Archive for October 2019

The prevalence of mass elections helps the political system by

The prevalence of mass elections helps the political system by



a. providing leaders a means for deceiving the public.
b. lessening the frequency and need to protest violently.
c. assuring the voter turnout will be very high among all citizens.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

An original purpose of a system of voter registration was to

An original purpose of a system of voter registration was to



a. prevent fraudulent voting.
b. certify party membership.
c. educate people about the importance of voting.
d. help candidates know the size of the electorate.
e. help the political parties increase voter turnout.


Answer: a

When it comes to protest activities, a majority of Americans are

When it comes to protest activities, a majority of Americans are



a. actively involved at one time or another in their lives.
b. willing to contribute through financial support but not through active participation.
c. not highly supportive of such activities despite America's tradition of free expression.
d. actively involved only later in their lives when they feel more secure that a protest is justified.
e. supportive of violent activities if the cause warrants such an approach.


Answer: c

Elections are

Elections are



a. a means by which government controls the people.
b. a means by which the people control government.
c. the only popular form of participation that, in most democracies, involves a majority of citizens.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


American GovAnswer: d

Social movements are a way for

Social movements are a way for



a. those dissatisfied with government to get its attention.
b. the politically weak to force government to be more responsive than usual to their interests.
c. people to present their views through more dramatic means than conventional political activity.
d. people to get news coverage of their issue.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

All of the following tend to decrease voter turnout except

All of the following tend to decrease voter turnout except



a. sharp differences between major parties.
b. alienation.
c. frequent elections.
d. a registration system that places the burden of registration on the individual rather than on government officials.
e. lack of interest in politics.


Answer: a

Which of the following is an inaccurate statement about Americans' exposure to news?

Which of the following is an inaccurate statement about Americans' exposure to news?



a. The Internet's news content is the main reason why people make use of the Internet.
b. Most people do not follow the news on a daily basis.
c. People who follow the news closely are generally better informed about politics than those who do not.
d. Young people are less likely than older people to follow the news closely.
e. Americans today are getting their news from a wider variety of sources than they did a few decades ago.


Answer: a

The chief obstacle to Americans' participation in community activities is

The chief obstacle to Americans' participation in community activities is



a. the lack of opportunity because there are few groups active at this level.
b. the lack of personal motivation to get involved.
c. the low potential for success, since key decisions are made at the national level.
d. the low potential for success, since key decisions are made at the state level.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

Citizens' income and education level affects the likelihood they will turnout to vote on Election Day

Citizens' income and education level affects the likelihood they will turnout to vote on Election Day



a. more in the United States than in Western Europe.
b. more in Western Europe than in the United States.
c. only in national elections in the United States.
d. only in national elections in Western Europe.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

Which group of Americans has the lowest rate of voter turnout?

Which group of Americans has the lowest rate of voter turnout?



a. older people (60 years-of-age or more)
b. younger people (30 years-of-age or less)
c. men
d. women
e. people with college degrees


Answer: b

As distinct from alienation, apathy is

As distinct from alienation, apathy is



a. associated with a low rate of voter turnout.
b. a feeling of powerlessness.
c. a general lack of interest in politics.
d. a sign that the political system is working properly.
e. widespread among affluent Americans.


Answer: c

Regular voters are characterized by

Regular voters are characterized by



a. a strong sense of alienation which motivates them to try to change government.
b. a strong sense of civic duty.
c. a desire to use government as a vehicle to help other Americans rather than themselves.
d. a strong sense of independence which motivates them to try to defeat incumbents.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

Compared to parties in Europe, parties in the United States are more likely to

Compared to parties in Europe, parties in the United States are more likely to



a. divide more sharply over economic policies.
b. target the voters of a particular religion or class.
c. adopt an extreme position.
d. advocate overlapping policies.
e. be ideological.


Answer: d

The frequency of elections in the United States reduces voter turnout by

The frequency of elections in the United States reduces voter turnout by



a. discouraging local politicians from playing an active role in presidential election.
b. creating more complex registration requirements.
c. focusing too much attention on state and local elections.
d. increasing the personal effort needed to participate in all elections.
e. increasing the amount of taxes paid at the polls.



