Question 1

In the last fifty years, crime rates in the United States have remained relatively constant.

Accepted Answer

While crime rates in the United States did increase dramatically in the 1960s and 1970s, they have actually been decreasing since the 1990s. However, there have been fluctuations in crime rates over the past fifty years, so they have not remained entirely constant.

Question 2

Neither George Bush nor Barack Obama was committed to reducing drug use in the United States during their first terms in office.

Accepted Answer

Both George Bush and Barack Obama implemented drug control policies and initiatives during their first terms in office, indicating a commitment to reducing drug use in the United States.

Question 3

Prison has an important effect on crime rates.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

There is evidence to suggest that that police engaging in positive, community-oriented activities reduces crime.

Accepted Answer

Several studies have found that community policing, where police engage in positive interactions with community members and address their concerns, leads to a reduction in crime rates. This approach fosters trust between police and the community, allowing for more effective crime prevention efforts.

Question 5

Poverty is an example of one of the elements that influences crime rates.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that poverty can lead to a lack of access to resources and opportunities, increased stress levels, and desperation, all of which can contribute to higher crime rates in impoverished areas.

Question 6

Prison produces more criminals than it cures.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that prisons often have negative effects on inmates, such as increasing the likelihood of reoffending, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization, and exacerbating mental health issues. Furthermore, the lack of resources and support for rehabilitation within the prison system can make it difficult for inmates to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

Question 7

Foucault is the author of Pyrrhic defeat theory.

Accepted Answer

Foucault did not develop a Pyrrhic defeat theory. This theory was developed by French philosopher Jean Baudrillard.

Question 8

Foucault provided a __________ explanation of the new prison regime.

Accepted Answer

Foucault provided a class-based explanation of the new prison regime, arguing that it was a way to control and discipline the working class.

Question 9

The War on Drugs began in the ___________.

Accepted Answer

The War on Drugs officially began in the 1970s under President Richard Nixon, who declared drug abuse "public enemy number one" and significantly increased federal funding for drug-control agencies and drug-treatment efforts.

Question 10

What is an example of a recent government policy or initiative that has widened the gap between the affluent and poor communities in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The Bush tax cuts, which were passed in 2001 and 2003, primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans and widened the income gap between the affluent and poor communities. While the cuts provided some relief for lower-income taxpayers, the majority of the benefits went to those in higher income brackets.

Question 11

According to the text, what is an example of an argument that prison opponents would make?

Accepted Answer

The text states that one argument made by prison opponents is that prisons "create crime rather than prevent it."

Question 12

Why is it difficult for inmates to find a job once they leave prison?

Accepted Answer

Inmates are often stigmatized and discriminated against based on their criminal history, making it difficult to find employment opportunities upon release.

Question 13

Why are drug prices high?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why are drug prices high?
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Question 14

Which of the following was a result of the Brady Law?

Accepted Answer

The Brady Law required background checks on firearm purchases from licensed dealers, and prohibited the sale of firearms to individuals with prior felony convictions, among other restrictions.

Question 15

Why does the text refer to sources rather than causes of crime?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Apply your knowledge of crime and prison to explain briefly why recidivism occurs.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What would Foucault say about a teacher who disciplines her students for not doing things "the right way"?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

What are the main similarities and differences between the Pyrrhic defeat theory and the Erickson-Durkheim theory?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

Evaluate the relationship between the legal status of drugs and crime rates in the United States. Next, argue for or against the legalization of drugs.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Propose an alternative to putting criminals in prison. What would this model look like? What would be some of its advantages and drawbacks?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 1: Crime Control in America: Nothing Succeeds Like Failure