Question 1

An ideology is a widely held set of beliefs that justify the status quo.

Accepted Answer

True

Question 2

The poor commit more crimes than the rich do.

Accepted Answer

This statement is a common myth. Crime rates are not determined by an individual's wealth or socioeconomic status. Factors such as opportunity, access to resources, environment, and upbringing can all contribute to a person's likelihood of committing a crime. It is important to avoid making sweeping generalizations about any group of people based on their economic status.

Question 3

The persistent belief that the most dangerous crimes are committed by poor people is an example of one of the effects of historical inertia.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

Those who suffer most from the failure to reduce street crime are not in a position to change criminal justice policy.

Accepted Answer

Those who suffer most from street crime, such as victims and those in high-crime neighborhoods, often lack the power and resources to enact meaningful change in criminal justice policy.

Question 5

TV violence is an example of one of the elements that shapes public perception of criminal justice.

Accepted Answer

TV violence can create exaggerated and unrealistic portrayals of crime and justice, leading to a misinformed public perception of the criminal justice system.

Question 6

By blaming the individual for a crime, the society is acquitted of the charge of complicity in that crime.

Accepted Answer

By blaming the individual for a crime, the society is trying to distance itself from the crime and avoid responsibility. It is a false narrative that absolves the society from the role it might have played in creating the circumstances that led to the crime.

Question 7

Essentially, crimes of the well-to-do redistribute property among the have-nots.

Accepted Answer

Crimes of the well-to-do, often referred to as white-collar crimes, typically involve financial or corporate misconduct that benefits the perpetrator or their organization, rather than redistributing property among the have-nots.

Question 8

The most powerful criminal justice policy makers are from the __________.

Accepted Answer

Research has repeatedly shown that the most powerful criminal justice policy makers are from the upper class. They are more likely to have the resources and connections to influence policy decisions and shape the criminal justice system in ways that benefit them and their interests.

Question 9

The term "ideology" can be used in a neutral fashion to describe ___________.

Accepted Answer

Ideology refers to a set of beliefs or values that shape the way individuals or groups perceive and interpret the world. It is a neutral term that does not necessarily imply either positive or negative connotations.

Question 10

How has the American criminal justice system been used throughout history to protect the interests of the powerful?

Accepted Answer

Throughout history, the American criminal justice system has been used to protect the interests of the powerful by summoning police forces to repress dissent. For example, during the civil rights movement in the 1960s, police forces were often used to violently suppress peaceful protests and demonstrations. Similarly, during labor strikes, police were often used to break up picket lines and protect the interests of business owners.

Question 11

According to Marx, the wealthy have "control over the means of mental production." What is a contemporary example of this?

Accepted Answer

The wealthy have significant influence over what is presented on television through their ownership of major media corporations and their ability to fund political campaigns of politicians who support their interests. While the wealthy do have significant influence over the internet, it is not accurate to say that they control everything that is disseminated on it. The wealthy do not control all copyrights in the United States, as many artists and creators hold their own copyrights. Finally, while the wealthy may have influence over the censorship of certain speech, it is not accurate to say that they officially censor members of the middle class.

Question 12

What is an example of one of the factors that shape the distribution of income in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Your parents' professions play a significant role in shaping your access to education and job opportunities, which in turn affects your income level. This is a key factor in income distribution in the United States. Height, criminal status, and fitness habits are not directly related to income distribution.

Question 13

What is an example of how the identification of crime and poverty benefits the rich?

Accepted Answer

The identification of crime and poverty as inherent characteristics of the poor reinforces negative stereotypes and social stigma directed toward this group, which benefits the wealthy by providing a justification for their unequal status and power in society. This can also limit public sympathy for addressing inequality and increase support for policies that maintain the status quo.

Question 14

In the criminal justice system, who would be most likely to benefit from the bonus of bias?

Accepted Answer

The wealthy white woman is most likely to benefit from the bonus of bias in the criminal justice system as studies have shown that individuals with higher socioeconomic status and who are white are more likely to receive favorable treatment and outcomes within the justice system.

Question 15

How does the Pyrrhic defeat theory explain the current state of the criminal justice system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the Pyrrhic defeat theory explain...

Question 16

Identify specific examples to support the assertion that the criminal justice system reinforces the belief that poverty is itself a sign of poor or weak character.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify specific examples to support the assertion...

Question 17

Apply your knowledge of the "the American dream" to describe how this construction shapes the perception of success in America.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Apply your knowledge of the "the American...

Question 18

Analyze the role of greed in the evolution of prisons.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Analyze the role of greed in the...

Question 19

Evaluate why the criminal justice system is allowed to function in a way that neither protects society nor achieves justice. Use specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Propose some principles of a new ideology that would more accurately reflect and address the current sociopolitical realities that pertain to criminality in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Propose some principles of a new ideology...

Quiz 4: To the Vanquished Belong the Spoils: Who Is Winning the Losing War Against Crime