Answer: d

Voter registration in the United States

Voter registration in the United States



a. was introduced as a means of keeping white males without property from voting.
b. has been a device by which officials have discouraged some groups from voting.
c. is the responsibility of the government to add individuals automatically to the registration rolls.
d. applies to voting in general elections but not primary elections.
e. has vastly increased voter turnout.


Answer: b

One of the reasons why voter turnout is lower in the United States than in Western European countries is that

One of the reasons why voter turnout is lower in the United States than in Western European countries is that



a. Americans pay less attention to politics.
b. U.S. registration laws place a greater burden on the individual.
c. the U.S. population is not as well-educated.
d. Europeans must pay a huge fine if they fail to vote.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

The poll tax was used to

The poll tax was used to




a. disenfranchise African Americans in the South.
b. finance election campaigns.
c. ensure that women voted with their husbands, who legally controlled the money in a marriage.
d. ensure that the people who voted would take the vote seriously.
e. help subsidize public education in the North.



Answer: a

Women gained the right to vote

Women gained the right to vote



a. with passage of the Bill of Rights.
b. shortly after the Civil War.
c. early in the twentieth century.
d. with passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
e. during the era of Jacksonian democracy.


Answer: c

The Internet has spawned "blogs"—websites that mix news and opinion commentary. About these blogs, it is accurate to say

The Internet has spawned "blogs"—websites that mix news and opinion commentary. About these blogs, it is accurate to say 



a. most have a relatively small audience.
b. most are critical of the news coverage of the mainstream media.
c. more are liberal as opposed to conservative in their political orientation.
d. most of them do not do much original reporting but instead specialize in commentary on news that has been reported by the mainstream media.
e. All the answers are correct.


Answer: e

Americans have increasingly turned to the Internet as a source of news. In doing so, they rely most heavily on the websites of

Americans have increasingly turned to the Internet as a source of news. In doing so, they rely most heavily on the websites of



a. bloggers.
b. their local television stations.
c. leading "brand name" news organizations, such as nytimes.com and cnn.com.
d. interest groups.
e. international news organizations, such as bbc.com.


Answer: c

When Rupert Murdoch started FoxNews, his strategy for attracting an audience was to present news in a form that would appeal particularly to

When Rupert Murdoch started FoxNews, his strategy for attracting an audience was to present news in a form that would appeal particularly to



a. young adults as opposed to older ones.
b. men as opposed to women.
c. the college-educated as opposed to those with a high school education.
d. internationalists as opposed to isolationists.
e. Republicans as opposed to Democrats.


Answer: e

When it started as a cable news network, CNN's strategy for attracting viewers was based on

When it started as a cable news network, CNN's strategy for attracting viewers was based on 



a. partisan reporting that would appeal to liberals
b. delivering news around the clock and through live, on-the-scene reporting.
c. criticizing the coverage of ABC, CBS, and NBC.
d. criticizing political leaders.
e. portraying America favorably and other countries unfavorably.


Answer: b

Research has found that much of the partisan bias that viewers detect when watching television news is attributable to

Research has found that much of the partisan bias that viewers detect when watching television news is attributable to



a. the way television anchors lead into news stories.
b. the facial expressions that television reporters use to signal whether they agree or disagree with something a newsmaker has said or done.
c. the order in which stories are presented on television.
d. the pictures that accompany the words spoken on newscasts.
e. the partisan preferences of the viewers themselves, which leads them to see negative coverage of their party as biased and to see negative coverage of the other party as the truth.


Answer: e

Studies have shown that most journalists in their personal beliefs

Studies have shown that most journalists in their personal beliefs



a. are Roman Catholics.
b. are born-again Christians.
c. are atheists.
d. lean toward the Democratic party.
e. lean toward the Republican party.


Answer: d

What change contributed to a substantial increase in the number of radio talk shows about politics?

What change contributed to a substantial increase in the number of radio talk shows about politics?



a. The growth of cable television, which led to a decline in the number of people who wanted to listen to music on the radio.
b. The conservative media owner Rupert Murdoch's purchase of hundreds of radio stations in the United States.
c. The elimination of the Fairness Doctrine, which freed broadcasters from airing liberal talk shows and conservative talk shows in equal amount.
d. The astonishing success of Al Franken's radio talk show, which led radio station owners to conclude they could make money by airing such shows.
e. Increased partisanship among America's voters.


