Question 1

What role do demagogue's have in affecting citizens' view of political leaders? What is the best way to prevent them from impacting political processes and the opinions of citizens?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What role do demagogue's have in affecting...

Question 2

How have the demands of leadership changed in the United States since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001? Do you feel that America's leaders have been up to the task? What sort of leadership have they provided?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How have the demands of leadership changed...

Question 3

According to the delegate theory of representation, representatives should only trust public opinion if it accords with their own judgment.

Accepted Answer

The delegate theory of representation suggests that representatives should act according to the wishes and opinions of their constituents, regardless of their own personal judgment.

Question 4

Lincoln was motivated by moral precepts against slavery and profound, practical judgment.

Accepted Answer

Lincoln opposed slavery based on moral grounds, as he believed it was fundamentally wrong and violated the principles of equality and liberty that the United States was founded on. However, he also had a practical understanding of the economic and political consequences of slavery, recognizing that it perpetuated inequality and division within the country. Thus, his opposition to slavery was based on a combination of moral convictions and pragmatic considerations.

Question 5

Do you think it is more appropriate for elected officials to act as delegates or trustees? Or would a "solon" be better? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you think it is more appropriate...

Question 6

Since the end of World War II, militarism and expansionism are no longer considered to be virtuous qualities in leaders.

Accepted Answer

The trauma of World War II shifted global attitudes towards militarism and expansionism, leading to increased emphasis on diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation. As a result, these qualities are widely considered to be undesirable in modern leaders.

Question 7

Under Sadat, Egypt was the first Arab country to recognize Israel as a sovereign state.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Anwar Sadat, Egypt's president at the time, signed the Camp David Accords in 1978, which included the recognition of Israel's sovereignty by Egypt.

Question 8

Consider the four citizen-leaders surveyed in theChapter. What attributes do they have in common? Are there any similarities in the situations that prompted their leadership? Do they share any characteristics with true leaders? If so, which ones?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Consider the four citizen-leaders surveyed in theChapter....

Question 9

Aaron Burr not only shot Alexander Hamilton, but had a long list of seditious activities in trying to undermine the nation.

Accepted Answer

Aaron Burr was accused of trying to create his own independent country in the western United States, among other seditious activities.

Question 10

Pursuit of the public good always requires full honesty from a leader.

Accepted Answer

While honesty is a valued trait in leadership, there are situations where leaders might withhold information or not fully disclose details for various reasons such as national security, to prevent panic, or to negotiate strategically. The pursuit of the public good can sometimes involve complex decisions where full honesty may not be immediately possible or prudent.

Question 11

Churchill was one of the few to understand the darker side of human nature, and thus alerted Britain and Europe to the threat of Nazi Germany.

Accepted Answer

Churchill recognized the potential for evil in humans and warned of the dangers of Nazi Germany in his speeches and writings.

Question 12

Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus was a protest action that was pre-planned to make a political statement.

Accepted Answer

Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus was not pre-planned, but rather a spontaneous act of resistance.

Question 13

The delegate theory of representation says that elected officials should be leaders, making informed choices in the interest of their constituencies.

Accepted Answer

The delegate theory of representation posits that elected officials should act primarily as delegates, representing the wishes and preferences of their constituents, rather than making decisions based on their own judgment or informed choices.

Question 14

Leadership as a concept has virtually disappeared from the language and literature of American politics.

Accepted Answer

While political leaders are still discussed and analyzed, the language and literature surrounding leadership itself has decreased in prominence in American politics.

Question 15

Citizen-leaders hold no official office but can exert significant political influence.

Accepted Answer

Citizen-leaders, also known as grassroots leaders, may not hold any official position in government but can still have a substantial impact on politics and policy through their activism, advocacy, and organizing efforts. Examples include community organizers, protest leaders, and social media influencers who shape public opinion and mobilize citizens to take action on issues they care about.

Question 16

Luck and circumstances have no bearing on the careers of great leaders.

Accepted Answer

While certain qualities and skills are essential for great leadership, luck and circumstances can also play a role in a leader's success or failures. For example, a leader who takes charge during a time of crisis may become highly regarded due to circumstances beyond their control. Similarly, a leader who happens to be in the right place at the right time may have opportunities that others do not. However, it's important to note that great leaders take advantage of these opportunities and make the most of them through their skills and abilities. So while luck and circumstances may play a role, they are not the sole determinants of a leader's career.

Question 17

Compare and contrast the political records of Winston Churchill to Anwar Sadat. How are they different, and how are they the same?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the political records of...

Question 18

Which of the qualities discussed in theChapter is the most important for a leader to have? Which is the least important? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the qualities discussed in theChapter...

Question 19

Demagogues generally vow to defeat the forces of evil that, according to them, are solely responsible for the people's plight.

Accepted Answer

Demagogues often blame a specific group or entity for the problems of society and promise to defeat them in order to gain support from the people.

Question 20

The idea of statecraft has only been developed in modern times.

Accepted Answer

Statecraft has been an important concept and practice throughout human history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and China. The idea of statecraft involves the art of governance and the management of a state's affairs, including diplomacy, military strategy, and economic policy.

Quiz 12: Political Leadership: The Many Faces of Power