Understanding Power by Eric Liu - Quiz

What is the basic definition of power according to Eric Liu?

• The ability to make others do what you would have them do.

• The ability to control wealth and resources.

• The ability to enforce laws and regulations.

• The ability to influence social norms.

Answer explanation

According to Eric Liu, power is fundamentally defined as "the ability to make others do what you would have them do." This highlights the relational aspect of power, focusing on influence over actions rather than just control of resources or laws.

Which of the following is NOT one of the six main sources of civic power mentioned in the text?

• Physical force

• Wealth

• Education

• Social norms

Answer explanation

Education is not one of the six main sources of civic power listed in the text. The other options—physical force, wealth, and social norms—are recognized sources of civic influence.

According to the text, where does power lie in a democracy?

• Power is centralized in the government.

• Power is controlled by social norms.

• Power is distributed among the wealthy.

• Power resides with the people.

Answer explanation

In a democracy, power lies with the people, meaning that citizens have the authority to influence decisions and governance, contrasting with centralized or elite control.

What does the text suggest is necessary to become more powerful in public life?

• Accumulating wealth

• Gaining physical force

• Understanding and exercising power

• Controlling social norms

Answer explanation

The text emphasizes that to gain power in public life, one must focus on understanding and exercising power effectively, rather than relying solely on wealth, physical force, or controlling social norms.

Which law of power states that power is always either accumulating or decaying?

• Power is like water.

• Power compounds.

• Power is never static.

• Power is centralized.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Power is never static,' emphasizes that power is always in flux, either growing or diminishing, reflecting the dynamic nature of influence and authority.

What does the text imply about the nature of power?

• Power is neutral, like fire or physics.

• Power is always beneficial.

• Power is inherently good.

• Power is inherently evil.

Answer explanation

The text suggests that power, like fire or physics, is neutral; it can be used for good or evil depending on how it is wielded. This aligns with the correct choice, indicating that power itself is not inherently good or evil.

How does the text describe the flow of power?

• Power flows like wind.

• Power flows like electricity.

• Power flows like water.

• Power flows like a river.

Answer explanation

The text describes power as flowing like water, emphasizing its ability to adapt, change direction, and fill spaces, similar to how water moves through various terrains. This metaphor highlights the fluidity and dynamic nature of power.

What is the significance of 'numbers' as a source of power?

• It signifies the power of ideas.

• It represents the power of wealth.

• It indicates the power of physical force.

• It shows the power of a vocal mass of people.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that 'numbers' can represent the collective strength of a large group of people, emphasizing their ability to influence decisions and drive change through unity and vocal expression.

What is the relationship between power and policy according to the text?

• Policy is power frozen.

• Policy is power diminished.

• Policy is power enhanced.

• Policy is power in motion.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Policy is power frozen,' suggests that policy represents a static form of power, capturing decisions and authority at a specific moment, rather than a dynamic or diminished state.

What does the text suggest about the role of character in power?

• Character determines the effectiveness of power.

• Character is irrelevant to power.

• Character plus power equals a great citizen.

• Character is more important than power.

Answer explanation

The text suggests that character is essential when combined with power to create a great citizen, indicating that both elements are necessary for effective leadership and moral integrity.