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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

US Media on Tiananmen Square: A Summary and Analysis



US Media on Tiananmen Square: A Summary and Analysis
It all started late April 1989, when 3000 people laid outside the Government headquarters in a hunger strike to back up their demands for “free press, better treatment of intellectuals, and attack on corruption” (Holley).  Since then, economists have seen a massive growth in the Chinese economy in a span of a decade. People's income doubled, and there was a significant rise in consumerism. However, along with this development, there was a conspicuous corruption and lack of democracy.
According to Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times’ Beijing bureau chief, the revolution was triggered by discontent. However, more than that, this was rooted in the fact that the "Communist Party has been losing its grip on the country" even long before the Tiananmen event. Statistically, the country was growing annually, modernizing successfully, and people were better off. But people felt that they needed something more. In the end, this was a "crisis of confidence." Overall, the US media had started to recognize that Communism is a failed system.
Kristof saw that the modernization was going too fast and became unsustainable for the government leading lot of economic mismanagement. On top of that, the government became corrupt and people saw it. The Communist Party was slowly losing its power and became less and less intimidating. The people, on the other hand, were losing interest in it and trust in the party.
The Protests
Prime Minister Li released an aggressive statement ordering the military to disperse the pro-democratic supporters. This caused even more people to go out on the streets support the pro-democratic movement. Li and Deng Xiaoping, defense leader, who were once seen as heroes were then regarded as a public enemy. Li's statement alarmed the protesters and pushed them to put their guards up, and set up precautionary measures in the threat of military invasion.
The protests were very unlikely during that time. Students have been relatively loyal to the party and have been uninterested in political disagreements (Kristof). However, when students started to gather on April 15 to put forward their struggles and interests it became a shock to the US media. At that time, the Sino-Soviet split was happening and the US media had sent a lot of their reporters in the country to cover this event.
On May 20, the government announced a martial law. This meant that media censorship, and restrictions of foreign media would be enforced. Despite a few warnings from Foreign Ministry or State Security Bureau on the consequences of violating this rule, the foreign press still conducted numerous interviews and published regular reports following the events in the Tiananmen Square (Kristof).
On May 21, it seemed like the movement was taking a more optimistic path. American media had an optimistic view on how the protests would possibly end on a victorious note.  On the other hand, some Chinese protesters had already foreseen that there would be bloodshed. At this time, there weren't a lot of violence happening. Protesters were still able to keep the police force and the military out of Beijing. One element that caused this to start in a peaceful manner is the presence of US media in the center of the country.
The protesters, despite efforts of the military to tear them down, took a peaceful approach by bringing the troops food, drinks, cigarettes, and newspapers. The basic strategy of protesters was to keep an open communication at all times to ensure a great understanding between the pro-democratic movement, and the army and ordinary citizens (Wudunnon). Some of the soldiers were prohibited from reading newspapers and were sent to the Tiananmen Square without the prior knowledge of why the people were there in the first place. This diplomatic discussion softened the military forces and caused some of them to retreat.
This optimism is intensified with the Chinese coverage of Philippine's People Power which triumphantly ousted their dictator of 20 years, Ferdinand Marcos. Similar tactics from that revolution were done by Chinese people in hopes that they would achieve similar victory.
On the other hand, thousands of Chinese have also conducted protests in US as a gesture of support for the student protesters in Tiananmen Square. Three thousand people have taken their demonstrations outside the Chinese embassy in Washington. Some of the students voiced out their plea that the US government support the cause of the pro-democracy protesters.
US Response on the Spark of the Protest
At that time, there was a good military relationship between China and US. According to then President Bush, military interventions were not deemed an option as it might affect this relationship negatively (Kristof). He had expressed his views on foreign policy in an address in 1989. In his speech, he recognized the failure of the Communist system, and the people’s eagerness to attain a more democratic system. He also acknowledged the protests in Tiananmen Square and he reassured the protesters that the world hears the plea of people for democracy and freedom.
At the same time, then President Bush emphasized that the strategy of the US government is deterrence, and that he discouraged any use of weaponry against the country’s allies. This was a statement on the elimination of war as an option in Europe, and promotion of peaceful East-West relationship. On the other hand, this can be seen as an indirect statement on the planned intervention (or lack thereof) of US government on the ongoing Tiananmen protests. He highlighted that aggression against US allies are deemed as unacceptable.
The Crackdown
On June 3, the Chinese government had increased their press restriction and press coverage of the Tiananmen protest. Interviewing of the protesters and taking photographs of the scene were prohibited in Tiananmen. During the early morning of June 3, soldiers started advancing to the square but were constantly blocked off by protesters as they remain outnumbered. Correspondents from US media had been visible despite the increasing risk on the safety of the people present in the square. There have been reports of military brutality against foreign journalists, however, the US media kept a good coverage on the events.
By the night of June 3, Deng imposed to the military the use of force and violence to anyone who would defy them. This is an order to carry out the martial law as planned, and go on extreme measures to disperse the protesters. An announcement by martial law authorities urged people to stay at home to avoid any unnecessary losses. The aggressive move of the military to penetrate the Tiananmen and the pro-democratic protester’s hard resistance caused massive casualties.
It appears that despite the aggressive protests, Communist hard-liners still have total control, and Communist members who were in favor of conciliation have very weak influence (Kristof). However, as the chaos ensued there was still no spokesman for the party (Mann and Holley). The party remained weak and without political leadership.
Aftermath
Chinese Government
Then Prime Minister Li had his first public appearance on a televised message congratulating the success of the troops and the people who fought against the pro-democratic movement. New Martial law rule prohibits any kind of writing and posts that are critical of the government. Days after the crackdown, government forces were still on high alert, guns were still fired occasionally, and troops were still deployed all over Beijing, although no further protest ensued.
