Question 1

Which of the following was NOT an aspect of Robespierre's revolutionary vision?
A)The creation of a "new citizen"
B)The "despotism of liberty"
C)Compassion for the poor
D)A regime of virtue
E)Individual freedom

Accepted Answer

Robespierre's revolutionary vision did not include individual freedom as he believed that the will of the state was more important than individual liberty.

Question 2

What is the significance of the nonviolent revolutions that occurred in Eastern Europe beginning in 1989? In what other ways do these transitions differ from other revolutions? Do you think there will be more nonviolent revolutions in the future?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the significance of the nonviolent...

Question 3

Which revolution did James C. Davies study to compare the theories of Marx and Tocqueville?
A)Dorr's Rebellion of 1842
B)The Egyptian Revolution of 1952
C)The American Revolution
D)The Orange Revolution
E)Both A and B

Accepted Answer

James C. Davies studied both Dorr's Rebellion of 1842 and the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 to compare the theories of Marx and Tocqueville, focusing on the conditions that lead to revolutions.

Question 4

Discuss the various reasons why modern revolutions take place, and why many governments fail because of their indecisiveness.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the various reasons why modern revolutions...

Question 5

Locke's theory of revolution is based on the idea that
A)governments exist to protect the rights of life, liberty, and property.
B)revolt is always followed by positive social and political transformations.
C)tradition and stability are more important than liberty and equality.
D)desperation caused by poverty is the spur to revolutionary action.
E)all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Locke believed that governments are created to protect the natural rights of individuals, including the right to life, liberty, and property. He argued that if a government fails to fulfill this duty or becomes tyrannical, the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government that will uphold these rights. This is the basis of Locke's theory of revolution. Choices B, C, and D are not reflective of Locke's theory.

Question 6

Paine argues that revolution is always justified against monarchism. Are there conditions under which revolution would be justified against a democratic government? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Paine argues that revolution is always justified...

Question 7

What was the "Reign of Terror?"
A)Robespierre's response to rising political opposition
B)Hitler's purge of his "Brown Shirts"
C)British name for the march to Boston back from Concord in April 1775
D)Stalin's purge of the unfaithful
E)John Locke's theory about government and the current political climate

Accepted Answer

The "Reign of Terror" refers to a period during the French Revolution in which political opposition was violently suppressed under the leadership of Maximilien Robespierre. It resulted in thousands of executions and was characterized by widespread fear and bloodshed.

Question 8

Explain different theories on the causes of revolution as explained by Burke, Paine, and Locke. Which do you find most convincing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain different theories on the causes of...

Question 9

Edmund Burke believed that political society is best founded on
A)the protection of human rights.
B)religion and tradition.
C)the philosophy of rationalism.
D)the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
E)scientific principles.

Accepted Answer

Edmund Burke believed in the importance of tradition and religion as the foundation for political society. He believed that society should be guided by the wisdom and values of the past, rather than by abstract philosophical principles or scientific ideas. Burke argued that tradition and religion help to provide a common morality and sense of purpose that is necessary for the stability and success of a political society.

Question 10

What document enshrined the egalitarian spirit and slogan of the French revolution: liberty, equality, and fraternity?
A)The Republic
B)The Declaration of the Rights of Man
C)The Declaration of Independence
D)The Magna Carta
E)Two Treatises on Government

Accepted Answer

The Declaration of the Rights of Man, adopted by the National Assembly in France in 1789, enshrined the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that were central to the French Revolution. It proclaimed the equal rights of all citizens before the law, freedom of speech and religion, and the right to resist oppression. This document served as a model for similar declarations in other countries and continues to inspire movements for liberty and democracy around the world.

Question 11

Revolution is particularly likely when _____ loses confidence in their government?
A)peasants
B)the proletariat
C)the military
D)religious/moral leaders
E)the electorate

Accepted Answer

The military losing confidence in the government is particularly critical because they have the power and means to initiate or support a revolution, often leading to significant political change.

Question 12

Which political philosopher argued that the greatest injustice a government could commit was the denial of the people's right to choose their own government?
A)Edmund Burke
B)Alexander Hamilton
C)Ted Gurr
D)Thomas Paine
E)John Locke

Accepted Answer

Thomas Paine is known for his argument that the greatest injustice a government could commit was the denial of the people's right to choose their own government, particularly in his influential works advocating for democracy and independence.

Question 13

According to Tocqueville, as soon as a bad government begins to mend its ways,
A)it will quell revolutionary fervor.
B)it will rise greatly in the public's esteem.
C)it is at an increased risk for revolution.
D)it stands a good chance of surviving.
E)none of the above.

Accepted Answer

Tocqueville observed that when a bad government starts to improve, it raises expectations and can lead to increased dissatisfaction, making revolution more likely.