Answer: c

The news media are usually guided by events that

The news media are usually guided by events that 



a. are timely.
b. involved large numbers of people.
c. occur in other countries.
d. happen to ordinary citizens.
e. are complicated to report.



Answer: a

Which of the following statements about political reporting is most strongly supported by scholarly research?

Which of the following statements about political reporting is most strongly supported by scholarly research?



a. Journalists have a clear liberal bias.
b. Journalists have a clear conservative bias.
c. Journalists have a clear Republican bias.
d. Journalists have a clear Democratic bias.
e. Journalists have a clear preference for the negative story ("bad news") as opposed to the positive story ("good news").


Answer: e

The news media's favored position in the law means that the media

The news media's favored position in the law means that the media



a. has unchecked authority to print anything at all, whether it is true or not.
b. is the only private institution to enjoy special constitutional protection.
c. is recognized as an accountable representative of the public.
d. has a very positive relationship with the president and Congress.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

In the 1960s, presidential candidates

In the 1960s, presidential candidates



a. received more negative coverage than they do today.
b. were largely ignored by the media.
c. were hounded by the media incessantly.
d. received more favorable coverage than they do today.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: d

FCC regulations apply to a station's

FCC regulations apply to a station's 



a. signal strength.
b. advertising rates.
c. broadcasting fees.
d. election coverage policies.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

The first truly national news medium was

The first truly national news medium was



a. the newspaper.
b. radio.
c. broadcast television.
d. cable television.
e. the Internet.


Answer: b

The average length of time presidential candidates are shown speaking without interruption (the length of their "sound bites") on television newscasts

The average length of time presidential candidates are shown speaking without interruption (the length of their "sound bites") on television newscasts 



a. has increased substantially during the past four decades.
b. has stayed the same during the past four decades.
c. has declined sharply during the past four decades.
d. increased until about 1990, and then decreased sharply.
e. decreased until about 1990, and then increased sharply.


Answer: c

The American press serves most importantly as a key link between

The American press serves most importantly as a key link between 



a. parties and interest groups.
b. the three branches of government.
c. the public and its leaders.
d. the United States and other nations.
e. the national and the state governments.


Answer: c

The reason the news product is designed to fascinate as well as to inform is

The reason the news product is designed to fascinate as well as to inform is



a. news organizations are fundamentally businesses and must obtain revenue to survive.
b. of the high level of illiteracy.
c. the print media wishes to emulate the broadcast media.
d. the need to compete with Hollywood productions.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

Regarding the press and its role of public representative, the text author believes that the press

Regarding the press and its role of public representative, the text author believes that the press



a. has done an effective job in performing the public representative role.
b. cannot be a substitute for political parties and interest groups.
c. provides the public a clear understanding of policy choices and implications.
d. has enhanced democracy in the United States in this capacity.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

The Watergate scandal illustrates the

The Watergate scandal illustrates the



a. futility of media attempts to forecast political events.
b. inadequacy of the media as a common-carrier to the public.
c. power of the media to serve as watchdog to safeguard against abuse of power.
d. ability of the press to serve as the public's representative in political disputes.
e. abuse of power by journalists in the United States.


Answer: c

The news media's common-carrier role is based on the idea that

The news media's common-carrier role is based on the idea that



a. the news will be available to all citizens.
b. various news organizations should interpret the news in nearly the same way.
c. the press should not charge for public service announcements.
d. the press should provide a channel through which political leaders can communicate their views to the public.
e. the press should be patriotic in the reporting of the news.



Answer: d

Historically, the American press has shifted from

Historically, the American press has shifted from



a. a political to a journalistic orientation.
b. objectivity to subjectivity.
c. a journalistic to a political orientation.
d. partisan to very partisan.
e. negative to positive.