Thousands of protesters died on the day of June 4. On top of that, a handful of those who took part in the pro-democratic movement were detained or imprisoned. Government forces even raided universities and arrested at least a dozen of students who are linked to the movement. Many more leaders were detained, while some went into hiding. The pro-democratic movement was continued to be vilified by the Chinese media after the event, with media labeling them as “counter-revolutionaries, anti-social elements, rumormongers, arsonists and anti-government sloganeers” (Holley and Williams). Televised coverage of the Tiananmen event in Chinese media showed only activists resisting, burning military vehicles, and attacking troops. Soldiers, on the other hand, were shown to die and get injured, not throwing a single attack. They campaigned on a widespread dissinfornation to regain public loyalty they had once lost.
Their security heightened as they limit distribution of passport. People were required to bring their identification at all times. One criteria of acquiring a passport includes proving your political loyalty, and proving your role in the pro-democratic protest (Pear).
US Government on the Communist Government
            Former President Bush had made a statement after the incident criticizing the Chinese government’s resort to violence. He also expressed that while the US government may take reasonable measures as a response to Chinese government’s suppression of freedom, they should also make sure that the former’s short and long term goals are taken into account. His first step in condemning China’s action was to suspend all “government-to-government sales and commercial exports of weapon.” Bush also promised medical aid to those affected by the crackdown through the help of Red Cross, On the other hand, Bush stated that he doesn’t want any act of violence on his part that might risk China to go back to its “previous policy of restraint.” It was not until 1972 when China started to open its doors to international relationships and developed diplomatic ties with the United States. The goal, according to Bush, is to develop a careful response that would protect the democracy while maintaining and strengthening the US’s relationship with China. Furthermore, he also expressed that it is not the best time to sever ties or withdraw their relationship with a country that might further break down. Despite constant suggestions that he pulls out US ambassador from China, he refuses to do so as he believes that the ambassador serves as a “listening post” and that he still wants to get as involved as he can. Bush’s main concern is to not make any move that would isolate China.
However, then Secretary of State James Baker had refused to comment on what penalties the US government would impose on China. While Bush had mentioned military suspension between China and US, he is still skeptical on imposing economic sanctions given that he does not want to damage the US-China relationship. They have kept their silence regarding what measures the government would take on the aftermath of the Tiananmen crackdown despite the increasing criticisms and pressure coming from the congress and the human rights group (Jehl). Instead, Secretary Baker had stated that the government is still looking into what might happen before taking any concrete action against the Communist government. There had been proposals of sanctions which tackle the problem very loosely and broadly. However, these discussions were always pushed back as Baker explained that they need to interpret their actions before implementation (Mann). In the end, the US government had chosen not to interfere with China’s political affairs.
This silence displeased the congress, as well as both the Democrats and Republicans, as they insist that US government should not appear complacent on Deng Xiaoping’s violent response to the protests. According to then Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Alan Cranston, this attitude of US government to the Chinese authorities is a compromise for Communism and a loss for democracy. On the other hand, Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina had expressed his disappointment in what had ensued, urging the government to take steps to castigate the Chinese government. He said that one of the first steps he would want to make after the Tiananmen event was to cut the “US military cooperation and sharing of technology with the Communist Government.” Similarly, then Senator Paul Simon, Illinois Democrat, had suggested suspension of military aid, and New York Representative Bill Paxton had told then President to impose economic sanctions.
            Brent Scowcroft, US National Security Advisor, went to China a month after the Tiananmen massacre. Then Senator George J. Mitchell, Democrat of Maine, majority leader, expressed his disappointment that this had happened a month after the brutal killings of pro-democratic protesters. The public had also openly condemned this move by the US government. This is especially because these actions were not consistent with President Bush’s statement on the Chinese-US interaction. At that time, President Bush had suspended high-level exchanges between the US and Chinese government (Dowd). However Bush defended this move by his subordinates as this is aimed to “make diplomatic overtures after the killings.”
            Analysts have agreed that the president sees that any aggressive action from US can damage the relationship of Washington and Beijing (Mann). Despite the constant pressure from the media, public, the congress, and other government leaders, Former President Bush chose that their relationship with China be preserved. Analysts have also agreed that the government officials were hopeful that this uproar from American public would settle down after a period of time and there would eventually be a change in Chinese leadership (Mann). This expectation from the US government is one of the reasons as to why the action has been very mild.
US Business
US Companies operating in China were taken aback as the events caused instability in the economy. There had been different proposals on how businesses should respond to the Tiananmen events. Charles Conroy, a partner at Baker & McKenzie law firm, considered suspending operations if the situation worsens. On the other hand, Albert Y. P’an of Transcapital International Inc. suggested not to halt any ongoing operations, but agreed that there should not be any new operations in the future until the situation in China becomes more certain.
Aside from the worry about the operations and its profitability, US business owners were also worried about the condition and the safety of their workers in China (Kreisler). According to Michael Oskenberg, political science professor in University of Michigan, the US business operations would only return to normal once the military presence subsides, and there is a maintained regular contact between US and China for joint ventures.
US Public
The State Department had restricted the presence of employees of American Embassy in Tiananmen Square. The State also discouraged Americans to travel to China after the incident (Pear). There were also reports of foreigner “mass evacuation,” which was seen as a sign of the damage on the diplomatic and economic ties caused by the massacre that went down in Tiananmen Square (Williams and Holley).
