Question 1

From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-Individuals from which of the following institutions constitute the "power elite"?
A) Military
B) Education, politics, and the military
C) Economic, political, and the military
D) Education and economic.

Accepted Answer

Mills argues that the power elite consists of individuals from the economic, political, and military spheres who hold centralized power and make decisions that impact society as a whole. The inclusion of all three spheres distinguishes the power elite from other groups, such as corporate leaders or high-level politicians, who may hold significant power within their own fields but do not have the same level of influence across society. Therefore, choice C best reflects Mills' perspective on the composition of the power elite.

Question 2

From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-Who are individuals at the "middle level"? What is their role in wielding power in American society?

Accepted Answer

In "The Structure of Power in American Society," C. Wright Mills identifies individuals at the "middle level" as those who hold positions of authority and influence within various institutions, such as middle managers in corporations, mid-level bureaucrats in government agencies, and mid-ranking officers in the military. These individuals play a crucial role in wielding power in American society as they are the ones who often implement and enforce policies and decisions made by those at the top level of power. They act as intermediaries between the elite and the masses, and their actions and decisions can have significant impacts on the lives of ordinary citizens. While they may not hold the same level of power as those at the top, their positions allow them to shape and influence the direction of policies and decisions, making them important actors in the overall structure of power in American society.

Question 3

From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-Within the sphere of economics who comprises the elite? How do they operate as an elite?

Accepted Answer

The elite within the sphere of economics comprises of wealthy individuals, corporate executives, and major shareholders who hold significant economic power and influence. They operate as an elite by using their wealth and resources to control and shape economic policies, regulations, and decisions that benefit their own interests and those of their corporations. They often have close ties with government officials and policymakers, allowing them to exert their influence on economic matters and further consolidate their power and wealth. This elite group also has the ability to shape public opinion and manipulate the media to maintain their position of power and privilege within the economic sphere. Their actions and decisions often prioritize their own financial gain over the well-being of the general population, contributing to the increasing centralization of economic power and the erosion of democratic principles within American society.

Question 4

From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-Discuss how the three elements of the "triangle of power" are interrelated, according to Mills.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-Which theory of governance does Mills most clearly attempt to refute?
A) Socialism
B) "Balance of power" pluralism
C) Meritocracy
D) Fascism.

Accepted Answer

Mills attempts to refute the theory of "balance of power" pluralism, which argues that power is widely dispersed among different groups in society and that they compete with each other for influence. Mills argues that this theory is false because power is increasingly being centralized in the hands of a few individuals within politics, military, and economics, and the masses are being made passive and powerless as a result.

Question 6

From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-Discuss how Mills views the general public within his power elite formulation.

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Question 7

From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-What developments in American society, according to Mills, have caused power to be increasingly consolidated?

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Question 8

From Diversity in the Power Elite by Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff
This article looks at the composition, causes, and meaning of the new racial/ethnic and gender diversity in the American elite in recent decades. The authors maintain that progress in access has been only partial and is largely illusory, and dynamics associated with recruitment and marginalized placement among the elite of minorities and women obscures the continuing reality of long-standing class inequities in American society.
-Are the authors positive about affirmative action programs? Explain.

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Question 9

From Diversity in the Power Elite by Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff
This article looks at the composition, causes, and meaning of the new racial/ethnic and gender diversity in the American elite in recent decades. The authors maintain that progress in access has been only partial and is largely illusory, and dynamics associated with recruitment and marginalized placement among the elite of minorities and women obscures the continuing reality of long-standing class inequities in American society.
-How has education operated to increase diversity among the elite?

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Question 10

From Diversity in the Power Elite by Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff
This article looks at the composition, causes, and meaning of the new racial/ethnic and gender diversity in the American elite in recent decades. The authors maintain that progress in access has been only partial and is largely illusory, and dynamics associated with recruitment and marginalized placement among the elite of minorities and women obscures the continuing reality of long-standing class inequities in American society.
-How has skin color served to determine access to the economic elite? Explain.

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Question 11

From Diversity in the Power Elite by Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff
This article looks at the composition, causes, and meaning of the new racial/ethnic and gender diversity in the American elite in recent decades. The authors maintain that progress in access has been only partial and is largely illusory, and dynamics associated with recruitment and marginalized placement among the elite of minorities and women obscures the continuing reality of long-standing class inequities in American society.
-What do the authors mean when saying diversity among the elite has reinforced the unchanging nature of long-standing class inequalities?

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Question 12

From Diversity in the Power Elite by Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff
This article looks at the composition, causes, and meaning of the new racial/ethnic and gender diversity in the American elite in recent decades. The authors maintain that progress in access has been only partial and is largely illusory, and dynamics associated with recruitment and marginalized placement among the elite of minorities and women obscures the continuing reality of long-standing class inequities in American society.
-The authors view the legacy of racial discrimination as not being sufficiently accounted for among those who oppose affirmative action.

