Question 1

Paul believes that politics is guided by the "golden rule": Those who have the gold make the rules. Thus, Paul believes that the United States is a __________.

Accepted Answer

Paul's belief aligns with the definition of a plutocracy, where the wealthy or those with gold have the power and influence to make the rules.

Question 2

From the progressive position, the poor have fared badly because of __________.

Accepted Answer

The progressive perspective often highlights how systemic issues, such as the erosion of labor opportunities, disproportionately affect the poor by limiting their access to stable and well-paying jobs. This perspective tends to focus on structural factors rather than individual attributes like work ethic or external factors like the stock market or farm subsidies, which are not directly linked to the immediate economic conditions of the poor.

Question 3

__________ occurs when districts are carved up by the party in power to maintain their favorable balance of power.

Accepted Answer

Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to favor one party or class.

Question 4

Barriers to progressive reform include a __________.

Accepted Answer

Barriers to progressive reform often include a weak labor union movement because strong labor unions are typically necessary for pushing through progressive labor laws and protections.

Question 5

Alex believes, among other things, that the United States should do a much better job of providing for vulnerable citizens who cannot provide for themselves including, especially, children. Alex is in favor of __________.

Accepted Answer

Alex's belief in providing better for vulnerable citizens, especially children, aligns with a progressive agenda, which typically includes policies aimed at social welfare and support for those who cannot support themselves.

Question 6

Following WWII and lasting for about three decades, society became more _____ toward racial integration.

Accepted Answer

Following WWII, society gradually became more inclusive toward racial integration, marked by significant civil rights movements and legislative changes aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination.

Question 7

Which is true about the United States compared to other industrialized nations?

Accepted Answer

The United States has a higher poverty rate compared to other industrialized nations, reflecting disparities in wealth distribution and social safety nets.

Question 8

Which of the following is a progressive proposal advanced by the authors of the text?

Accepted Answer

Government programs that provide for those who can't do so for themselves are a hallmark of progressive proposals, focusing on social welfare and support for vulnerable populations.

Question 9

Just before the last election cycle the members of a state house of representatives got together and redrew the boundaries for various voting districts. The group that held power at the time consistently blocked efforts to draw boundaries favorable to the minority party and instead divided the state in a way that would ensure them the most votes in a process known as __________.

Accepted Answer

Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing the boundaries of electoral districts in a way that gives one party an unfair advantage over its rivals.

Question 10

Programs such as the AFDC, food stamps, and Head Start are known as __________.

Accepted Answer

These programs are designed to provide support to individuals and families in need, acting as a safety net to protect them from poverty and hardship.

Question 11

Gerrymandering results in many voting districts in the United States where the primary election essentially determines the final winner. This results in __________ moderates being elected.

Accepted Answer

Gerrymandering often creates districts that heavily favor one political party, leading to primary elections where the most partisan candidates are likely to win. This reduces the likelihood of moderates being elected.

Question 12

Of the following, which country has the wealthiest pay the lowest taxes and have more tax loopholes?

Accepted Answer

The United States is known for having a tax system where the wealthiest individuals often pay a lower effective tax rate compared to middle-income earners, partly due to various tax loopholes and preferential treatment of certain types of income, such as capital gains.

Question 13

What is blocking progressive change?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is blocking progressive change?
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Question 14

One barrier to progressive change is that those who will benefit most from progressive social policies are________.

Accepted Answer

Those who would benefit most from progressive social policies are often the least likely to vote, which can be due to various factors such as disenfranchisement, lack of resources, or feeling disconnected from the political process. This creates a barrier to implementing such policies, as the voices of those who need change the most may not be heard.

Question 15

Funds to finance a progressive agenda could come from __________.

Accepted Answer

Eliminating corporate welfare can provide funds by stopping government grants, tax breaks, and other special treatment to corporations, which can be redirected to finance a progressive agenda.

Question 16

Elimination of poverty in disadvantaged urban and rural areas should include __________.

Accepted Answer

New tax rebates to encourage businesses to relocate to disadvantaged urban and rural areas can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and help eliminate poverty by improving the local economy.

Question 17

Devolution includes __________.

Accepted Answer

Devolution refers to the process of decentralizing power from the federal government to state or local governments, including the movement to return the administration and funding of social programs to the states. This allows states more freedom and flexibility in how they manage certain programs.

Question 18

Which of the following is a time during which significant reforms were undertaken in the United States?

Accepted Answer

During the Great Depression era, significant reforms were undertaken in the United States, particularly through the New Deal programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address economic challenges and social welfare.

Question 19

The 2010 Supreme Court decision to allow corporations and other organizations the right to give unlimited amounts of money to affect the political process is an example of how America has become a ___________.

Accepted Answer

The 2010 Supreme Court decision refers to Citizens United v. FEC, which allowed corporations and other entities to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns, thus increasing the influence of wealthy individuals and corporations in politics. This aligns with the concept of a plutocracy, where the wealthy have significant control or influence over government and political decisions.

Question 20

Kozol uses the phrase __________ to refer to the notion that all of society is responsible for child neglect.

Accepted Answer

Kozol uses the phrase "collective sin" to suggest that the responsibility for child neglect is shared by all of society, indicating a communal failure rather than an issue confined to individuals or specific groups.

Quiz 18: Progressive Plan to Solve Social Problems