Question 1

Many governments pay cash rewards to athletes who win Olympic medals because

Accepted Answer

Governments pay cash rewards to athletes who win Olympic medals because their success brings prestige and other benefits to the whole country, such as boosting national morale and potentially attracting investment and tourism.

Question 2

Politics refers primarily to

Accepted Answer

Politics involves the processes of organizing power, such as decision-making, distribution of resources, and governance. While government officials may play a role in politics, politics is not limited to their actions. Disagreements in social relationships and efforts to influence people through official actions are aspects of politics, but they are not the primary focus.

Question 3

Nationalistic themes in media coverage of international sports are now accompanied and sometimes obscured by images and narratives that promote

Accepted Answer

Nationalistic themes in media coverage of international sports are increasingly intertwined with the promotion of corporate interests and products, as corporations use these events to market themselves and their products globally.

Question 4

Government involvement in sports is usually connected with

Accepted Answer

Government involvement in sports is typically related to power dynamics within a society or community. This can include funding for sports facilities and events, regulation of sports organizations, and using sports as a means of promoting national identity or social cohesion. Political officials may have personal interests in sports, but their involvement is primarily driven by the need to maintain or enhance their power and influence. The interests of powerless people may be taken into account to some extent, but this is not the main reason for government involvement in sports.

Question 5

Government officials are most likely to use sports as a diplomatic tool when

Accepted Answer

Sports are often used as a way to bring nations together and promote unity. For example, events like the Olympic Games or the World Cup can provide a platform for countries to come together and compete in a friendly, non-political manner. When there is a need for public expressions of unity between different nations, government officials are more likely to use sports as a diplomatic tool.

Question 6

Sports bring people together and create "emotional unity," but a sociological understanding of the significance of this unity requires that we ask questions about

Accepted Answer

The question asks about the sociological significance of emotional unity created by sports, which requires an examination of the long-term political consequences of this unity. Understanding the political implications of sports-related unity can provide insights into social issues such as nationalism, identity politics, and social cohesion. The other options do not directly address the sociological significance of emotional unity created by sports.

Question 7

Research suggests that the impact of successful teams on feelings of national pride and identity

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that in well-established nations, the impact of successful teams on feelings of national pride and identity is minimal because these nations already have a strong sense of national identity and pride.

Question 8

When government involvement in sports is intended to promote identity and unity, it

Accepted Answer

Government involvement in sports aimed at promoting identity and unity often results in unequal benefits, with some groups or individuals gaining more advantages than others. This can be due to various factors such as unequal access to resources, favoritism, or the prioritization of certain sports over others.

Question 9

Data on connections between sports and international relations suggests that sports

Accepted Answer

Sports are often used as forms of public diplomacy, allowing nations to engage in a non-political, non-threatening way. Sports can be used to promote national values, create goodwill, and build relationships, all of which can influence international relations. However, it is important to note that sports are not a primary driver of negotiations related to vital national interests in global politics.

Question 10

The history of sports, especially the Olympic Games, shows that the main purpose underlying participation in international sports by most nations has been to

Accepted Answer

The main purpose underlying participation in international sports by most nations has historically been to promote national political interests, using sports as a platform to demonstrate power, unity, and prestige on the global stage.

Question 11

The author distinguishes between power and authority.Power refers to the ability to influence people and achieve goals, whereas authority refers to

Accepted Answer

The author defines authority specifically as a form of power that comes with a formal office or position, while power is defined more broadly as the ability to influence people and achieve goals. Therefore, B is the best choice.

Question 12

When governments sponsor sports and political officials associate themselves with sports, their primary purpose is often to

Accepted Answer

Government sponsorship of sports and political officials associating themselves with sports is a way to increase their legitimacy and popularity among citizens. It helps to create a positive image and gain support from the public.

Question 13

The belief that participation in competitive sports lowers health care costs is

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that participating in competitive sports can actually lead to increased health care costs due to the risk of injuries and the need for medical treatment. While certain corporate executives may promote this belief, it is not consistently supported by data and should be challenged through further research. The validity of this belief is not dependent on a country's overall working conditions.

Question 14

Research shows that if maintaining health and fitness is the goal, a nation should sponsor sports that are

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that noncompetitive and aerobic sports such as swimming, cycling, and running tend to be more effective in maintaining health and fitness compared to competitive sports. Competitive sports may pose a higher risk of injury and exclusion for those who are not athletically gifted. Therefore, sponsoring noncompetitive and aerobic sports can encourage more individuals to participate in physical activity and ultimately promote better health outcomes.

Question 15

Governments become involved in sports because they often are the only organizations with

Accepted Answer

Governments have the power and financial resources to sponsor sporting events and construct major facilities such as stadiums and arenas. This is often seen as a way to boost tourism and local economies. Governments are also able to negotiate with and regulate national sports leagues.

Question 16

Sport programs created for young people who are described as "at risk" often claim to focus on development but the primary focus is on

Accepted Answer

Sport programs created for "at risk" youth are often designed as a form of social control rather than focusing on development. The main goal of these programs is to provide a positive outlet for young people and keep them out of trouble, rather than developing their sport skills or organizing communities.

Question 17

When government organizations regulate access to sport facilities and make rules about who can play sports under what circumstances, the intent is to

Accepted Answer

The answer of When government organizations regulate access to sport...

Question 18

When Germany hosted the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Hitler used the Olympics Games to

Accepted Answer

Hitler used the Olympics Games to promote the Nazi ideology of "Nordic supremacy," which emphasized the superiority of the Aryan race, particularly those with Nordic features. This was meant to showcase Germany as a powerful and superior nation, and to reinforce the idea that the Aryan race was destined to dominate the world. While there were incidents of discrimination against Jews and other minorities during the games, the primary purpose was to advance Nazi propaganda.

Question 19

When the U.S.Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights clarified the meaning of Americans with Disabilities Act by saying that schools had to provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities to play sports, it was an example of government involvement meant to

Accepted Answer

The government involvement in clarifying the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act was meant to ensure fairness and protect the human rights of students with disabilities. It was intended to ensure that they have equal opportunities to participate in sports activities, which is an essential aspect of social and physical development. This intervention is in line with the government's responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens, including those with disabilities.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a reason for government intervention in sports?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating physical disabilities is not a reason for government intervention in sports. The other three reasons listed (promoting economic development, safeguarding public order, emphasizing dominant values) are all common justifications for government involvement in sports.

Quiz 13: Sports and Politics: How Do Governments and Global Political Processes Influence Sports