Question 1

A minority group wishes to increase its power.The strategy it takes is to become major stockholders in military industries,send its children to the Harvard School of Business and to summer in Kennebunkport.This strategy assumes the:

Accepted Answer

The strategy described in the question reflects the power elite model, which argues that power is concentrated in the hands of a small, interconnected group of individuals who hold key positions in government, military, and corporations. By becoming major stockholders in military industries and sending their children to prestigious business schools, the minority group is attempting to gain access to the centers of power and influence. The reference to Kennebunkport, a wealthy coastal town in Maine where many prominent individuals own vacation homes, further underscores the group's elite aspirations.

Question 2

According to the model of the power elite,the non-elite are most likely to gain power if:

Accepted Answer

According to the power elite model, the non-elite are marginalized and have little chance of achieving power through traditional means such as running for political office or attempting a military coup. However, organizing into unions and social movements allows for collective action and can lead to greater social and political power. This has been demonstrated throughout history, such as the labor movement in the United States in the early 20th century or the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.

Question 3

The Arab Spring protests were sparked by the:

Accepted Answer

The Arab Spring protests were sparked by the protest of a Tunisian street vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi, who set himself on fire in December 2010 in response to harassment and mistreatment by local officials. His act of self-immolation sparked protests across Tunisia, which eventually spread to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The protests were fueled by a range of factors, including political oppression, economic inequality, and social grievances.

Question 4

Authoritarian governments:

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian governments can also govern through traditional authority, such as monarchies or theocracies. Coercion and fear tactics may be present, but they are not the sole factors in maintaining authoritarian rule. While authoritarianism may not be as prevalent as it once was, there are still several countries around the world with authoritarian governments.

Question 5

Which of these statements concerning globalization is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Globalization has been a long-standing process that dates back to ancient times, such as Silk Road trade routes and the expansion of the Roman Empire.

Question 6

The Arab Spring protests have centered on all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The Arab Spring protests have not centered on religious intolerance. They have primarily focused on government corruption, lack of democratic freedoms, and income inequality.

Question 7

The pluralist model of political power is most associated with:

Accepted Answer

The pluralist model of political power is most associated with structural-functionalism, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining societal equilibrium through balance and cooperation among different groups and institutions. Pluralism suggests that power is diffuse and that no one group or individual is able to monopolize it completely. This contrasts with conflict theory, which views society as divided into competing groups vying for power and resources, and with symbolic interactionism, which focuses on the role of symbols and interactions in shaping social reality. While feminist theory may address issues of power and inequality, it is not specifically associated with the pluralist model of political power.

Question 8

The three bureaucracies that Mills identified as being vital to controlling U.S.decision-making are:

Accepted Answer

Mills identified government, industry, and military as the three bureaucracies controlling U.S. decision-making, as he believed they represented the three main centers of power in American society. Religion and education were not designated as major bureaucracies in his analysis.

Question 9

A(n)__________ is a political system that provides regular opportunities for a change in leadership according to the will of the majority.

Accepted Answer

A democracy is a political system in which the power is held by the people, and they have the ability to elect their leaders through a fair and free electoral process. This type of system allows for regular changes in leadership based on the will of the majority, whether through elections or other democratic processes.

Question 10

How has the international balance of power been impacted by globalization?

Accepted Answer

Globalization has led to an increase in the power of non-state actors, including multinational corporations, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. This has led to a decrease in the power of nation-states as they are no longer the only players in international affairs. Additionally, globalization has increased interdependence between countries, making isolationist policies less effective.

Question 11

According to the ________,a system of checks and balances and competition and cooperation among governmental and nongovernmental groups prevents any single group from being able to force its will on the others.

Accepted Answer

The pluralist model is based on the idea that power in society is distributed among different groups and organizations, which prevents any single group from dominating the others. The system is characterized by competition and cooperation among these groups, as well as checks and balances within the government via a system of separation of powers. This model suggests that no one group has the power to force its will on the others, and that decisions are made through compromise and negotiation.

Question 12

According to Mills,the power elite are those who:

Accepted Answer

Mills defines the power elite as a small group of people who occupy the top positions in the three major institutions of modern society: the military, industry, and the executive branch of government. These individuals are not necessarily the wealthiest or most traditional, but they hold immense power and influence in shaping political and social policy in the United States.

Question 13

A minority group wishes to increase its power.Its strategy is to win elective office and line up political allies in the legislative branch.This strategy assumes the:

Accepted Answer

The strategy of winning elective office and lining up political allies in the legislative branch relates to the pluralist model of power in which different groups compete for power and influence in the political arena. The minority group is attempting to use the democratic process and build alliances to increase their power within the system.

Question 14

From the perspective of structural-functionalism,pluralism in the U.S.:

Accepted Answer

Structural-functionalism suggests that society is composed of different parts that work together to maintain stability and order. Pluralism in the U.S. can be seen as a manifestation of this idea, as different groups have power in different areas, and no one group is able to dominate or control the entire society. This allows for a diversity of interests and viewpoints, which can help prevent conflict and promote social cohesion. However, this does not require the coercive power of the state or support the interests of the elite, as suggested by options C and D. Option A is also incorrect, as pluralism in the U.S. is a well-documented phenomenon.

Question 15

A government such as that of Afghanistan under the Taliban or Cuba under Castro is best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

Both the Taliban in Afghanistan and Castro's regime in Cuba were authoritarian, meaning they maintained strict control over nearly every aspect of society, including political and social freedoms. They limited the participation of citizens in the governance of their countries and used coercion and repression to maintain their power. The other options (democratic, fascist, charismatic) do not accurately describe these forms of government.

Question 16

Which of these is NOT a type of coercion typically used by the state?

Accepted Answer

The state does not typically dictate the amount and types of spiritual beliefs permitted as a type of coercion. This would be a violation of freedom of religion and belief.

Question 17

Which of the following is typical of societies with democracy?

Accepted Answer

A large and relatively affluent middle class is typical of societies with democracy. This is because democracy emphasizes equal representation and participation of all citizens, and a large middle class means that there is a significant portion of the population that is politically engaged and invested in the system. A lack of competing interest groups would imply a lack of diversity of perspectives and ideas, which is not conducive to a healthy democracy. Homogeneous societies can have democracy but diversity of ideas is important for a democracy to function well. A history of monarchy is not necessarily relevant to the existence of democracy.

Question 18

In a democratic contest,competing groups are most likely to abide by rules and decisions when:

Accepted Answer

When competing groups share basic values and interests, they are more likely to find common ground and respect each other's opinions and decisions. This leads to a sense of compromise and willingness to abide by rules and decisions as they are perceived to be fair and just for all parties involved. Coercion and fear of reprisals may work temporarily, but they are unsustainable and can lead to resentment and further conflict. A society being small and completely homogeneous may help facilitate decision-making, but it does not guarantee compliance or unity of ideas.

Question 19

According to the text,how has the power elite within the U.S.changed over time?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text,how has the power...

Question 20

C.Wright Mills is a central figure in the development of the:

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills is best known for developing the power elite model, which suggests that power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of elites who hold multiple centers of power - political, economic, and military - and make decisions that shape society. This model is critical of traditional pluralism, which suggests that power is dispersed among various interest groups in a more democratic fashion.

Quiz 13: Politics and the Economy