Deck 11: The Economy and Politics

Question 1

Totalitarianism is a pervasive ideology that legitimizes state control and instructs people how to act in their public and private lives.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

In a democracy, individuals participate in governmental decisions, and select leaders who are responsive to the wishes of the majority of the people.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

A(n) _____ is the domination of a particular market or industry by one person or company.

A) monarchy
B) monopoly
C) oligopoly
D) duopoly
E) anarchy

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Symbolic interactionists rely on macro-level approaches to explain the day-to-day meaning of work.

Question 5

Discouraged workers are people who have part-time jobs but want full-time work or whose jobs are below their experience, skill, and education levels.

Question 6

Deindustrialization, globalization, and offshoring have strengthened labor unions.

Question 7

The source of power in rational-legal authority is personal because a ruler inherits authority on the basis of long-standing customs, traditions, or religious beliefs.

Question 8

A major reason for deindustrialization is that, beginning in the early 1960s, employers easily replaced workers with the lowest skill levels with automation.

Question 9

For functionalists, low wages alienate employees rather than motivate them to work harder.

Question 10

Conflict theorists contend that the United States is ruled by pluralism.

Question 11

The _____ determines how a society produces, distributes, and consumes goods and services.

A) law
B) government
C) economy
D) political structure
E) social hierarchy

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of capitalism?

A) Collective ownership of property
B) Cooperation
C) No profit motive
D) Collective goals
E) Market competition

Question 13

_____ is an economic system based on private ownership of property and competition in producing and selling goods and services.

A) Communism
B) Anarchism
C) Totalitarianism
D) Socialism
E) Capitalism

Question 14

A(n) _____ is the domination of a market by a few large producers or suppliers.

A) monarchy
B) monopoly
C) oligopoly
D) anarchy
E) autocracy

Question 15

Conglomerates diversify business risk by participating in a number of different markets.

Question 16

Conflict theorists argue that capitalism enables the rich and powerful to exploit other groups, resulting in huge wealth disparities.

Question 17

Critics argue that globalization terminates jobs and makes goods and services unaffordable for people around the world.

Question 18

Capitalism is an economic system based on the public ownership of the production of goods and services.

Question 19

Interlocking directorates have become more influential than ever because of the proliferation of transnational corporations.

Question 20

In socialism, the state is responsible for all economic planning and programs.

Question 21

In a(n) _____, the same people serve on the boards of directors of several companies or corporations.

A) private cartel
B) interlocking directorate
C) monopoly
D) transnational directorate
E) subsidiary board

Question 22

Before and since the recession, unemployment rates have been highest among:

A) elderly people.
B) single female heads of households.
C) single white males.
D) people with a college degree.
E) people employed in health-care.

Question 23

By moving production plants abroad, large U.S.corporations:

A) avoid trade tariffs.
B) face harsh environmental regulations.
C) pay high wages.
D) create more job opportunities in the U.S.
E) increase the prices of products.

Question 24

Which of the following is a characteristic of socialism?

A)
Private ownership
B) Market competition
C) Profit motive
D) Investment
E) Collective goals

Question 25

_____ is a process of social and economic change resulting from the reduction of industrial activity, especially manufacturing.

A) Offshoring
B) Remanufacturing
C) Deindustrialization
D) Gentrification
E) Retrofitting

Question 26

Which of the following statements is true of oligopolies?

A) They stifle competition.
B) They lower prices.
C) They are considered illegal.
D) They offer many product options.
E) They lead to a free market.

Question 27

Which of the following statements is true of crony capitalism?

A) In this system, there is a close relationship between business people and the public.
B) In this system, the government gives preferential treatment to the common public.
C) In this system, the government taxes wealthy people and large corporations excessively.
D) In this system, the government gives direct payment or loans to wealthy people and large corporations.
E) In this system, the government provides wealthy people and large corporations with grants that require extreme competition in an open market.

Question 28

Which of the following is a reason for the failure of communism?

A) Widespread corruption
B) Intense competition
C) Excessive focus on profit
D) Private ownership of means of production
E) Presence of oligopolies

Question 29

Which of the following best defines socialism?

A) An economic system that combines private ownership of property, market competition, and a government's regulation of many programs and services
B) An economic system based on private ownership of property and competition in producing and selling goods and services
C) A political system in which power is allocated solely on the basis of heredity
D) An economic system based on the public ownership of the production of goods and services
E) A political system in which the government controls almost every aspect of people's lives

Question 30

A(n) _____ is an organization that has legal rights, privileges, and liabilities apart from those of its members.

A) monopoly
B) cohort
C) government
D) corporation
E) oligopoly

Question 31

Which of the following best defines communism?

