Question 1

What are some sources of conflict in American politics? Why do the authors argue that conflict is an inevitable part of American politics? Do you agree with their argument?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some sources of conflict in...

Question 2

What is a public good and what are some examples? What are the two primary reasons that the free market cannot provide a public good? Do you believe the government is an effective provider of public goods?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a public good and what...

Question 3

A conservative is likely to favor:

Accepted Answer

Conservatives tend to hold traditional values and prioritize individual rights, including the right to life. Therefore, they are more likely to support laws restricting or abolishing abortion. The other options listed are more aligned with liberal or progressive beliefs.

Question 4

What is the difference between democracy, liberty, and equality? How do each of them help to restrain conflict in America? Which do you believe to be the most important value in American politics? Why did you choose that one and not the other two?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between democracy, liberty,...

Question 5

A libertarian is likely to favor:

Accepted Answer

Legalization of marijuana is a common position among libertarians as it aligns with their belief in individual liberty and limited government intervention. Libertarians may oppose government regulations in other areas, such as business and the environment, which is why options A and E are not likely to be favored. Option C may conflict with the libertarian stance on personal liberty, and option D may be seen as government overreach for libertarians.

Question 6

A cohesive set of ideas and beliefs used for organizing the political world is a(n):

Accepted Answer

An ideology is a cohesive set of ideas and beliefs used for organizing the political world. While partisan identity, conservative viewpoint, cultural identity, and progressive worldview may influence one's ideology, they are not the same as an ideology itself.

Question 7

What has been the recent trend among states with regard to marijuana? How does this demonstrate the textbook's theme that politics is conflictual? How does it relate to the idea that America is a federal system with multiple levels of government?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What has been the recent trend among...

Question 8

James Madison wrote, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary." Explain what this quote means. Do you believe it to be true? What kind of institutional controls did Madison put into the Constitution as a consequence of his beliefs, and are they effective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of James Madison wrote, "If men were angels,...

Question 9

What is the melting pot view on American racial and ethnic differences? How is this different from the multicultural, or "tossed salad," view? Which do you believe to be a more accurate representation of the way America is today? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the melting pot view on...

Question 10

Congressman John Dingell observed, "If you let me decide procedure and I let you decide substance, I'll [beat] you every time." What does Congressman Dingell mean when he says this? Explain his argument. Do you agree or disagree with Congressman Dingell? What is one example from current or historical events that demonstrates what the congressman was talking about?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Congressman John Dingell observed, "If you let...

Question 11

Racial, ethnic, and gender differences are correlated with political differences. Is it inevitable for racial, ethnic, and gender differences to be tied to political interests, or is it possible for these differences to become largely irrelevant in American politics at some point? Why? What recent developments would support your argument?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Racial, ethnic, and gender differences are correlated...

Question 12

The authors suggest that government and politics touch your life on a daily basis. What do they mean by this? What are some examples of how politics and government affect you on a daily basis? Do you think that government is good or bad? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The authors suggest that government and politics...

Question 13

Free and fair elections are an important part of which American political value?

Accepted Answer

Free and fair elections are important in ensuring that democratic principles of government are upheld. Democracy is a fundamental American political value.

Question 14

Americans have a long tradition of being suspicious of government power. Why do we have a government? What does Thomas Hobbes think would happen if we didn't have a government? Do you agree with his argument? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Americans have a long tradition of being...

Question 15

Liberals tend to support which of the following views?

Accepted Answer

Liberals tend to believe in a larger role for government in regulating markets to promote fairness and equality.

Potential distractors: 
A) This view aligns more with conservatives who prefer limited government involvement in social welfare. 
C) Liberals tend to support a woman's right to choose in the abortion issue, not the pro-life position. 
D) This view aligns more with free-market conservatives who prioritize free trade. 
E) Liberals tend to support marriage equality and would not push for an amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage.

Quiz 1: Understanding American Politics