This backlash raised the need for a new leadership, to which a few Hong Kong-based diplomats agreed on. Chinese and Chinese Americans had organized peaceful public protests across US, like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and New Orleans, and other cities to denounce the Chinese government (McFadden). Ultimately, this was a call for the US government to penalize the Chinese government. On the other hand, Chinese students who were in the US plead for an extended stay in America as things remained unstable in China. The bill that allows Chinese students to stay in the country even after their visas expired was, however, vetoed by Bush.
US Media on Tiananmen Events
            US media had widely televised the events during and after the massacre happened. News outlets reported the events with emphasis on key elements such as the large military presence, extreme brutality, and the casualties. Recordings of interviews and the cruelty in the Tiananmen Square were watched all over America. The young students who were involved in the tragic crackdown were hailed as heroes in US media (Goodman).
On the other hand, the media did not tolerate the actions of the Communist government, and deplored the use of heavy force on unarmed students and protesters. Jim Laurie of ABC described the Tiananmen event as “obscene and unforgivable,” while CBS recorded an announcer on Radio Beijing speaking to the foreign government to perform apt action against the “barbarous” event. Goodman described the television scene to have a presumption of judgement beyond the television standards.
A mandatory report that was published on February 21, 1990 described the events as brutal and the “massacre” violated almost every human rights. The White House initially discouraged officials to criticize China on their human rights violation. However, despite being reviewed by the White House and the staff of the National Security Council, they have decided to publish the report without censoring as constricting it might cause more uproar from the public. The report includes China’s deteriorating human rights, and the government’s defense with “massive disinformation campaign, expulsion and harassment of foreign journalists.” The report aimed to express an objective report on the criticisms of events which has been much more blatant than Bush’s previous statements (Pear).
NBC summarized the report as follows. People who were involved in the protests were detained and subjected to torture in an attempt to get as much information as possible. On the other hand, as security measures after the crackdown, Chinese government increased their surveillance of their citizens by installing cameras, and monitoring the people’s mails, phone calls, and any form of communications. The report also stated that ''China reject[ed] the concept of universal human rights” as they refuse to discuss their violations. In line with the report also mmentions the government’s demolition of a human rights group named Amnesty 89 making it clear that any group advocating human rights will not be tolerated. Continuous human rights violation were reported such as Ganzu province’s sterilization of people with low IQ to ensure that no children with “severe mental handicap” were born. The report also publicized the harsh condition inside prisons where most of the time, a person is often help under their custody without charges, and automatically found guilty.
Summary
There had been a great divide as to how the US should approach the problem. The major dilemma was whether Former President Bush should have given sanctions to the Chinese government, or he should remain passive in his response to the Tiananmen Square. Choosing intervention on political affairs of China and penalizing them for the casualty would lead to a weakened diplomatic relationship between US and China. He had been very vocal about how he fears that China may isolate itself again. On the other hand, imposing a lenient response is a blow on US’s stand and principles on democracy, and tolerance on human rights violations. Although the US government has expressed their grief on what had happened in the Tiananmen, they chose to maintain a positive relationship with China refraining from doing any aggressive measure. While he had promise humanitarian aid and medical assistance, he did not do any further penalties on the Chinese Government aside from suspending any import and export of weaponry between US and China. Overall, Bush’s approach is not to isolate the Beijing, but instead to maintain diplomatic talks as he sees cutting any more ties would lead to further collapse of the Chinese government.
On the other hand, other government officials, and the US media had been tougher on their opinions as they blatantly condemned the massacre. The public had also marched out to protest and plead for aid to the Chinese people, and aggressive response from US.
Works Cited
Dowd, Maureen. "2 U.S. Officials Went to Beijing Secretly in July." The New York Times 18 Dec. 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Goodman, Walter. "Review/Television; Many Big News Stories to Tell, but the Biggest of All Is China." The New York Times 5 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Holley, David, and Daniel Williams. "China Hard-Liners Appear in Control." LA Times 9 June 1989: n. pag. LA Times. Web.
Holley, David, and Daniel Williams. "Economic Reforms to Continue, Deng Vows." LA Times 10 June 1989: n. pag. LA Times. Web.
Holley, David. "Small Group Creating Chaos." LA Times. 25 May 1989. LA Times. Web.
Jehl, Douglas. "Congress Steps Up Pressure for China Sanctions." The New York Times 5 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Kreisler, Nancy H. "U.S. Companies Consider Options for Business in China." The New York Times 12 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Kristof, Nicholas D. "BEIJING TIGHTENS PRESS RESTRICTION." The New York Times. N.p., 2 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times.  Web.
Kristof, Nicholas D. "CHINA ERUPTS . . . THE REASONS WHY." The New York Times 04 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Kristof, Nicholas D. "CRACKDOWN IN BEIJING; TROOPS ATTACK AND CRUSH BEIJING PROTEST; THOUSANDS FIGHT BACK, SCORES ARE KILLED." The New York Times 04 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Kristof, Nicholas D. "UPHEAVAL IN CHINA; BIGGEST BEIJING CROWDS SO FAR KEEP TROOPS FROM CITY CENTER; PARTY REPORTED IN BITTER FIGHT." The New York Times 21 May 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Mann, Kim. "U.S. Easing Sanctions on China." The New York Times 4 Sept. 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
McFadden, Robert. "The West Condemns the Crackdown." The New York Times 5 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
McFadden, Robert D. "UPHEAVAL IN CHINA; Thousands of Chinese Rally in the U.S." The New York Times. N.p., 21 May 1989: n. pag. The New York Times.  Web.
Pear, Robert. "CRACKDOWN IN BEIJING; PRESIDENT ASSAILS SHOOTINGS IN CHINA." The New York Times 4 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Pear, Robert. "U.S. Report Accuses China of Grave Rights Abuses." The New York Times 4 Feb. 1990: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
Wudunn, Sheryl. "UPHEAVAL IN CHINA; Facing the People, the Soldiers Fall Back." The New York Times 21 May 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.
"CRACKDOWN IN BEIJING; Excerpts From Bush's News Session." The New York Times 6 June 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.
"Excerpts From President's Address." The New York Times 25 May 1989: n. pag. The New York Times. Web.


Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Jamshid Atashband



Topic: Why I should be accepted in the FVC program
Subject: Other
Instructions: Why Syncis? Why should i be accepted to be in the fvc program? Where do i see myself in the future in this company? My background as a specialist in the us army intelligence, and in the medical field afterward and also being persian and traveling the world are my assets and i think i have good people skills and lot of connections in los angles and can gain people trust and friendship easily. I am 28 years old, male house owner and very independent since i was 19. Vahid chitsaz is my EFD and mentor in this company w his wife Narguess Noohi and i have learned a lot from them.


Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes. –Zig Ziglar
             I should be accepted in the FVC Program of Syncis because I am a firm believer of expecting the best and preparing for the worst; and the need to capitalize on what comes to us in order to do both. I believe that it is my personal calling to share knowledge to other people. Given the uncertainties that our society experience today, I believe that financial knowledge, especially for middle income families, has become more important than ever. I am one with Syncis in its mission and vision. My personal characteristics and skills that I gained in the military, medical field and my life in general also make me a good agent for the company.
            For many years, I worked as a specialist in the US Army Intelligence. I worked as an intelligence analyst focusing on effective processing and distribution of tactical intelligence. Intelligence analysts provide critical information to army personnel. In this experience, I learned about the crucial importance of trust and confidence in our working relationship. Professionally, I learned a lot of other skills that I can use at the FVC program in Syncis such as critical thinking and keen observation to details even under severe pressure. These skills will be useful in providing favorable advice in financial planning, especially in light of sensitive topics such as unexpected injuries and deaths. I can also be strategic if needed. I am able to emphasize the importance of planning and preparation in order to succeed in a certain goal. These skills and knowledge all have their rightful place in the practice of financial management and consultancy.
Afterwards, I also worked in the medical field, which also broadened my perspective about the importance of financial strength. I witnessed how some families had troubles with paying their hospital bills because they did not have health insurance or emergency funds. I believe that these families could have done so if they were only properly guided about saving for such unexpected events and medical emergencies. In those days, I was able to appreciate how important it us for families and individuals to have their financial resources and priorities sorted out with the help of financial professionals. With the vast medical situations that I have witnessed, I can provide realistic advices to my potential clients.
            In the recent years, I spent most of my time travelling around the world including many countries in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. As a Persian with a friendly disposition, I was able to gain numerous friends along the way. With most of these friends, I was able to develop strong connection founded on trust and goodwill. We are able to exchange our opinions on different issues. I have also heard much about how different cultures address the topics: money, financial stability, unexpected deaths, insurance, etc. To this day, I am still friends and keep in touch with those I met three to five years ago in different areas. In Los Angeles, I have also established a wide network and connections in many areas and field of expertise. I can handle conversations very well and make a good company everywhere. I am also fairly well at remembering faces, names, and stories of acquaintances even if I just met them very briefly. With this, I can say that my good people skills will help me do well in the FVC program.
            I also believe that my life’s story also makes me a good fit into the company and the FVC program. For one, I have been financially independent for most of my life. At the age of 19, I started living independently, away from my parents and relatives. I did part-time and voluntary works while studying. I did not come from a well-off family, but I managed to live a relatively comfortable life because of good financial prioritization. I managed my finances and managed to live on my own at an early age. I continued working and studying for many years. At 28, I now own a house. I still have many life and financial goals that I strive to achieve as I move on with my journey. With the struggles that I faced and successfully surpassed, I say that my life’s story can inspire others too. I can share my story and the financial strategies that I applied to my life to encourage my potential clients.
            For the past few years, I have developed a strong mentoring relationship with Vahid Chitsaz and his wife, Narguess Noohi. In all of the instances where I was so fortunate to have been able to communicate with them, I have learned so much. I admire the couple’s vision of making financial products and services more accessible to the middle-income families and in the process, helping them gain proper financial protection for the future. I want to be part of this important mission and vision. I also have a desire to share my story and guide more families into a more solid financial foundation.

