Question 1

What are the primary myths that support American democracy today? Where do they come from? Who is more likely to believe them? Who is less likely?

Accepted Answer

The primary myths that support American democracy today include the idea of the "American Dream" - the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, the myth of American exceptionalism - the belief that the United States is uniquely virtuous and destined to lead the world, and the myth of the "melting pot" - the idea that America is a diverse and inclusive society where people of all backgrounds can come together and thrive.

These myths have their origins in American history, literature, and popular culture. They are often perpetuated through political rhetoric, media portrayals, and educational curricula.

Those who are more likely to believe in these myths are often individuals who have a strong sense of national pride and identity, and who may benefit from the status quo. This can include individuals who are more economically privileged, white, and native-born Americans.

On the other hand, those who are less likely to believe in these myths are often individuals who have experienced systemic barriers and discrimination, such as people of color, immigrants, and those who are economically disadvantaged. They may be more critical of the narratives that uphold American democracy and may be more aware of the gaps between the ideals of democracy and the realities of inequality and injustice.

Question 2

Plato said that rulers must tell lies for the good of the community. These "noble lies" help create communal solidarity. What sort of "noble lies" do Americans believe about their country?

Accepted Answer

There are a few "noble lies" that many Americans believe about their country. One is the idea of American exceptionalism, which suggests that the United States is uniquely virtuous and has a special mission to spread freedom and democracy around the world. This belief in American exceptionalism can lead to a sense of national pride and unity, but it can also overlook the country's flaws and mistakes.

Another "noble lie" is the myth of the American Dream, which promises that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. While this idea has inspired many people to pursue their goals, it can also ignore the systemic barriers and inequalities that make it difficult for some individuals to achieve upward mobility.

Additionally, there is the belief in the inherent goodness of the American political system and its leaders. This can lead to a sense of trust and stability, but it can also prevent critical examination of the government's actions and policies.

Overall, these "noble lies" can create a sense of communal solidarity and national identity, but they can also perpetuate myths and overlook the complexities and challenges within American society.

Question 3

Irving Kristol once said: "There are different kinds of truths for different kinds of people. There are truths appropriate for children; truths that are appropriate for students; truths that are appropriate for educated adults; and truths that are appropriate for highly educated adults, and the notion that there should be one set of truths available to everyone is a modern democratic fallacy. It doesn't work." Do you agree?

Accepted Answer

I can see where Irving Kristol is coming from, but I don't fully agree with his statement. While it is true that different people may have different levels of understanding and different truths may be more relevant to them, I believe that there are universal truths that should be available to everyone. These truths may be basic principles of morality, ethics, and human rights that should apply to all individuals regardless of their level of education or background. It is important to recognize and respect the diversity of perspectives and experiences, but at the same time, there are certain fundamental truths that should be universally acknowledged and upheld.

Question 4

If Aristotle were asked to describe American politics today, how would he categorize it? Would he consider it a democracy? A polity? Something else?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If Aristotle were asked to describe American...

Question 5

The "crazy goat rodeo" refers to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "crazy goat rodeo" refers to:
...

Question 6

A pluralist view of power would hold that political power should be:

Accepted Answer

A pluralist view of power holds that political power should be dispersed among many elites who share a common acceptance of the rules of the game. This is because pluralists believe that power is not a zero-sum game, and that it can be shared among multiple actors without diminishing the power of any one actor.

Question 7

Those who believe strongly in direct democracy would most favor:

Accepted Answer

Direct democracy involves citizens having direct participation in decision-making, such as voting on laws themselves.

Question 8

Aristotle believed that the right form of government is one that:

Accepted Answer

Aristotle believed that the best form of government is one that serves the common interests of the people, rather than the interests of the rulers. He emphasized the importance of the common good and the role of the middle class in achieving a stable and just society.

Question 9

Aristotle feared democracy because he believed it:

Accepted Answer

Aristotle feared democracy could devolve into mob rule, where the majority could oppress the minority without regard for justice or the common good.

Question 10

Political beliefs are said to be based on:

Accepted Answer

Political beliefs are influenced by assumptions, familial and community attitudes, and personal development over time.

Question 11

Candidate Jane Freedom advocates government intervention in both the national economic decline and the shaping of "moral" behavior. This candidate most likely considers herself a:

Accepted Answer

Populists often support government intervention in economic issues and may also advocate for government involvement in shaping social or moral behavior, aligning with Jane Freedom's stance.

Question 12

Compared to the level of activity of governments in the United States before 1900, our governments today are:

Accepted Answer

Governments today are more involved in most areas of our lives, including social welfare, regulation, and public services, compared to before 1900 when their roles were more limited.

Question 13

Fran believes the government should intervene more to regulate the economy, but she is opposed to government limitations on personal freedom of speech. Her ideas are most in line with:

Accepted Answer

Liberalism typically supports government intervention in the economy for social welfare but also upholds individual freedoms, including freedom of speech.

Question 14

Conservatism differs from liberalism because conservatives generally support:

Accepted Answer

Conservatives often prioritize social order and traditional values, which can lead to supporting limitations on personal freedom to maintain these values.

Question 15

George W. Bush invoked stereotypical imagery by characterizing nations that supported terrorism as:

Accepted Answer

George W. Bush famously referred to nations that supported terrorism as an "axis of evil" in his 2002 State of the Union address.

Question 16

Government has played an important role in Americans' lives as far back as:

Accepted Answer

Government has been involved in Americans' lives since colonial times, as colonial governments were established to manage and regulate the affairs of the colonies.

Question 17

Ideological differences in many European democracies can clearly be discerned in the differences between their:

Accepted Answer

Political parties in European democracies often represent distinct ideological perspectives, making them a clear reflection of ideological differences within these societies.

Question 18

If Representative Smith argues that political power should be distributed as equally as possible throughout our political system, he or she would be expressing a ____ view of power.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If Representative Smith argues that political power...

Question 19

Believing that all Democrats are "tax-and-spend" liberals is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This statement is a stereotype because it oversimplifies and generalizes the beliefs and behaviors of a diverse group of people based on political affiliation.

Question 20

According to the text, the two central issues in U.S. political ideology regarding how much government should do are intervention in:

Accepted Answer

The two central issues in U.S. political ideology regarding government intervention typically revolve around economic affairs, such as regulation and welfare, and private affairs, which include personal freedoms and rights.

Quiz 1: Making Sense of American Politics