and political differences. 6. Who won and who lost due to the belief in manifest destiny? Answer: Manifest Destiny: Winners: American settlers and the U.S. government, who expanded territorial claims. Losers: Native American tribes and other nations displaced or marginalized by the expansion. 7. What is urbanization? When did it begin? Is it continuing? Answer: Urbanization: The process of increasing population density in urban areas. Begins: Early 19th century during the Industrial Revolution. Continuing: Yes, with ongoing growth in cities globally. 8. What is the fundamentalist agenda? Be specific and use the textbook’s examples. Answer: Fundamentalist Agenda: A movement seeking to return to traditional, often conservative religious principles. Examples: Advocacy for stricter moral codes and opposition to secular influences in public life. 9. Define gross domestic product and discuss how it has changed in the United States. Answer: Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced in a country. Change in the U.S.: Has grown significantly over time, reflecting economic expansion and increased production. 10. Should we use random sampling rather than attempt to count all households in the next census? Why do you think so? Be sure to discuss the benefits and problems associated with using random sampling. Answer: Random Sampling vs. Counting All Households: Benefits: Cost-effective and manageable. Problems: Potential sampling errors and underrepresentation of certain groups. 11. Define race and ethnicity according to your text and provide examples of groups that meet your definitions. Answer: Race: Socially defined categories based on physical characteristics. Example: African American. Ethnicity: Socially defined categories based on cultural factors. Example: Hispanic or Latino. 12. Define gender gap and provide two examples of it in the United States. Answer: Gender Gap: Differences in outcomes or opportunities between genders. Examples: Wage disparity where women earn less than men, and political representation where women are underrepresented in office. 13. Define socioeconomic status. Answer: Socioeconomic Status (SES): A measure of an individual's or group's social and economic position based on income, education, and occupation. 14. Identify and define the four features of the rule of law in America. Answer: Four Features of Rule of Law: • Supremacy of Law: Everyone is subject to the law. • Equality Before the Law: Laws apply equally to all individuals. • Legal Certainty: Laws are clear and known. • Independent Judiciary: Judges are impartial and not influenced by external pressures. 15. Discuss two examples from your text of how free enterprise is no longer unbridled. Answer: Free Enterprise Regulation Examples: • Environmental Regulations: Businesses must comply with laws to protect natural resources. • Consumer Protection Laws: Regulations ensure product safety and truthful advertising. 16. Identify and explain three values that are part of the American political culture. Answer: Three Values in American Political Culture: • Individualism: Emphasis on personal freedom and self-reliance. • Equality: Belief in equal opportunity for all individuals. • Democracy: Commitment to representative government and participation. 17. Define the term American Dream and provide one reason it remains unfulfilled. Answer: American Dream: The ideal that every individual can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work. Reason Unfulfilled: Systemic barriers such as income inequality and lack of access to quality education. 18. Define the term political culture and explain how families are a significant source for political learning. Answer: Political Culture: The set of attitudes and beliefs that shape political behavior and policy. Families' Role: Families are primary agents of political socialization, influencing beliefs and party affiliation from a young age. 19. Define the term social capital and explain its significance to American democracy. Answer: Social Capital: The networks, norms, and trust that facilitate cooperation and community engagement. Significance: Enhances democratic participation and strengthens community ties. 20. Define the term nationalism and discuss it importance to the American political culture. Answer: Nationalism: A sense of pride and loyalty to one's nation. Importance: Fosters national unity and identity but can also lead to exclusionary practices. 21. Define the “melting pot” and “salad bowl” concepts of United States diversity. Answer: "Melting Pot" vs. "Salad Bowl": • Melting Pot: The idea that diverse cultures blend into a single, cohesive society. • Salad Bowl: The concept that diverse cultures coexist while retaining their unique characteristics. Essay Questions 1. Define cross-cutting and reinforcing cleavages and discuss which best describes the United States. Answer: Cross-Cutting Cleavages: These are social divisions that intersect in various ways, creating diverse and overlapping identities that affect individuals' experiences and political views. Example: A person who is both a woman and a member of a specific religious community, where these identities might influence their perspectives in multifaceted ways. Reinforcing Cleavages: These are social divisions that amplify each other, leading to stronger and more polarized group identities. Example: A community where economic and racial divisions strongly align, reinforcing group-based political behaviors. Best Fit for the U.S.: Cross-cutting cleavages better describe the U.S. due to its diverse and intersecting social identities, leading to a complex political landscape where various factors shape individual and group perspectives. 