Question 1

Studies of the agenda of the U.S. Congress demonstrate that it is characterized by an emphasis on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Studies of the U.S. Congress agenda often show a significant focus on business-related legislation, reflecting the influence of economic interests and lobbying by business groups.

Question 2

A sign that pluralist democracy might not be working well in the United States is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Pluralist democracy relies on diverse interest groups representing various sectors of society. If business and professional groups are the best represented, it suggests an imbalance, indicating that pluralist democracy may not be functioning effectively.

Question 3

Any organization of individuals formed on the basis of common interest to influence public policy is known as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

An interest group is an organization of individuals formed based on common interests to influence public policy.

Question 4

Which of the following perspectives holds that society is really ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest?

Accepted Answer

Elite theory holds that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest. This perspective suggests that the wealthy and powerful elite have disproportionate influence over political decisions and policies.

Question 5

According to elite theory, which of the following groups would be the most successful if the issue were the management of national forests?

Accepted Answer

Elite theory suggests that those with significant resources and influence, such as logging companies with financial power, are more likely to succeed in influencing policy decisions.

Question 6

The idea that most important government decisions are made by an identifiable and stable minority that shares certain characteristics-especially wealth and business connections-is known as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The concept described in the question is known as elite theory. Oligarchy refers specifically to a small group of individuals holding political control, while aristocracy refers to a hereditary ruling class. Pluralist theory suggests that power is distributed among multiple groups, while the interest group model focuses on the influence of interest groups on politics.

Question 7

If top political jobs for both political parties are filled only from an inner circle of top corporate leaders, this would be evidence for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Elite theory posits that power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of wealthy and influential individuals, often from the corporate world, who control key institutions such as government and media. If top political jobs are filled exclusively by these individuals, it would indicate that the elite hold a disproportionate amount of power and influence over the political process.

Question 8

What kind of democracy makes a virtue out of the struggle between competing interests?

Accepted Answer

Pluralist democracy emphasizes the role of diverse and competing interest groups in the political process, making a virtue out of the struggle between these interests to influence policy and decision-making.

Question 9

The main disadvantage of the pluralist model is that it does which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The pluralist model tends to favor well-organized and well-funded groups, which often do not include those who need the most help, such as marginalized or less powerful groups.

Question 10

Although they are instruments of majoritarian democracy, initiatives are often sponsored by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Interest groups often sponsor initiatives as a way to bypass the legislative process and directly appeal to the electorate to enact specific policies.

Question 11

Over the past few years, what has happened to the total number of democracies around the world?

Accepted Answer

The total number of democracies around the world has seen little change, with some fluctuations but no significant overall increase or decrease.

Question 12

Studies on decision making concerning public policy issues suggest that much of the elite's power comes from the ability of the elites to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Elites often exert power by controlling the political agenda, which includes keeping certain issues from being discussed or prioritized in public policy debates.

Question 13

Established procedures and organizations that translate public opinion into government policy, like elections, are known as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Institutional mechanisms are the established procedures and organizations that translate public opinion into government policy, such as elections.

Question 14

When a state legislature places a policy question on the ballot for citizens to vote on, this is known as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A referendum is a process where the state legislature places a policy question on the ballot for citizens to vote on.

Question 15

According to the text, it is difficult for a country with a market economy to also have which of the following characteristics in its internal politics?

Accepted Answer

A market economy is typically associated with democratic and pluralistic political systems, where power is decentralized and responsive to the needs of the people. An undemocratic system would be difficult to maintain alongside a market economy, as it often requires centralized control and limits on freedoms that are contrary to market principles.

Question 16

Democratization is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Democratization refers to the transition process where a country moves from an authoritarian regime to a democratic form of government.

Question 17

What rules govern the use of the referendum at the federal level?

Accepted Answer

There are no provisions in the U.S. Constitution for the use of referenda at the federal level. Referenda are typically used at the state and local levels.

Question 18

What is the political theory that holds that government should do what most of the people want it to do?

Accepted Answer

Majoritarianism is the political theory that holds that government should do what most of the people want it to do. It is based on the principle that the majority should have the power to make decisions, and that the government should be responsive to the majority's preferences. This theory is often contrasted with pluralism, which argues that government should represent the interests of multiple groups and not just the majority.

Question 19

Although public opinion does not fluctuate erratically, change can occur when which of the following happens?

Accepted Answer

Change in public opinion can occur when different generations with different experiences enter the electorate, as they bring new perspectives and priorities.

Question 20

Cohesive political parties with well-defined programs contribute to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Cohesive political parties with well-defined programs contribute to the majoritarian model of democracy, where the majority's preferences are expected to be reflected in policy decisions through strong party platforms.

Quiz 2: Majoritarian or Pluralist Democracy