            Overall, I should be accepted in FVC because this is my calling. I have vision to fulfill, a mission to do, and a story to tell. I want to spread the company’s advocacy because I firmly believe in it as well. I even lived and will be living in this advocacy too. 


Monday, February 6, 2017

Political Science 1 – National & California Governments Globalyceum Exam No. 2

Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein (Office Phone 310-434-3541)
Political Science 1 – National & California Governments

Globalyceum Exam 2

1. Poll results vary based on
a. Mean, median, and mode.
b. Survey mode, sample size, and population definition.
c. Whether the method used was approved by the Census Bureau.
d. The statistical application of the Weights and Measures Bureau’s guidelines.

2. A candidate must win how many votes in the Electoral College to become president of the United States?
a. 270
b. All 538 of the votes
c. 400
d. 150

3. What is fits the definition of a social movements?
a. It uses people and organization to challenge power-holders.
b. All of these.
c. It claims to represent a group that is being treated unjustly.
d. It works outside the normal channels of government to create social or political change.

4. Which income percentile of the American population is most likely to go beyond voting and participate in campaign work on behalf of candidates for office.
a. People who have income at about the middle range.
b. Campaign participation is not influenced by income level.
c. The top 10 percent.
d. The bottom 20 percent.

5. Which of the following statements about conservatives is true?
a. None of these.
b. Conservatives tend to favor more government regulation of business.
c. Conservatives tend to favor higher taxes.
d. Conservatives tend to support larger government.

6. What is a key way that political parties make democracy possible?
a. Ensures accountability of officeholders
b. Allows a broad range of participants to become involved in politics
c. Stimulates interest in politics in the public
d. All of these

7. According to Jackson, primary election debates are very important because
a. Lesser-known candidates can get recognition with a good debate performance.
b. All of these.
c. Voters can compare the many candidates side by side.
d. The debates educate the voters about new issues and party positions on those issues.

8. Voter turnout varies with the type of election. From highest to lowest the order in the US would be:
a. Presidential elections, mid-term elections, primary elections.
b. State elections, mid-term election, presidential elections.
c. Primary elections, mid-term elections, presidential elections.
d. Mid-term elections, primary elections, presidential elections.

9. De Tocqueville saw political groups as a "necessary evil" in American democracy.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

10. According to the political scientist Marjorie Hershey,
a. All of these.
b. There have been only five major political parties in all of US history.
c. The Democratic Party and Republican Party have dominated the Congress and the presidency since 1860.
d. The Federalist Party, the Democratic-Republican Party, and the Whig Party have not been active since the 19th century.

11. Although there have been many parties in American history,
a. We have always had one dominant and one weak political party.
b. We have only had about six political parties in our history.
c. We have always had at least four major political parties at any one time.
d. We have always had two major political parties that represent liberal and conservative views.

12. One method that schools use to politically socialize young people is
a. Ask student to participate in mock elections.
b. Tell students who to vote for.
c. Ask students to watch TV news.
d. Ask students to read newspapers.

13. Most modern observers believe that political parties
a. Are not really essential to democracy but are a tradition that we can not seem to get rid of them.
b. Are so essential to democracy that modern democracy would be impossible without them.
c. Are a great hindrance to democracy.
d. Are only useful to democracy if there are at least five or six of them.
14. Social movements have been important sources of social, political, and economic change in the United States.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

15. A major tenet of the Pluralist School is
a. There are plural, or many, power holders and many accesses to power.
b. People naturally form interest groups to access these easily permeable power structures.
c. Power structures are easily permeable and interest groups do it all of the time.
d. All of these.

16. Violence against women would be an issue that affects
a. Women of all classes and races.
b. Lower-class women.
c. Mostly women of color.
d. Immigrant women.
17. Increased political polarization in Congress has led to
a. An enhanced communication between leaders of the House and Senate.
b. An increasingly popular public view of Congressional performance.
c. Gridlock in Congress.
d. Members of Congress running for multiple terms.