2. Explain why French commentator Alexis de Tocqueville said that the United States had “no great wars, financial crises, invasions, or conquests to fear.” Does this remain true? Why or why not? Answer: Tocqueville’s Observation: Alexis de Tocqueville observed that the U.S. appeared relatively stable and free from major threats like great wars, financial crises, invasions, or conquests. Current Reality: This is no longer fully accurate. The U.S. has faced significant challenges, including major conflicts (e.g., Vietnam, Iraq), financial crises (e.g., 2008 recession), and ongoing security threats (e.g., terrorism). While the U.S. remains a stable and powerful nation, it now contends with a more complex and risk-prone environment than Tocqueville envisioned. 3. Explain how geography affects politics. Be sure to include specific illustrations of the differences among regions/areas in political choices. Answer: Geography and Politics: Geography shapes politics through regional issues, cultural differences, and economic conditions. Example: Coastal states like California often prioritize environmental policies due to their proximity to the ocean, while inland states like Texas may focus more on energy production. Example: The South traditionally leaned conservative due to its historical and cultural context but has seen political shifts with changing demographics and economic factors. 4. Describe the political evolution of the South and its current political trends. Answer: Political Evolution of the South: Historically conservative with a strong Democratic base due to post-Civil War dynamics, the South shifted to Republican dominance from the 1960s onward, driven by opposition to civil rights legislation and economic changes. Current Trends: The South remains largely Republican, but urban areas show growing Democratic influence. 5. Evaluate the roles of population density and where people live in the U.S. Does where people live impact their political outlook? Provide examples. Answer Population Density and Political Outlook: Population density significantly affects political views. High-Density Areas: Urban centers like New York City and Los Angeles often lean Democratic, reflecting diverse, progressive values and concerns about social issues. Low-Density Areas: Rural regions, such as parts of the Midwest and South, typically lean Republican, emphasizing traditional values and conservative economic policies. Example: New York’s dense, diverse population supports progressive policies on healthcare and immigration, while rural states like Wyoming prioritize agricultural interests and conservative social policies. 6. Discuss when African Americans began to attain political power and discuss their current political alignments. Answer: African American Political Power: African Americans began to gain significant political power with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, marked by increased voter registration and landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Current Alignments: Today, African Americans predominantly support the Democratic Party, aligning with its policies on civil rights, social justice, and economic equality. This alignment reflects ongoing advocacy for issues affecting African American communities and broader social reforms. 7. Evaluate the role of sexual orientation in recent U.S. politics. Are gays and lesbians active? What are two examples of policies that concern that segment? Answer: Evaluation: Sexual orientation has become a significant factor in recent U.S. politics, with increasing visibility and activism by gays and lesbians influencing policy and social attitudes. The LGBTQ community has been active in advocating for equal rights and combating discrimination. Examples of Policies: 1. Same-Sex Marriage: The landmark 2015 Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges, legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, marking a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights activists. This policy change reflects growing acceptance and legal recognition of same-sex relationships. 2. Anti-Discrimination Protections: The implementation of policies like the Equality Act, which seeks to extend federal anti-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. This policy aims to address gaps in protections and ensure equal treatment. Current Activity: Gays and lesbians are active in U.S. politics, engaging in advocacy, running for office, and participating in movements aimed at advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Activism continues around issues such as transgender rights, military service, and healthcare access. 