Accepted Answer

The article argues that the legacy of racial discrimination is not sufficiently accounted for by those who oppose affirmative action.

Question 13

From Diversity in the Power Elite by Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff
This article looks at the composition, causes, and meaning of the new racial/ethnic and gender diversity in the American elite in recent decades. The authors maintain that progress in access has been only partial and is largely illusory, and dynamics associated with recruitment and marginalized placement among the elite of minorities and women obscures the continuing reality of long-standing class inequities in American society.
-Which of the following groups has least access to the elite?
A) Latinos
B) African Americans
C) Chinese immigrants
D) All have had about the same access.

Accepted Answer

African Americans have had the least access to the elite, according to the article.

Question 14

From Diversity in the Power Elite by Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff
This article looks at the composition, causes, and meaning of the new racial/ethnic and gender diversity in the American elite in recent decades. The authors maintain that progress in access has been only partial and is largely illusory, and dynamics associated with recruitment and marginalized placement among the elite of minorities and women obscures the continuing reality of long-standing class inequities in American society.
-Which of the following factors is least important in determining access to the elite?
A) Skin color
B) Age
C) Class background
D) Identification management.

Accepted Answer

The article primarily focuses on the role of race/ethnicity and gender in determining access to the elite, and identifies class background as a contributing factor. While age may also play a role in certain industries or professions, it is not as significant as the other factors mentioned in the article. Identification management, or the ability to present oneself in a way that aligns with elite norms and values, is also important but not as essential as the other factors.

Question 15

From Who's Running America? The Bush Restoration by Thomas R. Dye
Dye's excerpt is an empirical assessment of the kinds of individuals who assume administrative, legislative, and judicial power as these branches have increased in size and influence in recent decades. His findings are decisive: those with privileged backgrounds have not only increasingly assumed these important roles but their wealth--and not individual personal characteristics--have paved the way for them to assume these important positions.
-According to Dye, what are the most important individual characteristics of those who are elected to high political office?

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Question 16

From Who's Running America? The Bush Restoration by Thomas R. Dye
Dye's excerpt is an empirical assessment of the kinds of individuals who assume administrative, legislative, and judicial power as these branches have increased in size and influence in recent decades. His findings are decisive: those with privileged backgrounds have not only increasingly assumed these important roles but their wealth--and not individual personal characteristics--have paved the way for them to assume these important positions.
-Most top-office holders have inherited wealth rather than earned the wealth that helps jump-start and sustain their political careers.

Accepted Answer

Dye's findings indicate that those with privileged backgrounds and inherited wealth have increasingly assumed important political roles.

Question 17

From Who's Running America? The Bush Restoration by Thomas R. Dye
Dye's excerpt is an empirical assessment of the kinds of individuals who assume administrative, legislative, and judicial power as these branches have increased in size and influence in recent decades. His findings are decisive: those with privileged backgrounds have not only increasingly assumed these important roles but their wealth--and not individual personal characteristics--have paved the way for them to assume these important positions.
-Would you say that Dye's approach to analyzing how politicians come to assume political office is consistent with a "conflict" or a "functionalist" approach to stratification?

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Question 18

From Who's Running America? The Bush Restoration by Thomas R. Dye
Dye's excerpt is an empirical assessment of the kinds of individuals who assume administrative, legislative, and judicial power as these branches have increased in size and influence in recent decades. His findings are decisive: those with privileged backgrounds have not only increasingly assumed these important roles but their wealth--and not individual personal characteristics--have paved the way for them to assume these important positions.
-As described by Dye, describe the extent to which there are similarities and disparities in social class origins between powerful individuals in the military and the Supreme Court.

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Question 19

From Who's Running America? The Bush Restoration by Thomas R. Dye
Dye's excerpt is an empirical assessment of the kinds of individuals who assume administrative, legislative, and judicial power as these branches have increased in size and influence in recent decades. His findings are decisive: those with privileged backgrounds have not only increasingly assumed these important roles but their wealth--and not individual personal characteristics--have paved the way for them to assume these important positions.
-How do you think class background might affect the public policy stances of those who are Supreme Court justices and those who assume high political office?

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Question 20

From Who's Running America? The Bush Restoration by Thomas R. Dye
Dye's excerpt is an empirical assessment of the kinds of individuals who assume administrative, legislative, and judicial power as these branches have increased in size and influence in recent decades. His findings are decisive: those with privileged backgrounds have not only increasingly assumed these important roles but their wealth--and not individual personal characteristics--have paved the way for them to assume these important positions.
-According to Dye, the appointment and election of an increasingly large number of individuals is rooted in:
A) The deregulation of American society
B) The increasing size of government
C) More power by politicians
D) Less power by politicians.

Accepted Answer

Dye's assessment is focused on the increasing size and influence of government, which has allowed for an increasing number of individuals with privileged backgrounds to assume important roles in administrative, legislative, and judicial positions. This is not necessarily linked to the deregulation of society or changes in political power.

Quiz 4: Party