Question 1

According to the text, what are the three unique characteristics of the United States' fifty-state system?

Accepted Answer

The text states that the three unique characteristics of the United States' fifty-state system are diversity, competitiveness, and resiliency.

Question 2

Based on numerous social, economic, and political characteristics, which state was found to be the most representative of the country as a whole by political scientists Michael Lewis-Beck and Peverill Squire?

Accepted Answer

According to political scientists Michael Lewis-Beck and Peverill Squire, Kansas was found to be the most representative of the country as a whole based on social, economic, and political characteristics. They used data from the 2000 presidential election, which showed that Kansas was an average state in terms of voting patterns, demographics, and economic indicators. While other states like California might have a larger population and more diverse demographics, they also have unique characteristics that make them less representative of the entire country. Therefore, Kansas was the best choice based on the criteria used by the political scientists.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of the distinctive features of culture wars identified by political scientist Elaine Sharp?

Accepted Answer

One of the distinctive features of culture wars identified by political scientist Elaine Sharp is that they do not usually result in a compromise that satisfies both sides. The other options, A, B, and D, are all features that Sharp identifies as common in culture wars.

Question 4

The social conflict over political and legal actions related to a morality issue such as same-sex marriage is an example of

Accepted Answer

The term "culture wars" refers to the social and political conflicts over issues of morality, values, and beliefs. Same-sex marriage is one of the key issues in the culture wars, and has led to heated debates and legal battles over the past few decades. The other options (North-South divide, interstate conflict, new normal in fiscal policy) are not directly related to this particular issue.

Question 5

To promote the exchange of innovative approaches developed by state governments, the Council of State Governments (CSG), a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization, created a website called "Capitol Ideas," which showcases the ways in which states address different issues.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the purpose of the "Capitol Ideas" website created by the Council of State Governments.

Question 6

States and communities with more capacity work better than those with less capacity.

Accepted Answer

States and communities with more capacity, such as resources, funding, and skilled personnel, are better equipped to provide essential services and respond to emergencies than those with less capacity. This is because they can mobilize resources faster and more efficiently, have higher levels of readiness, and are more resilient in the face of unexpected events. As a result, they are often better able to meet the needs of their citizens and maintain stability and security.

Question 7

Among the factors that contributed to state resurgence are: reformed constitutions, reformed institutions, and the presence of active state and local lobbyist organizations at the national level.

Accepted Answer

The statement outlines factors that contributed to state resurgence, stating that reformed constitutions, institutions, and active state and local lobbyist organizations at the national level played a role. This statement is true.

Question 8

An assessment of political corruption in the states determined that the Dakotas, Colorado, and Maine had the least corruption.

Accepted Answer

The statement indicates that an assessment of political corruption in the states was conducted and the Dakotas, Colorado, and Maine were found to have the least corruption. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 9

When surveyed about the characteristics of good government, the citizens of Iowa put trustworthiness, ethics, financial responsibility, and accountability at the top of the list.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the results of a survey conducted in Iowa about the characteristics of good government.

Question 10

The primary functions of state and local governments are to make policy for and provide services to the public.

Accepted Answer

State and local governments have the responsibility of making policies and providing services to their respective communities.

Question 11

Interjurisdictional conflict is particularly common in two policy areas: education and health care.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Interjurisdictional conflict is particularly common in two...

Question 12

Approximately 38 million, or 13 percent, of the United States' population was born in another country.

Accepted Answer

According to the American Community Survey (ACS), in 2018, approximately 38 million foreign-born individuals lived in the United States, which is about 13 percent of the total U.S. population.

Question 13

With respect to natural disasters, interjurisdictional conflict is NOT a common problem.

Accepted Answer

Interjurisdictional conflict is a common problem in natural disasters, as different jurisdictions may have different priorities and resources, and may compete for resources or blame each other for the disaster.

Question 14

During the 1980s, states experienced resurgence, but by the 1990s the resurgence had waned as states became more reactive rather than proactive due to fiscal stress caused by the poor condition of the national economy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of During the 1980s, states experienced resurgence, but...

Question 15

Interstate cooperation is illustrated in the states working together to sue some of America's largest corporations to recover Medicaid funds spent on tobacco-related illnesses and to fight unfair business practices by filing an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corp.

Accepted Answer

The statement correctly describes examples of interstate cooperation.

Question 16

The term mad money refers to money set aside when a state's finances are healthy, for use when state revenues decline.

Accepted Answer

Mad money refers to a small amount of money kept for spontaneous or personal expenses, not for state financial management.

Question 17

As a general rule, state governments prefer to increase user charges, gasoline taxes, and so-called sin taxes on alcohol and tobacco in order to generate revenue. They only reluctantly raise sales and income taxes.

Accepted Answer

This statement is generally true, as user charges, gasoline taxes, and sin taxes are viewed as more politically feasible than sales and income tax hikes. However, there may be exceptions depending on the particular state and its political climate.

Question 18

The concept of federalism refers to a system of government in which power is shared between the national and regional governments.

Accepted Answer

Federalism is indeed a system of government in which power is shared between the national and regional governments. This is in contrast to a unitary system where power is concentrated in the national government.

Question 19

The concept of jurisdiction refers to government's ability to respond effectively to change, make decisions efficiently and responsively, and manage conflict.

Accepted Answer

Jurisdiction actually refers to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments, typically in a geographic area or over certain types of legal cases.

Question 20

States that consider politics as a kind of open marketplace in which people participate for private motivations abide by the _______ political culture.

Accepted Answer

In an individualistic political culture, citizens view politics as a marketplace in which individuals participate for their own self-interests and use politics as a means to promote their personal goals. This market-oriented approach to politics is prevalent in states like California or New York, where citizens are more likely to be concerned with individual rights and freedoms rather than civic duties or communal responsibilities.

Quiz 1: New Directions for State and Local Governments