18. What has the greatest influence on decisions that American make when they vote?
a. Education
b. Partisanship
c. Single issues.
d. Preference for candidate

19. Affirmative advocacy
a. Actively seeks out coalitions and works with others at the state and local level
b. Has a proactive agenda
c. Looks for over-represented and under-represented issues in setting the agenda for activity
d. All of these

20. The four types of issues that advocacy groups deal with are
a. Universal issues, majority issues, discrimination issues, and advantaged sub-group issues
b. Majority issues, disadvantaged sub-group issues, advantaged sub-group issues, and Social Security issues
c. Universal discrimination issues, majority-minority issues, advantage sub-group issues, and disadvantaged sub-group issues
d. Universal issues, majority issues, disadvantaged sub-group issues, and advantaged sub-group issues

21. Older voters vote twice as frequently as younger voters.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

22. The formation of interest groups and civil society organizations is an important part of the American political process.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

23. Political outsiders and excluded groups engage in which of the following activities?
a. Demonstrations
b. All of these
c. Sit-ins
d. Street theater

24. What does the unit rule mean?
a. There are only five units in the country, and the presidential candidate must win at least 3 of these.
b. A candidate gets the proportion of the Electoral College votes that corresponds with the percentage of votes he or she won.
c. When a candidate wins most of the popular votes in a state, he or she takes all of the Electoral College votes.
d. When the candidate wins 270 units, he or she becomes president of the US.

25. Because social movements lack access to the reins of power and its resources, it uses other resources that are more readily available to it, such as
a. All of these.
b. Commitment.
c. Energy.
d. Numbers.

26. “Blue Dog Democrats” are
a. Liberal Democrats who always vote along party lines.
b. Democrats from the “blue” states.
c. Democrats who support labor unions.
d. Democrats who are conservative on economic issues.

27. In an open primary, the voter can choose which primary election--Democratic or Republican--he or she would like to vote in.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

28. According to the political scientist, V.O. Key,
a. The party organization refers to its relatively permanent structure.
b. The party in the electorate consist of voters who identify with it consistently and support its candidates regularly in elections.
c. The party in government includes appointees and elected officials who run for office under the party's label.
d. All of these.

29. The problem with intersectional marginalization is that
a. When a person or group is faced with intersectionality issues, their problems do not just add to one another, they multiply and complicate each other.
b. You cannot claim that one form of marginalization is more important than another.
c. The discrimination problems faced by people who belong to two disadvantaged groups are much greater than those with one disadvantage.
d. All of these.

30. Which primary model is by far the LEAST used in congressional primaries?
a. Closed primaries
b. Hybrid primaries
c. Open primaries
d. Top-two primaries

31. Public opinion matters because in a democratic system we believe that government policy should follow the public will.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

32. What election recently was controversial because of the very close Electoral College vote?
a. Obama v. Romney
b. Kennedy v. Nixonc. Bush v. Gored. Reagan v. Carter

33. Who wrote the following words: "Liberty is to faction what air is to fire"?
a. Patrick Henry
b. James Madison
c. John Jay
d. Alexander Hamiliton

34. Strolovitch's main argument is
a. All of these.
b. Even though organizations may not be doing a good job of advocating for the marginalized, we should still celebrate the fact that they are making the effort.
c. Just because an organization has some indication in its name that it represents the marginalized, they sometimes could be doing more harm than good.
d. We have to question whether groups that claim to represent the disadvantaged actually do it.


35. Polls show that Americans support that core political belief that women should have the same rights as men.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

36. Why do both the government and private sector assemble data on public opinion?
a. All of these
b. Public opinion polls are the best way to measure what people think.
c. The United States has a representative form of government; therefore, public opinion is important to lawmakers.
d. Americans believe in the democratic process, and therefore value public opinion.

37. Alexis de Tocqueville
a. Believed that "faction" could be good.
b. All of these.
c. Believed that association was the secret of democracy in America.
d. Regarded "faction" as a form of association.

38. When the Founders drafted the US Constitution, Senators were elected by
a. The voters directly.
b. The Electoral College.
c. None of these.
d. Members of the state legislatures.

39. According to Strolovitch, in judging the effectiveness of an advocacy organization which claims to represent the marginalized,what are the guiding questions we should ask?
a. How active for the intersectionally marginalized are they? Because without that the organization is a failure.
b. What coalitions do they form? Because coalitions are the key to success.
c. What institutions do they target and what coalitions do they form? Because the political activity is the most important barometer.
d. How active for the intersectionally marginalizedn are they, what institutions do they target, and what coalitions do they form?

40. The appropriate “population” in a survey
a. Depends on the question being asked.
b. Is always comprised of 1,000 voters.
c. Simply means finding a group that accurately represents the entire United States.
d. Depends on whether you are doing an in-person interview, a online survey, or a phone poll.

41. According to Jackson, what two things do schools do to encourage active, engaged voters at an earlier age?
a. Study abroad and voter registration drives at the school.
b. Mock elections and notes home to parents to encourage them to talk to their children about political affairs.
c. Mock elections and student council elections.
d. Student council elections and study abroad.

42. When women’s groups wanted to fight pregnancy discrimination in the 1970s,
a. They went to the the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
b. All of these.
c. They went to Congress.
d. They chose a legislative and an executive strategy.