Answer: a

The media perform the signaling role by

The media perform the signaling role by



a. informing the public of important news developments as quickly as possible.
b. serving as an open channel for leaders to express their opinions.
c. exposing officials who violate accepted performance and moral standards.
d. acting the public's representative.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

In contrast to European news media, American news media are more likely to

In contrast to European news media, American news media are more likely to



a. guide readers by providing ideological interpretations of current events.
b. play a partisan role by taking sides in political debate.
c. act primarily as neutral transmitters of information.
d. use yellow journalism.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: c

The media have professional norms and standards that create

The media have professional norms and standards that create



a. competitive pressures to report the same stories.
b. a liberal bias in the news.
c. a sharp difference in which stories are reported on broadcasts and which ones appear in the newspapers.
d. a sharp conservative bias in the news.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

The New York Times

The New York Times



a. sets a general standard of news reporting that other news organizations emulate.
b. sets the news agenda for other news organizations.
c. was a pioneer in the development of objective journalism.
d. has been described as the bulletin board for other major newspapers.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

The reporting of national news is relatively uniform among news sources because

The reporting of national news is relatively uniform among news sources because



a. the government dictates much of what is reported.
b. there are only a few important events each day that merit news coverage.
c. a small number of news organizations and news services generate most of the news.
d. reporters are not given much freedom by their editors.
e. journalists have a tendency to be fairly lazy.


Answer: c

Major news organizations differ mainly in

Major news organizations differ mainly in



a. which news stories they choose to report.
b. the varying interpretations they place on stories about the same topic.
c. the way in which they present stories about the same topics.
d. which side they support in the partisan debate.
e. which side they support in an ideological debate.



Answer: c

The FCC's equal time requirement

The FCC's equal time requirement



a. includes the print media.
b. prohibits broadcasters from selling or giving time to political candidates and denying it to their opponents.
c. requires broadcasters during elections to give free time to candidates for use as they see fit.
d. requires broadcasters to give equal time to news programming as to commercial advertising.
e. requires broadcasters to give equal time to third parties as well as the Democrats and Republicans.


Answer: b

American news reporting is

American news reporting is



a. very diverse in content.
b. highly partisan.
c. generally inaccurate with the facts.
d. regulated in a heavy manner by the federal government.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

The argument for a free press hinges on the idea that

The argument for a free press hinges on the idea that



a. news organizations will be more profitable if they are not restricted in what they can say.
b. full and open debate allows the public to weigh and choose among competing arguments.
c. the news will be more entertaining if journalists can say anything they want.
d. journalists should have more rights than other citizens.
e. First Amendment rights are absolute and cannot be restricted.


Answer: b

Freedom of the press is substantial in the United States because

Freedom of the press is substantial in the United States because



a. the libel laws favor the press over a public figure.
b. of the country's tradition of free expression.
c. of the judiciary's position that prior restraint of the press by government is rarely permissible.
d. it is a First Amendment liberty.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

The federal government's licensing of broadcasting is based primarily on

The federal government's licensing of broadcasting is based primarily on



a. the fact that broadcasting is a national medium.
b. the scarcity of broadcasting frequencies.
c. the fact that broadcasting was invented after the First Amendment was adopted.
d. the desire of national officials to control the content of broadcast news and entertainment.
e. a desire to censor reporters so that they will stop criticizing governmental officials.


Answer: b

Broadcasting revolutionized the American media because it

Broadcasting revolutionized the American media because it



a. was the first truly national mass medium.
b. opened a direct, instantaneous channel between a leader and the people.
c. reached millions of people simultaneously.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.



Answer: d

Objective reporting is based on the idea that the reporter's job is to

Objective reporting is based on the idea that the reporter's job is to



a. report the facts and to present both sides of the partisan debate.
b. report what political leaders want them to report.
c. discover what other reporters are saying and provide a uniform interpretation of events.
d. scrutinize the partisan debate and inform the news audience which party has the better argument.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

The yellow journalism of the early 1900s was characterized by

The yellow journalism of the early 1900s was characterized by



a. the use of the telegraph.
b. the emphasis on sensationalism as a way of selling newspapers.
c. prejudice against Asian people and countries.
d. an unwillingness to take editorial positions because of a fear of losing circulation.
e. the desire to present the news in an objective manner.