A) A political and economic system in which there is common ownership of property, and all people are considered equal
B) An economic system based on private ownership of property and competition in producing and selling goods and services
C) An economic system based on private ownership of property and competition in producing and selling goods and services
D) A political system in which the state controls the lives of citizens but permits some degree of individual freedom
E) A political system in which the government controls almost every aspect of people's lives

Question 32

_____ refers to the growth and spread of investment, trade, production, communication, and new technology around the world.

A) Fabrication
B) Globalization
C) Deindustrialization
D) Gentrification
E) Retrofitting

Question 33

Which of the following statements is true of part-time work?

A) It has spread to the professional sector.
B) It subjects employers to additional costs.
C) It results in low turnover.
D) It increases employee commitment.
E) It only includes lower-level hourly employees.

Question 34

_____ is an economic system that combines private ownership of property, market competition, and a government's regulation of many programs and services.

A)
Crony capitalism
B) Mercantilism
C) Welfare capitalism
D) Totalitarianism
E) Corporate capitalism

Question 35

_____ are people who stop searching for employment because they believe that job hunting is futile.

A) Overemployed
B) Underemployed
C) Blue-collar workers
D) Discouraged workers
E) Offshore workers

Question 36

A(n) _____ is a corporation that owns a collection of companies in different industries.

A) keiretsu
B) subsidiary
C) conglomerate
D) associate company
E) cohort

Question 37

Which of the following statements is true of labor unions?

A) Deindustrialization has weakened labor unions.
B) Labor unions are in favor of the cessation of paid holidays.
C) Union membership has increased sharply in recent years.
D) Offshoring has strengthened labor unions.
E) Globalization has strengthened labor unions.

Question 38

Which of the following statements is true of globalization?

A) It gives unprecedented political power to consumers.
B) It depreciates living standards of workers in developing countries.
C) It eliminates income inequality between workers and the global elite.
D) It increases the number of workers in Western economies.
E) It exploits poor people in developing countries.

Question 39

A(n) _____ is a large company that is based in one country but operates across international boundaries.

A) conglomerate
B) private cartel
C) interlocking directorate
D) transnational corporation
E) national firm

Question 40

_____ refers to sending work or jobs to another country to cut a company's costs at home.

A) Offshoring
B) Insourcing
C) Telecommuting
D) Gentrification
E) Retrofitting

Question 41

_____ is power based on the belief that laws and appointed or elected political leaders are legitimate.

A) Traditional authority
B) Downward authority
C) Charismatic-inspirational authority
D) Upward authority
E) Rational-legal authority

Question 42

_____ is power based on exceptional individual abilities and characteristics that inspire devotion, trust, and obedience.

A) Traditional authority
B) Downward authority
C) Charismatic authority
D) Upward authority
E) Rational-legal authority

Question 43

A _____ is a formal organization that has the authority to make and enforce laws.

A) bureaucracy
B) government
C) monopoly
D) oligopoly
E) conglomerate

Question 44

Motherhood penalty refers to:

A) a lower employment rate of women with children.
B) a difference in wages between men and women with children.
C) a pay gap between women who are and aren't mothers.
D) the plight of women with children who cannot work full-time.
E) the resentment faced by working mothers in the work environment.

Question 45

Which of the following statements best describes the functionalist perspective on work and the economy?

A) Gender roles structure women's and men's work experiences differently and inequitably.
B) Capitalism enables the rich to exploit other groups; most jobs are low-paying, monotonous, and alienating; productivity isn't always rewarded.
C) Capitalism benefits society; work provides an income, structures people's lives, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
D) How people define and experience work in their everyday lives affects their workplace behavior and relationships with coworkers and employers.
E) Capitalism creates social problems, globalization has led to job insecurity, and a handful of transnational conglomerates have enormous power.

Question 46

Which of the following is a political system in which the state controls the lives of citizens but permits some degree of individual freedom?

A) Totalitarianism
B) Authoritarianism
C) Republicanism
D) Capitalism
E) Democracy

Question 47

Which of the following is a political system in which power is allocated solely on the basis of heredity and passes from generation to generation?

A) Totalitarianism
B) Capitalism
C) Monarchy
D) Communism
E) Communism

Question 48

_____ is the ability of a person or group to influence others, even if they resist.

A) Meritocracy
B) Competency
C) Charisma
D) Power
E) Rationality

Question 49

Which of the following is one of the principles of democracy?

A) The government can denounce individual rights to organize political parties whose members compete for public office.
B) People are instructed how to act in their public and private lives.
C) Secret police and the military can intimidate people into conformity and punish dissenters.
D) The government has total control over religious and educational institutions.
E) Suffrage is universal, and elections are frequent, free, fair, and secret.

Question 50

Which of the following factors has contributed to the surge in women employment?

A) Growth in the number of college-educated women
B) Decrease in the number of working single mothers
C) Lower costs of homeownership
D) Higher earnings of women than men in the highest paying occupations
E) Higher unemployment rates among men

Question 51

Which of the following statements is true of rational-legal authority?