43. Besides winning elections, political parties are useful as watchdogs.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE


44. According to Dara Strolovitch, we should scrutinize advocacy organizations that claim to represent the marginalized like anything else and have standards for questioning their effectiveness.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE
45. What is the "American Creed"?
a. The belief in a special American religion.
b. An oath taken by children every morning in grade schools.
c. None of these.
d. A strong belief in the core political values of the nation.
46. The difference between direct democracy and representative democracy is that in the former the voter votes directly on the issue, while in later the voter votes for a person who will vote for the voter. a. FALSE
b. TRUE

47. Which of the following is NOT a social movement?
a. #Black Lives Matter
b. DREAMers
c. The Tea Party
d. EPA

48. Why do many social movements have to make public demonstrations to get their message to the public?
a. All of these,
b. In the beginning, they lack powerful advocates for their cause, like politicians and wealthy people.
c. They often do not have the money to appeal to others on expensive media, like television.
d. Sometimes, their causes conflict with powerful interests, like the wealthy, the police, and politicians, so they have to go over their heads to the public at large.

49. Since 1836, the republic has been dominated by how many political parties at a time?
a. Five
b. Three
c. One
d. Two


50. The cell-phone only population is likely to include more young people, which pollsters have to take into account a. TRUEb. FALSE

Political Science 1 – National & California Governments Globalyceum Exam No. 2


Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein (Office Phone 310-434-3541)
Political Science 1 – National & California Governments

Globalyceum Exam No. 2

1. De Tocqueville saw political groups as a "necessary evil" in American democracy.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

2. If more political centrists were elected to Congress
a. It would probably work less well with the president.
b. It would lead to the election of more third-party candidates.
c. It would not be able to decide on anything.
d. There would be less gridlock.

3. In The Federalist, No. 10, Madison argued
a. All of these
b. That "the various and unequal distribution of property" fueled faction.
c. That those who had and did not have property would always be contending with one another and form interest groups to carry on their battles.
d. That faction and class divisions fueled populist uprisings.

4. In the 1940s and 50s, why did African American civil rights organizations pursue their agenda in the federal courts?
a. The federal court finally had more Democratic than Republican appointees.
b. The Congress in this period was actually hostile to their cause.
c. The state courts were sympathetic but weak.
d. The presidents in this period did not support their cause.

5. Which of the following statements about conservatives is true?
a. Conservatives tend to favor higher taxes.
b. None of these.
c. Conservatives tend to support larger government.
d. Conservatives tend to favor more government regulation of business.

6. Affirmative advocacy
a. Has a proactive agenda
b. Actively seeks out coalitions and works with others at the state and local level
c. All of these
d. Looks for over-represented and under-represented issues in setting the agenda for activity

7. Which of the following is NOT a social movement?
a. The Tea Party
b. EPA
c. #Black Lives Matter
d. DREAMers

8. According to Jackson, the digital revolution has given us more information about the candidates,
a. But the information is not always accurate.
b. But it is not very detailed.
c. And the information is usually quite accurate.
d. And the candidates usually approve of the things written about them.

9. An example of an organization which claims to represent a large demographic group is
a. All of these.
b. The Japanese American Citizen's Leagues (JACL).
c. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
d. The National Organization of Women (NOW).

10. American political parties
a. Have become essential to democracy, according to most scholars.
b. Make democracy possible, according to Greenberg and Page.
c. All of these.
d. Have become an integral part of American politics.

11. What is incumbency advantage?
a. The candidate listed at the top of the ballot is more likely to get elected.
b. The incumbent has a very good chance of getting re-elected if he or she runs again.
c. The candidate uses his position to enrich him or herself.
d. The candidate can tap into the federal government to get money to run for re-election.

12. The Electoral College was created
a. In 1824 and then later adapted in 1870, to make sure that the popular vote of the people was counted properly.
b. In 1787, when the Constitution was written.
c. In 1867, after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, when Congress decided to elect the president by popular vote of the people.
d. In 1801, after the first disastrous presidential election when two people were elected for president--Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.

13. Extreme and persistent polarization of members of Congress has been a feature of American politics since about
a. The 1960s.
b. The late 1970s
c. 2008.
d. WWII.

14. An example of a “public good” is
a. National defense.
b. All of these.
c. Firefighters.
d. Public libraries.
15. The higher your income status, the more likely you are to
a. All of these.
b. Do political campaign work.
c. Participate in a political campaign meeting.
d. Give a political campaign donation.

16. Where are red states located geographically in the US?
a. On the coasts
b. On the West Coast and around the Great Lakes
c. In the Midwest and the South
d. In the Midwest

17. When the Founders drafted the US Constitution, Senators were elected by
a. The voters directly.
b. None of these.
c. Members of the state legislatures.
d. The Electoral College.

18. The four types of issues that advocacy groups deal with are
a. Universal issues, majority issues, discrimination issues, and advantaged sub-group issues
b. Universal discrimination issues, majority-minority issues, advantage sub-group issues, and disadvantaged sub-group issues
c. Universal issues, majority issues, disadvantaged sub-group issues, and advantaged sub-group issues
d. Majority issues, disadvantaged sub-group issues, advantaged sub-group issues, and Social Security issues

19. Between 1988 and 2014, the political identification that has grown the most is
a. Democrat
b. Republican
c. None has grown significantly
d. Independent

20. One method that schools use to politically socialize young people is
a. Ask students to read newspapers.
b. Ask student to participate in mock elections.
c. Tell students who to vote for.
d. Ask students to watch TV news.