Answer: b

In comparison with today's newspapers, early American newspapers were

In comparison with today's newspapers, early American newspapers were



a. written by hand.
b. so inexpensive that nearly everyone read a daily paper.
c. supported by the political parties.
d. more widely read.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: c

The news is a selective version of reality that is mainly an account of events that are

The news is a selective version of reality that is mainly an account of events that are



a. timely, dramatic, and compelling.
b. chosen because they depict the lives of real people.
c. important to people everywhere in the world.
d. chosen on the basis of journalists' partisan leanings.
e. chosen on the basis of whether they can be portrayed through pictures as well as through words.


Answer: a

In a 2006 jointly issued report, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that the Iraq conflict

In a 2006 jointly issued report, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that the Iraq conflict


a. would end successfully within a two-year period.
b. would end in the defeat of U.S. forces.
c. would end successfully only if Iraq was divided into three countries, one for each of its main groups—the Kurds, Sunnis, and Shiites.
d. had increased the number of terrorists and the terrorist threat worldwide.
g. had strengthened America's strategic position in the world.


Answer: d

In declaring his preemptive war doctrine in 2002, President George W. Bush said

In declaring his preemptive war doctrine in 2002, President George W. Bush said



a. that he would place more emphasis on intelligence-gathering in the war on terrorism as a way of preempting the use of military force.
b. that he would place more emphasis on law enforcement in the war on terrorism as a way of preempting the use of military force.
c. that he would place more emphasis on the Department of Homeland Security in order to preempt the use of military force.
d. that the United States would no longer wait to be attacked or until an attack was imminent to wage war on any country that was a grave threat to the United States.
f. that increased multilateralism would preempt the need to use military force.



Answer: d

In regard to the Iraq conflict, the United States

In regard to the Iraq conflict, the United States



a. has been able to count on its traditional allies for troops and money for the war.
b. has been able to count on its traditional allies for troops but not money.
c. has been able to count on its traditional allies for money but not troops.
d. has borne the very large share of military casualties and money costs of the war.
e. has had financial support from the Arab states although they have publicly stated their opposition to the war in Iraq.



Answer: d

The nuclear triad consists of

The nuclear triad consists of



a. land-based missiles, long-range bombers, and tactical nuclear weapons.
b. long-range bombers, jet fighters, and submarine-based missiles.
c. land-based missiles, submarine-based missiles, and long-range bombers.
d. long-range bombers, land-based missiles, and cruise missiles.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: c

Which is a true statement about the 1990-1991 Gulf War?

Which is a true statement about the 1990-1991 Gulf War?



a. It was a successful military operation.
b. It resolved the regional conflicts that prompted the original aggression by Iraq.
c. It was waged entirely by U.S. military forces.
d. It created a fiscal crisis because of the financial burden it placed on the United States.
e. It was opposed by most Arab nations.


Answer: a

The tripolar economic world consists of

The tripolar economic world consists of



a. the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
b. Japan, China, and the United States.
c. the United States, Japan and China, and the European Union.
d. the United States, Russia, and Brazil.
e. North and South America, Europe, and Asia.


Answer: c

One reason why the Soviet Union eventually collapsed was its

One reason why the Soviet Union eventually collapsed was its



a. heavy defense expenditures.
b. isolation from Western markets.
c. inefficient centralized command economy.
d. inability to keep up with Western technological advances.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

Which of the following is a true statement regarding the Cold War?

Which of the following is a true statement regarding the Cold War?



a. It never became an actual shooting war between the United States and the Soviet Union.
b. It was an extension of containment policy.
c. It included U.S. support for governments being threatened by communism.
d. The global power structure was bipolar.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

About the position of the United States in world trade, it can be said that

About the position of the United States in world trade, it can be said that 



a. the United States has never had a trade surplus.
b. in recent years, the United States has had trade surpluses more than deficits.
c. the United States has the most favorable balance of trade in the world.
d. the United States is a larger market than the European Union.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

What is the lesson of Munich?

What is the lesson of Munich?



a. Economics is more important than military might.
b. Military might is more important than economics.
c. Appeasement only encourages further aggression.
d. Containment is not a plausible foreign policy.
e. The United States should not act alone in dealing with international threats.


Answer: c

Which of the following is true about the trade imbalance in the United States?

