Ideals and Theories of Democracy

Which of the following statements reflects a pluralist theory of American politics?

• American politics is dominated by a small elite.

• Public policies emerge from compromises reached among multiple competing groups

• American politics is dominated by cities at the expense of rural areas

• The American political arena is made up of isolated individuals who have few group affiliations outside the family.

Answer explanation

The correct choice reflects pluralist theory, which posits that public policies result from negotiations among various competing groups, highlighting the diversity of interests in American politics.

What is a key distinction between elite theories and pluralist theories regarding the distribution of power in the United States?

• Elite theories focus on the influence of wealthy individuals; pluralist theories focus on the influence of the people.

• Elite theories suggest that power is concentrated in the hands of a few groups; pluralist theories suggest that power is distributed among many groups.

• Elite theories argue that public opinion shapes policy; pluralist theories argue that policy shapes public opinion.

• Elite theories view the public as the main actors; pluralist theories view interest groups as the main actors.

Answer explanation

Elite theories emphasize that power is held by a small, wealthy elite, while pluralist theories argue that power is spread across various organized groups, reflecting a more democratic distribution of influence.

Locke argued that we had 3 unalienable natural rights. What are they? (Select 3)

• Life

• Liberty

• Pursuit of Happiness

• Property

Answer explanation

Locke identified three unalienable natural rights: Life, Liberty, and Property. These rights are fundamental to his philosophy on government and individual freedom, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and ownership.

According to John Locke, if the government failed to protect the people's natural rights, what could the people do?

• Overthrow the government; revolt

• Petition the government for their rights

• Nothing, the people don't have rights

Answer explanation

According to John Locke, if the government fails to protect natural rights, the people have the right to overthrow it or revolt. This reflects the belief in the social contract and the importance of government accountability.

Which of the following is an example of direct democracy in the United States today?

• ballot measures/state referendums

• Congressional laws

• electoral college elections

• congressional hearings

Answer explanation

Ballot measures and state referendums allow citizens to vote directly on specific issues or laws, exemplifying direct democracy. In contrast, congressional laws, electoral college elections, and congressional hearings involve representative processes.

Which political theory argues that a small group of wealthy and influential individuals hold the most power in society?

• Pluralism

• Elitism

• Hyper-pluralism

• Traditional theory of democracy

Answer explanation

Elitism is the political theory that posits a small group of wealthy and influential individuals hold the most power in society, contrasting with pluralism, which suggests power is distributed among many groups.

According to the social contract theory, what is the primary role of government?

• To maintain order and security

• To protect the natural rights of individuals

• To control economic activities

• To enforce social norms

Answer explanation

According to social contract theory, the government's primary role is to protect the natural rights of individuals, such as life, liberty, and property, ensuring that these rights are upheld in society.

Which of the following best describes the concept of separation of powers?

• Each branch of government has distinct and independent powers

• The executive branch has authority over the legislative and judicial branches

• The legislative branch can override decisions made by the executive branch

• The judicial branch can create laws to ensure justice

Answer explanation

The concept of separation of powers ensures that each branch of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—operates independently with distinct powers, preventing any one branch from dominating the others.

Reorder these terms so that the first gives the largest number of people direct power to change government action, and the last gives the smallest number of people direct power over the government.

• Oligarchy

• Dictatorship

• Direct Democracy

• Representative Democracy

What is Social Contract?

• Government protects the people, people follow(give power) to the government

• Government protects the people and people don't have a say in government.

• People cannot trust any government, and must rule themselves.

Answer explanation

The Social Contract theory posits that the government protects the people in exchange for their power and obedience. This aligns with the correct choice, where people grant authority to the government for their protection.