Question 1

America predominantly uses which form of democracy?

Accepted Answer

America predominantly uses representative democracy, in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is different from direct democracy, where citizens vote on every issue individually. Totalitarian, libertarian, and multicultural are not forms of democracy.

Question 2

If one group took power and established an official state religion, James Madison would likely describe the situation as:

Accepted Answer

James Madison believed that the formation of a powerful faction, whether it be a majority or a minority, was a threat to the stability and freedom of the nation. Therefore, if a group took power and established an official state religion, Madison would view it as an example of the tyranny of a faction imposing its will on the rest of the nation. This would undermine the principles of democracy and individual liberty that he believed were essential for a free society.

Question 3

The separation of powers refers to:

Accepted Answer

The separation of powers refers to the division of a government into different branches with distinct areas of authority. This typically includes an executive branch, a legislative branch, and a judicial branch, each with its own powers and responsibilities. The system is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that no individual or group has complete control over the government.

Question 4

A system of checks and balances:

Accepted Answer

A system of checks and balances ensures that each branch of the national government has some power over the others to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This helps to prevent tyranny and protects individual rights.

Question 5

When the federal government attempts to tackle a problem, such as assisting the poor, the sick, or the aged, it is acting:

Accepted Answer

The federal government's power to assist the poor, the sick, or the aged falls under its constitutional power to promote the general welfare. This is outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution, which states that one of the purposes of the government is to "promote the general Welfare."

Question 6

If people decide there is a problem worth solving that requires the creation of a public good, government involvement is necessary because:

Accepted Answer

Public goods are typically non-excludable and non-rivalrous, which means that it is difficult for individuals to provide them on their own. Government involvement is necessary to provide and maintain these goods for the benefit of society as a whole.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a public good?

Accepted Answer

The interstate highway system is an example of a public good because it is non-excludable (everyone can use it) and non-rival (one person's use does not diminish another's use).

Question 8

For James Madison, the notion that government is necessary depended strongly on:

Accepted Answer

James Madison believed that people were self-interested and could not be trusted to rule themselves, which is why he advocated for a strong central government with checks and balances to prevent any one group or individual from dominating the political process.

Question 9

Which of the following is a reason that there is conflict in politics?

Accepted Answer

The lack of a national consensus and inability to find a compromise on certain issues is a major reason for conflict in politics.

Question 10

How does equality contribute to resolving conflict in the political system?

Accepted Answer

When people believe that they are going to be treated equally, they are more likely to respect the political system. This can help resolve conflict because people are more willing to work within the system instead of outside of it. It also promotes a sense of fairness, which can reduce tensions and potential conflict.

Answer: E 
 Social issues are often more contentious than issues about equality, as they deal with more subjective and personal values. However, promoting equality can still play a role in resolving conflicts related to social issues. By giving everyone equal rights and opportunities, it can help reduce tensions between different groups and promote a more harmonious society. Nevertheless, it is not the only contributing factor to resolving conflicts in the political system.

Question 11

John disagrees with a decision of the government and expresses his view in an article in the local newspaper. This is an example of which American political value?

Accepted Answer

John's ability to express his dissenting opinion in the local newspaper is an example of the American political value of liberty, which ensures the freedom of speech and the press as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Question 12

The U.S. Constitution states that the national government must "insure domestic Tranquility." How does the U.S. government perform that function?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. government performs the function of insuring domestic tranquility through law-enforcement agencies such as the FBI, the National Guard, and the Department of Homeland Security. These agencies work to maintain civil order, prevent and respond to crimes and terrorist threats, and handle national emergencies.

Question 13

A free rider problem occurs when:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A free rider problem occurs when:
...

Question 14

Which of the following did the Founders cite in the Constitution as a reason to have a government?

Accepted Answer

The Founders cited that the purpose of the government was to secure liberty, which is stated in the Preamble of the Constitution. The other choices - B, C, D, and E - are not mentioned in the Constitution as a reason to have a government.

Question 15

What is politics?

Accepted Answer

Politics is generally defined as the process by which decisions are made within groups, including government institutions. It is concerned with the allocation and exercise of power in society, and with the distribution of resources and benefits. Option A is too narrow and only refers to a specific aspect of politics, while option C is an overly negative characterization of public officials. Option D is not a comprehensive definition of politics, as it focuses only on conflicts and ignores other aspects of the decision-making process. Option E also falls short, as it does not fully capture the essence of politics as a process of decision-making and power allocation.

Question 16

The idea that every person should have the same chance to realize his or her potential is most consistent with which American political value?

Accepted Answer

The idea of equal opportunity to realize one's potential is linked to the political value of equality, which states that all individuals should have equal access to rights and opportunities regardless of their race, gender, religion, or economic status. This value is deeply embedded in American political culture and is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While liberty, democracy, fraternity, and multiculturalism are also important values in American politics, they do not directly address the issue of equal access to opportunities.

Question 17

Which three American political values resolve conflict in the political system?

Accepted Answer

Democracy allows for peaceful resolution of conflicts through voting and representation, while liberty ensures individual freedoms and the right to express conflicting opinions. Equality emphasizes fair treatment and equal opportunity regardless of differences, helping to diminish conflicts based on group identities.

Question 18

It may be easy for two neighbors to agree to drain a meadow, which they possess in common, to grow crops. However, when the meadow is much larger and reaches thousands of people, the solution is more difficult because:

Accepted Answer

The "free rider problem" refers to a situation where some individuals in a group benefit from resources or services without paying for them, which is common in large groups where individual contributions might not be easily tracked or enforced. This makes collective action, like draining a meadow for common use, more difficult as some may opt out of contributing while still benefiting from the efforts of others.

Question 19

The division of power between the national government and the state and local governments is called:

Accepted Answer

Federalism is the division of power between the national government and the state and local governments. Constitutionalism refers to adherence to the principles of the constitution, the separation of powers refers to the division of power among different branches of government, republicanism refers to a system of government in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and pluralism refers to the recognition and acceptance of diverse opinions and values in society.

Question 20

We say that a good whose benefit is shared both by the primary consumer and by society, such as public education, has what?

Accepted Answer

The term for a good that benefits both the primary consumer and society is a positive externality.

Quiz 1: Understanding American Politics