Which of the following is true about the trade imbalance in the United States?



a. The United States has not had a trade surplus since 1975.
b. The United States has run deficits of more than $500 billion in recent years.
c. The United States has the worst trade imbalance of the top three economic centers.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: d

Defense spending per capita is highest in

Defense spending per capita is highest in 



a. the United States.
b. Great Britain.
c. Japan.
d. France.
e. Germany.


Answer: a

The Marshall Plan was designed to

The Marshall Plan was designed to 



a. confront the Soviet Union's military and political threat to West Europe.
b. economically rebuild West Europe.
c. provide a West European market for U.S. goods.
d. feed and shelter the destitute from World War II.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

The broad goals of the United States in the global economy include

The broad goals of the United States in the global economy include



a. maintaining access to world energy and other vital resources.
b. sustaining an open system of trade that will promote domestic prosperity.
c. keeping the widening gap between the rich and poor countries from destabilizing the global economy.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: d

The military-industrial complex

The military-industrial complex



a. consists of an alliance of the military and industry, which is pitted against officials in Congress and the executive branch.
b. is blamed for high levels of defense spending, although no one knows exactly what proportion of that spending reflects its influence.
c. was specifically mentioned and condemned in Harry S Truman's Farewell Address.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

_______ account for more than half of the economy of the European Union.

_______ account for more than half of the economy of the European Union. 



a. Scotland, Ireland, and Great Britain
b. Italy, Spain, and Russia
c. Sweden, Denmark, and Finland
d. Great Britain, France, and Germany
e. Great Britain, Denmark, Norway


Answer: d

Since the Cold War ended, U.S. policymakers' concern with nuclear weaponry has shifted to

Since the Cold War ended, U.S. policymakers' concern with nuclear weaponry has shifted to



a. the possibility of a computer error in the U.S. or former Soviet weapons systems that could mistakenly launch a nuclear missile.
b. the spread of nuclear technology to irresponsible regimes and terrorists.
c. the use of a tactical nuclear weapon in ethnic conflicts in eastern Europe.
d. the possibility that, in the process of dismantling the U.S. and former Soviet arsenals, a nuclear warhead could be accidentally detonated.
e. the spread of nuclear technology to NATO forces.


Answer: b

The policy of deterrence is based on the idea that

The policy of deterrence is based on the idea that



a. when threatened, a nation should strike first so that its enemy is deprived of the option of a surprise attack.
b. economic links with another country will deter it from aggression.
c. modern warfare requires a flexible response policy.
d. the best protection against attack by an enemy is the capacity to retaliate with a devastating attack of one's own.
e. preemptive strikes on one nation will persuade other nations that hostile actions directed at the United States will be punished.


Answer: d

Which of the following is true about the Iraqi War of 2003?

Which of the following is true about the Iraqi War of 2003? 



a. The war made the United States more popular in the Arab states.
b. The war made the United States more popular in Great Britain.
c. The war made the United States more popular in France.
d. The war made the United States more popular in Germany.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

In 2002, President George W. Bush labeled ________ an axis of evil.

In 2002, President George W. Bush labeled ________ an axis of evil.



a. Cuba, China, and Vietnam
b. Ethiopia, Somalia, and Libya
c. Russia, China, and North Korea
d. Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Jordan
e. Iraq, Iran, and North Korea


Answer: e

The U.S. lesson learned from the Vietnam War was that

The U.S. lesson learned from the Vietnam War was that



a. public opinion could be ignored by leaders during wartime.
b. nuclear weapons had utility in a war of insurgency.
c. there were limits on America's ability to get its own way in the world.
d. the national interest of the United States required a total disengagement from Asian affairs.
e. a relentless bombing campaign can force an enemy to concede defeat.


Answer: c

The basis for containment policy was the assumption that

The basis for containment policy was the assumption that



a. the territorial and ideological ambitions of an aggressor nation can only be blocked by determined opposition.
b. the spread of nuclear weapons is a danger to the world and must be stopped.
c. economic trade should be tailored to benefit the full industrialized nations through the formation of economic communities.
d. an arms race will inevitably escalate and therefore must be stopped through negotiations at an early stage.
e. terrorism can be contained within a few countries.


Answer: a

Which of the following is true concerning state governors?