8. What are the special concerns of older citizens of the United States? How are these reflected in political participation? Answer: Special Concerns: 1. Healthcare: Older citizens often prioritize healthcare access and affordability, including Medicare and Medicaid services. This concern is critical given the increasing healthcare needs with age. 2. Social Security: Ensuring the stability and adequacy of Social Security benefits is a major concern, as it provides essential financial support for retirees. Political Participation: • Active Voting: Older citizens are highly engaged in voting, often participating at higher rates than younger demographics. Their voting patterns can significantly influence elections, particularly on issues related to retirement, healthcare, and social security. • Advocacy and Lobbying: Organizations like AARP advocate on behalf of older citizens, influencing policy decisions and legislation related to their concerns. This advocacy reflects the strong political engagement of this demographic in shaping policies that affect their lives. 9. List the issues that the authors of your textbook consider to be “gender issues.” Are these issues that also concern men? Answer: Issues Considered Gender Issues: 1. Equal Pay: Disparities in wages between men and women for similar work. 2. Reproductive Rights: Access to contraception, abortion, and related healthcare. 3. Sexual Harassment: Addressing and preventing harassment in workplaces and educational settings. 4. Gender-Based Violence: Issues like domestic violence and sexual assault. 5. Workplace Discrimination: Barriers women face in career advancement and leadership roles. Concerns for Men: Yes, these issues also concern men. Example: Equal pay is relevant to men as well, particularly in discussions about overall wage inequality and its impact on families. Gender-based violence and harassment affect all genders, though men may experience or be perpetrators in different contexts. 10. Discuss three elements of the U.S. political culture and how we learn them. Answer: Elements: 1. Individualism: Emphasis on personal freedom and self-reliance. Learning: Through family influence, education, and media exposure. 2. Democracy: Commitment to democratic principles and participatory governance. Learning: Taught through civics education in schools and through participation in democratic processes. 3. Equality: Belief in equal rights and opportunities for all. Learning: Experienced through social interactions, legislation, and advocacy efforts that promote civil rights and social justice. These elements are learned from a combination of family upbringing, educational systems, media consumption, and active participation in community and political life. 11. Assess the importance of the American Dream in the context of economic change. Answer: Assessment: The American Dream represents the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and perseverance. In times of economic change, such as during recessions or periods of rapid technological advancement, this ideal becomes crucial as a motivator and guiding principle. However, economic shifts can also highlight inequalities, making the pursuit of the American Dream more complex and challenging for many. 12. Is the American Dream still alive and important? Why do some people think it is not? Why do some people think it is? Take a stand. Answer: Stand: The American Dream is still alive and important, but its attainability varies. Reasons for Doubt: Rising economic inequality, stagnating wages, and the high cost of education and healthcare can make it seem less achievable. Reasons for Belief: Many still find success stories and opportunities that affirm the ideal. The American Dream remains a powerful cultural motivator, reflecting hope and ambition despite systemic barriers. 13. Is the American Dream more attainable for some than others? If so, why is that the case? Answer: Assessment: The American Dream is more attainable for some than others due to factors such as socioeconomic background, education, and access to resources. Example: Individuals from affluent families may have better access to quality education and professional networks, making it easier to achieve success compared to those from disadvantaged backgrounds who face systemic obstacles and fewer opportunities. 14. Describe the opportunities and challenges posed by the diversity of the U.S. population.. Answer: Opportunities: • Cultural Enrichment: A diverse population brings a variety of perspectives, ideas, and innovations, enhancing creativity and problem-solving. • Economic Growth: Diverse talents and skills contribute to a dynamic and competitive economy. Challenges: • Social Tensions: Differences in values and experiences can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. • Inequality: Structural inequalities can perpetuate disparities in opportunities and outcomes among different demographic groups. Addressing these challenges while leveraging opportunities is crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable society. Test Bank for Government by the People David B. Magleby, Paul C. Light, Christine L. Nemacheck 9780205073245, 9780134732831