SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR SECOND TEST

Try to keep in mind a couple of points. First, think about general principles or ideas or propositions and then apply them to specific questions. Second, if possible, read a question and anticipate a response. Then look at the list. The response closest to your anticipated answer is may be the correct one. Finally, pick the best response; don't analyze a question to the point of losing common sense.

1. The disadvantages of interest group politics include
1. some groups in society are not adequately represented.
2. the preferences of the majority sometimes lose out to minority preferences.
3. political parties are weakened.
4. all of the above.*

1. Most of us have been taught that the national government consists of three branches. The lecturer, however, feels that which of the following should also be considered a "branch" of government? as well?
1. Interest groups*
2. The voters
3. The Executive Office
4. All of the above

1. Americans want their representatives to be
1. protectors of state or local interests.*
2. loyal to their party.
3. to look after the needs of the country even if doing so means ignoring local or regional interests.
4. wealthy and healthy.

1. According to the lecturer, parties in America are:
1. strong and getting stronger.
2. staying the same.
3. weak and getting weaker.*
4. getting to be less fun.



2. The key to a strong party according to the lecturer is
1. the ability of its members to challenge their leaders.
2. the ability of its leaders to "discipline" its legislative or congressional members.*
3. its ability to outfox its opponents.
4. its ability to raise money.



3. It's been asserted that people expect presidents to be all things to all people. Which of these creates this expectation?
1. Unlike the predecessors 100 years ago, presidents have virtually unlimited power to carry out campaign promises.
2. Congress has become so weak and corrupt that the people expect the president to solve problems.
3. Recent presidential candidates have been people of uncommon ability and character.
4. When running for office candidates promise to solve major national problems.



4. The idea of a sub-government or iron triangle means
1. state and local governments.
2. a government bureau or agency.
3. the relationship between Congressional committees, private interest groups, and government agencies or bureaus.
4. the relationship between the CIA and the FBI.



5. According to Heilbroner and Bernstein, who are the government's biggest "creditors"? That is, to whom does it owe most money?
1. Individual U.S. citizens
2. Public and private institutions*
3. Foreign governments
4. Foreign bankers



6. What distinguishes a gambling debt from a loan for a house, according to Heilbroner and Bernstein?
1. A home loan is backed by an asset, namely the home.*
2. Since gambling is illegal, debts owed by gamblers cannot be collected.
3. A gambling debt is owed to individuals whereas a home loan is owed to a financial institution.
4. There is no difference since both represent a claim for payment.



7. Which of these is an example of the "conflict of interest" problem discussed in class?
1. Health care
2. Individual campaign contributions.
3. The Rasmussen report to the AEC regarding nuclear reactor safety.*
4. The Reynolds Report to the Congress.

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Copyright © 1997 H. T. Reynolds