Which of the following is true concerning state governors?



a. All early state constitutions provided for strong governors.
b. The governor in a few states serves a one-year term.
c. The governor is typically the state's most visible and widely known official.
d. In most states, the governor is the only elected executive official.
e. The governors in most states are elected in the same election year that the president is elected.


Answer: c

Regarding the judicial branch in each state, it is true that

Regarding the judicial branch in each state, it is true that



a. each state has its own separate court system.
b. the states have both trial courts and appellate courts.
c. most states have district-level courts and a supreme court.
d. states vary in their methods of selecting judges.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

The sale of hard liquor in Utah was opposed for many years because of

The sale of hard liquor in Utah was opposed for many years because of 



a. philosophical conflicts between the governor and the state's legislature.
b. the large numbers of Mormons who objected to liquor sales.
c. the argument that liquor tax revenue would be insufficient to pay for the
social costs of drunk driving.
d. philosophical conflicts between the state legislature and state supreme court.
e. the objections of wine and beer distributors to the sale of hard liquor.


Answer: b

Many states use the sales tax, which

Many states use the sales tax, which



a. places a relatively heavy burden on lower-income citizens.
b. sometimes is not applied to food or medicine.
c. is a reliable method of raising large sums of money.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: d

Which of the following is true about school districts in America?

Which of the following is true about school districts in America?



a. Most districts are run by the mayor or city council.
b. Most districts in America resemble comparable districts found in Europe.
c. Most districts are run by local, independent school boards.
d. Most districts are run by administrators appointed by state governments.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: c

Under the city manager system, which of the following is true?

Under the city manager system, which of the following is true?



a. The system was pioneered during the Progressive Era.
b. The manager cannot be fired by the city council.
c. The system is most common among larger cities.
d. The system was pioneered during the 1960s.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

The Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations noted that state legislatures were

The Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations noted that state legislatures were



a. becoming less functional in recent years.
b. less accountable to the public than ever before.
c. equipped with greater information handling capacity than their predecessors.
d. less representative than ever before.
e. less efficient than ever before.


Answer: c

According to the U.S. Constitution, the states

According to the U.S. Constitution, the states



a. cannot interfere with the lawful exercise of national authority.
b. must provide their citizens with a republican form of government.
c. will have equal representation in the U.S. Senate.
d. are guaranteed some representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

In the twentieth century, the nationalization of American politics has meant that

In the twentieth century, the nationalization of American politics has meant that



a. as political units, the states have become meaningless, given the power of the federal government.
b. the states are no longer a partner in any of the federally funded welfare and educational programs.
c. the federal government's power has made the Tenth Amendment irrelevant.
d. as political units, cities have become meaningless, given the power of the federal government.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

States spend the largest part of their revenue on

States spend the largest part of their revenue on



a. highways.
b. public education.
c. public welfare.
d. public safety.
e. health and hospitals.


Answer: b

Which is not a form of municipal government?

Which is not a form of municipal government?



a. weak mayor-council system
b. commission system
c. cabinet system
d. city manager system
e. strong mayor-council system


Answer: c

Unlike the nation's chief executive, most state chief executives have the

Unlike the nation's chief executive, most state chief executives have the



a. power to initiate the budget.
b. power to head the bureaucracy.
c. power to appoint judges.
d. power to use the line-item veto.
e. power to appoint blue-ribbon panels.


Answer: d

States dominated by a particular group or interest are more likely to

States dominated by a particular group or interest are more likely to



a. have a large population.
b. have a history of political tolerance, since its citizens tend to think alike.
c. have intense party competition.
d. have diverse policies.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: e

States with intense political party competition are more likely to

States with intense political party competition are more likely to



a. pursue policies that benefit a wider range of groups.
b. have lower rates of voter turnout.
c. ignore the poorest groups.
d. have corrupt bureaucrats.
e. have corrupt judges.


Answer: a

Of all indicators of the level of a state's policy expenditures, the best predictor is

Of all indicators of the level of a state's policy expenditures, the best predictor is



a. whether the governor has or does not have a line-item veto.
b. whether Democrats or Republicans control the state legislature.
c. whether the state is economically wealthy or not.
d. whether the state is on the high or low end in terms of receipt of federal grants-in-aid.
e. whether the Democrats or Republicans control the governor's mansion.


