Question 1

Which of the following is an example of someone who is descriptively represented?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive representation refers to the idea that elected officials should represent not only the political views but also the demographic characteristics (such as race, ethnicity, gender) of the people they represent. An Asian American voter being represented by an Asian American governor is an example of descriptive representation, as the governor shares a significant demographic characteristic (ethnicity) with the voter.

Question 2

In international affairs, conservatism has come to mean support for

Accepted Answer

Conservatism in international relations is commonly associated with a belief in maintaining American military power and interventionism. Conservatives prioritize national security and support a strong defense policy to protect American interests abroad. Arms control, aid to poor nations, and maximizing international cooperation are not necessarily pillars of conservative foreign policy.

Question 3

When people vote for elected officials based on a shared identity like race or ethnicity, political scientists refer to this situation as

Accepted Answer

Descriptive representation refers to electing officials who share the same identity as the voters, such as race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. This is different from substantive representation, which refers to electing officials who advocate for and represent the policy interests of their constituents, regardless of shared identity. Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of their society, while polarization refers to the increasing ideological divide between political parties and their supporters. Selection bias refers to a biased sample or skewed data that does not accurately represent the population being studied.

Question 4

According to a 2012 Gallup poll, 71 percent of men and 55 percent of women said that they approved the use of U.S. troops to attack a terrorist camp. The difference in attitudes between men and women exemplifies which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The difference in attitudes between men and women is an example of the gender gap, which refers to the differences in opinions or behaviors between men and women. The other choices (statistical difference, heightened scrutiny, protectionism) do not accurately describe the difference between men and women's attitudes towards the use of U.S. troops to attack a terrorist camp.

Question 5

The distinctive pattern of voting behavior reflecting the differences in views between men and women is termed the

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the differences in voting behavior between men and women is the gender gap. It reflects the tendency for women to vote more liberal or democratic and men to vote more conservative or republican. The other options (B, C, and D) do not accurately describe this phenomenon.

Question 6

Which of the following identities is associated with residents who strongly identify with the South?

Accepted Answer

Geographic identity refers to a sense of connection and belonging to a particular place or region. Strong identification with the South is a prime example of geographic identity.

Question 7

For conservatives, the most important core value is

Accepted Answer

Conservatives prioritize individual liberty above all else, valuing personal freedom and limited government intervention in private life. Conservatives believe that people deserve the right to live their lives free from government interference and regulation, and thus view personal liberty as the most important core value. This belief informs a variety of conservative positions, including support for free markets, traditional values, and limited government.

Question 8

Which of the following is the most important explanation of African American linked fate?

Accepted Answer

The experience of severe discrimination over a long period of time, including slavery, is the most important explanation for African American linked fate.

Question 9

The contemporary political ideology that is generally supportive of maintaining social and cultural traditions, limiting the role of government in economic life, and ensuring a strong military defense is most accurately classified as

Accepted Answer

The description given fits the characteristics of a conservative political ideology, which generally favors traditional values, limited government intervention in the market, and a strong military.

Question 10

According to political scientist Larry Bartels, lower-class citizens who favor tax cuts for the rich are an example of

Accepted Answer

Larry Bartels argues that lower-class citizens who support policies that benefit the wealthy, such as tax cuts for the rich, are exhibiting misplaced self-interest. This is because these policies do not benefit them directly, and may even harm them in the long run. Instead, they may be swayed by ideological or cultural factors, or may have a misunderstanding of how the policy will affect them.

Question 11

To indicate that he favored programs that assist the poor and needy, what did Republican George W. Bush call himself?

Accepted Answer

George W. Bush referred to himself as a "compassionate conservative" to convey his support for programs that assist the poor and needy while still adhering to conservative principles.

Question 12

Which landmark 1965 law led to a change in the racial and ethnic composition of Congress?

Accepted Answer

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed discriminatory voting practices, leading to increased political representation for communities of color. This, in turn, led to a change in the racial and ethnic composition of Congress, as more people of color were able to vote and run for office.

Question 13

How many Americans devote sufficient time and attention to politics to understand most of the issues on the contemporary political agenda?

Accepted Answer

Studies suggest that only a small percentage of the American population actively follows politics and understands the complicated issues on the contemporary political agenda. While there may be some who are knowledgeable about politics, the vast majority of Americans are not able to devote sufficient time and attention to fully comprehend the complexity of political issues.

Question 14

Why do people take political cues from others rather than studying the issues themselves?

Accepted Answer

Taking political cues from others can serve as a shortcut and save time and effort in gathering information about complex political issues. Additionally, people may also feel more confident in their decision if they see other people they respect or trust making the same choice. This can be seen as a form of social proof or herd mentality. However, it is important for individuals to also educate themselves on issues to make informed decisions.

Question 15

After the election of John F. Kennedy in 1961, there was a growing preference for the Democratic Party among Catholics. Which of the following identities was responsible for shaping this relationship?

Accepted Answer

The growing preference for the Democratic Party among Catholics after JFK's election can be attributed to their shared religious identity, as Kennedy was the first Catholic president and his election was seen as a validation of Catholicism in American politics.

Question 16

In the domestic economy, those who generally oppose expansion of governmental activity are known as

Accepted Answer

Conservatives generally oppose expansion of governmental activity and advocate for limited government intervention in the economy. Liberal and progressive ideologies typically support more government involvement in the economy, while populism can go either way depending on the specific policies and issues being addressed.

Question 17

What is a general term for the psychological and sociological attachments that people may feel based on group affiliation?

Accepted Answer

The term that best fits the description is "identity politics." This refers to the ways in which individuals align themselves with certain groups and ideologies based on shared beliefs and experiences related to their identities (e.g. race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). This can lead to a sense of belonging and solidarity, but can also create divisions and conflicts within society.

Question 18

Which demographic groups were more likely to support missile strikes against Syria in 2013 and deploying troops to Syria and Iraq in 2015 to fight the Islamic State, or ISIS?

Accepted Answer

Men were more likely to support the use of military force in Syria and Iraq, and Republicans were more likely to support these actions as well. This can be seen in polling data from 2013 and 2015.

Question 19

Which of the following concepts explains why high-income African Americans are more apt to support policies that are likely to help large numbers of low-income or underemployed African Americans?

Accepted Answer

Linked fate is the idea that African Americans believe their fortunes are tied to the success of the broader black community. Therefore, high-income African Americans are more likely to support policies that benefit low-income or underemployed African Americans because they view their fates as interdependent.

Question 20

According to the text, a person who decides not to invest time and energy to study political issues is said to be

Accepted Answer

The term "rationally ignorant" refers to a person who chooses not to invest time and energy in studying political issues because they perceive the cost of doing so to outweigh the potential benefits. This does not necessarily indicate laziness or neglect of duty, but rather a decision based on rational calculation. Therefore, option A, B, and C are incorrect.

Quiz 10: Public Opinion