Question 14

Karl Marx declared _____ to be the ultimate cause for all revolutions.
A)poverty and social alienation
B)restriction of liberty
C)economic improvement
D)inequality in wealth
E)the perception that government leaders are inept

Accepted Answer

The answer of Karl Marx declared _____ to be the...

Question 15

Which political philosopher argued that tyrants cannot afford to institute reforms because to do so would be to admit past injustices and activate "the rancor and cupidity of the populace"?
A)Aristotle
B)Alexis de Tocqueville
C)Karl Marx
D)John Locke
E)Alexander Hamilton

Accepted Answer

This is a quote from Alexis de Tocqueville in his book "The Old Regime and the Revolution." Tocqueville argues that rulers who have gained power through violence and oppression are unable to reform society because to do so would require admitting past wrongs and injustices, which would then activate the anger and desire for revenge of the masses they have oppressed.

Question 16

Which political theorist's writings helped sound the death knell for the doctrine of divine right?
A)Edmund Burke
B)John Locke
C)Aristotle
D)James Madison
E)Karl Marx

Accepted Answer

John Locke's writings, particularly his "Two Treatises on Government," argued that power should derive from the consent of the governed, challenging the idea of divine right. This helped undermine the legitimacy of monarchies and paved the way for democratic forms of government.

Question 17

How did Gurr and Gladstone reconceptualize the idea of a modern revolution?
A)As a struggle between social classes
B)As a desire to destroy the prevailing social order
C)As a new belief that political struggle can change social and economic structures
D)As a desire to vent public frustrations and exercise their right to revolt
E)As an interactive process that occurs over time

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did Gurr and Gladstone reconceptualize the...

Question 18

Whose approach to political change is summarized by the statement, "Our patience will achieve more than our force"?
A)Locke
B)Paine
C)Burke
D)Robespierre
E)Jefferson

Accepted Answer

The quote, "Our patience will achieve more than our force" is attributed to Edmund Burke, an Irish statesman and philosopher who is considered the father of modern conservatism. Burke believed in gradual and peaceful political change, and opposed the violent methods of the French Revolution. This quote reflects his belief that change should be pursued through patient persuasion and reform, rather than through force or revolution.

Question 19

José Ortega y Gasset argued that the masses cannot and should not rule society in general. Do the experiences of governments and revolutions in the 20th century confirm this way of thinking, or contradict it? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of José Ortega y Gasset argued that the...

Question 20

What happened in the wake of the French Revolution?
A)The monarchy was eventually reinstituted.
B)The monarchy's powers were more limited than those of the pre-revolutionary regime.
C)Revolutionary social and political reforms were retained.
D)The government became more centralized.
E)All of the above

Accepted Answer

After the French Revolution, the monarchy was briefly restored, but with limited powers compared to the pre-revolutionary regime. Some revolutionary reforms were retained, and the government became more centralized, especially under Napoleon.

Quiz 14: Revolution: In the Name of Justice

Which of the following was NOT an aspect of Robespierre's revolutionary vision?

What is the significance of the nonviolent revolutions that occurred in Eastern Europe beginning in 1989? In what other ways do these transitions differ from other revolutions? Do you think there will be more nonviolent revolutions in the future?

Which revolution did James C. Davies study to compare the theories of Marx and Tocqueville?

Discuss the various reasons why modern revolutions take place, and why many governments fail because of their indecisiveness.

Locke's theory of revolution is based on the idea that

Paine argues that revolution is always justified against monarchism. Are there conditions under which revolution would be justified against a democratic government? Explain.

What was the "Reign of Terror?"

Explain different theories on the causes of revolution as explained by Burke, Paine, and Locke. Which do you find most convincing?

Edmund Burke believed that political society is best founded on

What document enshrined the egalitarian spirit and slogan of the French revolution: liberty, equality, and fraternity?

Revolution is particularly likely when _____ loses confidence in their government?

Which political philosopher argued that the greatest injustice a government could commit was the denial of the people's right to choose their own government?

According to Tocqueville, as soon as a bad government begins to mend its ways,

Karl Marx declared _____ to be the ultimate cause for all revolutions.

Which political philosopher argued that tyrants cannot afford to institute reforms because to do so would be to admit past injustices and activate "the rancor and cupidity of the populace"?

Which political theorist's writings helped sound the death knell for the doctrine of divine right?

How did Gurr and Gladstone reconceptualize the idea of a modern revolution?

Whose approach to political change is summarized by the statement, "Our patience will achieve more than our force"?

José Ortega y Gasset argued that the masses cannot and should not rule society in general. Do the experiences of governments and revolutions in the 20th century confirm this way of thinking, or contradict it? Explain.

What happened in the wake of the French Revolution?