Answer: c

The major reason why state and local governments are constrained in their ability to generate revenue through taxation is

The major reason why state and local governments are constrained in their ability to generate revenue through taxation is



a. an insufficient tax base.
b. competition from other states and localities.
c. federal government restrictions on state and local income tax rates.
d. judicial restrictions on state and local income tax rates.
e. inadequate enforcement staff.


Answer: b

In most instances, the disparity in public spending among a state's school districts is largely a result of differences in

In most instances, the disparity in public spending among a state's school districts is largely a result of differences in 



a. the wealth of communities.
b. the allocation of state aid to local schools.
c. the proportion of local schools that are private as opposed to public: where there are a lot of private schools, the unused revenue is diverted to poorer public schools.
d. urban and rural areas.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

A major drawback of the city manager system is

A major drawback of the city manager system is



a. the cumbersome civil service process that is required to remove an incompetent city manager from office.
b. the difficulty a city manager may face in attaining the political support necessary for major undertakings.
c. the lack of adequate professional educational programs for the training of
city managers.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: b

The traditional and most common form of municipal government is

The traditional and most common form of municipal government is 



a. the mayor-council system.
b. the commission system.
c. the city manager system.
d. the chief executive officer (CEO) system.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

Which is a true statement about the commission system of municipal government?

Which is a true statement about the commission system of municipal government?



a. Each commissioner is a member of the local council, and has executive and legislative functions.
b. It has gained favor in recent decades.
c. It tends to have very strong chief executives.
d. Most large cities in the U.S. employ this governing system.
e. All of the answers are correct.


Answer: a

The largest number of government employees work for

The largest number of government employees work for



a. the federal government.
b. state governments.
c. local governments.
d. the diplomatic corps.
e. the military.


Answer: c

The Missouri Plan provides for

The Missouri Plan provides for



a. a review of the qualifications of potential judges by a judicial selection commission.
b. the governor to select a judge from a short list of candidates submitted by
a selection commission.
c. a retention vote by the electorate after the judge has served a trial period.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: d

Trends in state legislatures during recent decades include

Trends in state legislatures during recent decades include



a. longer sessions and increased pay for legislators.
b. expansion in the size and professionalism of legislative staffs.
c. the growing popularity of term limits as a means of restoring a citizen legislature.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: d

With regard to their legislative branch of government,

With regard to their legislative branch of government,



a. states are required by the Constitution to have a bicameral legislature.
b. states are not required by the Constitution to have a bicameral legislature, but all of them do so.
c. all states have a bicameral legislature except Nebraska.
d. all states have a bicameral legislature with the exception of those admitted to the Union since the Twentieth Amendment, which allows the choice of a unicameral legislature.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: c

In most states, the executive branch

In most states, the executive branch



a. is led by a single chief executive.
b. divides power among the governor and other executive officials, who are
elected separately.
c. has declined in its authority in recent decades.
d. is subordinate to the legislative branch.
e. is led by a governor with a two-year term.


Answer: b

Local government charters, by tradition,

Local government charters, by tradition,



a. are restrictive: they define what local governments can and cannot do.
b. are unwritten, since they derive from common law.
c. require the adoption of a form of government based on separation of powers.
d. are subject to veto by local authorities.
e. are only used in the South.


Answer: a

Dillon's rule is the century-old principle that

Dillon's rule is the century-old principle that 



a. establishes the sovereignty of the states.
b. holds that local governments are creatures of the states.
c. requires local governments to act within constraints placed on them by
Washington.
d. invalidates a narrow interpretation of the Constitution's interstate commerce clause.
e. invalidates state police power.


Answer: b

In most states, judges are

In most states, judges are



a. appointed by the governor.
b. appointed by the legislature.
c. elected by the people.
d. appointed by a special judicial selection commission.
e. appointed by the state supreme court.


Answer: c

The cumulative effect of two centuries of federalism has been

The cumulative effect of two centuries of federalism has been



a. an increasing nationalization of American politics.
b. a gradual diminution of state-to-state differences in policy.
c. a narrowing of the scope of state authority as a result of a broadening of national authority.
d. All of the answers are correct.
e. None of the answers are correct.


Answer: d
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