A) It comes from rules and regulations that pertain to an office.
B) It arises from rules and protocols that relate to a person.
C) It is personal and is based on customs, traditions, and religious beliefs.
D) It is vested in the person currently holding the office.
E) It changes when a new mayor or governor is elected.

Question 52

_____ are people who have part-time jobs but want full-time work or whose jobs are below their experience, skill, and education levels.

A) Overemployed
B)Underemployed
C) Underqualified
D) Discouraged workers
E) Offshore workers

Question 53

In the context of the political system, a _____ is a group of people that seeks or receives benefits or favorable treatment.

A) special-interest group
B) social group
C) diversity group
D) common-goal group
E) traditional group

Question 54

A _____ is an organization that tries to influence and control government by recruiting, nominating, and electing its members to public office.

A) conglomerate
B) corporation
C) bureaucracy
D) social group
E) political party

Question 55

Which of the following statements is a Democrat most likely to agree with?

A) Marriage and adoption should be limited to heterosexuals; inclusion of gay men and lesbians in the armed forces creates interpersonal problems.
B) The unborn should be protected in all cases; there should be no public money for abortions.
C) The government should raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and expand programs for the poor.
D) The government should increase state and local control of schools.
E) The government should use tax dollars to fund students to attend private schools of their choice if their local school is underperforming.

Question 56

Which of the following is a political system in which, ideally, citizens have control over the state and its actions?

A) Totalitarianism
B) Authoritarianism
C) Monarchy
D) Communism
E) Democracy

Question 57

Which of the following is a political system in which the government controls almost every aspect of people's lives?

A) Totalitarianism
B) Authoritarianism
C) Capitalism
D) Communism
E) Democracy

Question 58

Which of the following statements is true of downward power and upward power?

A) With upward power, state senators can affect their constituents' lives.
B) In upward power, voters can vote politicians out of office.
C) In upward power, state representatives can pass laws on taxes.
D) In downward power, voters can protest.
E) In downward power, voters can refuse to follow laws.

Question 59

_____ is power based on customs that justify a ruler's position.

A) Traditional authority
B) Downward authority
C) Charismatic authority
D) Upward authority
E) Rational-legal authority

Question 60

Which of the following statements best describes the perspective of conflict theorists on work and the economy?

A) Gender roles structure women's and men's work experiences differently and inequitably.
B) Capitalism enables the rich to exploit other groups; most jobs are low-paying, monotonous, and alienating; productivity isn't always rewarded.
C) Capitalism benefits society; work provides an income, structures people's lives, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
D) How people define and experience work in their everyday lives affects their workplace behavior and relationships with coworkers and employers.
E) Capitalism brings prosperity to society as a whole; work is necessary for a society's survival and defining its members' roles.

Question 61

Discuss the feminist perspective on the economy and its impact on society.

Question 62

Critically evaluate the functionalists' perspective on political power.

Question 63

Define socialism and communism.List the ways in which they differ from each other

Question 64

_____ is a political system in which power is distributed among a variety of competing groups in a society.

A) Anarchism
B) Authoritarianism
C) Totalitarianism
D) Ethnocentrism
E) Pluralism

Question 65

Discuss the factors that have contributed to the surge in women's employment.

Question 66

Discuss the effects of globalization on the economy.

Question 67

Briefly discuss rational-legal authority.

Question 68

Define capitalism.List the characteristics of a capitalistic economy.

Question 69

Which of the following statements is true of demographic factors in voting?

A) In every presidential election since 1996, women have voted at lower rates than men.
B) Historically, and across all elections, voting rates decrease with age.
C) At each successive level of educational attainment, the voting rate increases.
D) Young people have high voting registration rates and are more likely to reregister.
E) Low-income people are more likely to vote than high-income people.

Question 70

_____ are special-interest groups that raise money to elect one or more candidates to public office.

A) Election committees
B) Radical fund raisers
C) Political action committees
D) Public marketers
E) Public fund supporters

Question 71

Describe the key characteristics of a pluralist model.

Question 72

How does a transnational corporation differ from a transnational conglomerate?

Question 73

Define authority.Briefly discuss the various forms of authority.

Question 74

A(n) _____ is someone hired by a special-interest group to influence legislation on the group's behalf.

A) activist
B) fund raiser
C) lobbyist
D) marketer
E) publicist

Question 75

Briefly describe totalitarianism.

Question 76

Describe the functionalists' perspective on the economy and its impact on society.

Question 77

Critically evaluate the perspective of conflict theorists on the power elite.

Question 78

Discuss the various demographic factors that influence voting in America.

Question 79

Discuss the two-party system in the U.S.

Question 80

Which of the following statements is true of the pluralist model?

A) Individuals have little direct power over political decision making.
B) Individuals have no authority to influence government policies.
C) There is only a single leadership.
D) People have no power outside of their special-interest groups.
E) There are no checks and balances.