21. In addition to the legislative branch, advocacy groups target the executive and judicial branches.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

22. Which country has mandatory voting laws?
a. South Africa
b. The United States
c. Great Britain
d. Turkey

23. Intersectional marginalized people are
a. Those who have multiple historic disadvantages in the political system, such as women of color.
b. Those who are marginalized in some states or regions but not in others.
c. Those who have tried to work within the political process but are forced to “go to the streets” to advocate for their issues.
d. Those who do not agree with the Republican or Democratic Parties’ principles.

24. According to Jackson, primary election debates are very important because
a. The debates educate the voters about new issues and party positions on those issues.
b. All of these.c. Lesser-known candidates can get recognition with a good debate performance.d. Voters can compare the many candidates side by side.

25. James Madison
a. All of these.
b. Said that "liberty is to faction what air is to fire."
c. Thought that factions would simply turn into political parties and become harmless.
d. Believed that political interest groups should be suppressed.

26. Voters who like a third party are nevertheless inclined to vote for a dominant party candidate for fear they will waste their votes.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

27. According to the political scientist, V.O. Key,
a. The party in the electorate consist of voters who identify with it consistently and support its candidates regularly in elections.
b. All of these.
c. The party in government includes appointees and elected officials who run for office under the party's label.
d. The party organization refers to its relatively permanent structure.

28. It is sometimes called "first-past-the-post" and sometimes "winner-take-all," but this kind of election means
a. The top two candidates have to have a run off election.
b. The candidates have to have run-off elections until one wins two thirds of the votes.
c. None of these.
d. No matter how many votes are cast and how many candidates the one with the most votes wins.

29. Because of the winner-take-all Electoral College system, a presidential candidate with a narrow popular vote win
a. Will only show a very small margin in the Electoral College vote.
b. Can still have a very large margin of victory in the Electoral College vote.
c. None of these.
d. Will have about the same percentages in the Electoral College.

30. The "explosion" of national advocacy groups representing people of color, women, and low-income people resulted in
a. None of these.
b. Nearly 10,000 groups.
c. Actually a pretty small number--only 200 groups.
d. The founding of over 700 groups.

31. What does the unit rule mean?
a. When the candidate wins 270 units, he or she becomes president of the US.
b. A candidate gets the proportion of the Electoral College votes that corresponds with the percentage of votes he or she won.
c. When a candidate wins most of the popular votes in a state, he or she takes all of the Electoral College votes.
d. There are only five units in the country, and the presidential candidate must win at least 3 of these.

32. The women’s movement can be very active on an issue such as affirmative action in higher education, which afffects their more affluent members, but overlook welfare reform, an important issue for their more disadvantaged or marginalized members.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

33. Strolovitch has found that African American organizations are likely to
a. Spend more time on issues supporting their advantaged sub-groups, like affirmative action in higher education.
b. Spend more time on issues that affect African American women, like childcare
c. Spend more time on issues that affect African American men, like prison reform.
d. Spend more time on issues supporting their disadvantaged subgroups, like welfare reform.

34. The main agents of political socialization are
a. Community leaders.
b. Schools.
c. All of these.
d. Family.

35. The Electoral College reflects in its numbers
a. The methods described in the 13th Amendment.
b. Decisions made in a bill that is passed in Congress the year before the election.
c. The representation in the Senate and House.
d. The selection of the electors of the College each election year.

36. Who is a single-issue voter?
a. Someone who only casts a vote when his or issue is on the ballot.
b. Someone who is only interested in domestic issues and not foreign policy.
c. Someone who works for issues campaigns and does not vote for candidates.
d. Someone who has a strong opinion on a single issue so that he or she only considers that issue when voting.

37. Universal issues
a. Affect all people in the US, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability, etc.
b. Affect all able-bodied people, but not the disabled.
c. Affect citizens but not immigrants.
d. Refer mostly to issues that affect the majority white population, not minorities.

38. Are Americans more likely to vote in presidential elections than other types of elections?
a. No, because Americans are more interested in local issues.
b. Only in years when the presidential election is particularly interesting.
c. Yes, consistently American participate in presidential elections over other elections.
d. No, Americans like to vote for direct democracy issues rather than indirect democracy representation.

39. Why are interest groups, political organiztions, and social movements so numerous in the US?
a. Because of the 1st Amendment, which protects speech. association, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
b. Because federalism and the separation of powers have created multiple points of access to political institutions.
c. All of these.
d. Because the way people are elected to Congress does not do a very good job of representing minorities, who have to find other ways of getting their needs met.

40. In an open primary, Independents
a. Are only allowed to vote if they register with one of the parties.
b. Are allowed to vote for only two candidates.
c. Are allowed to vote for a candidate from one of the political parties.
d. Are not allowed to vote for a candidate from one of the political parties.

41. Voters in the Millennial Generation (born 1981-2000), are more likely to Independents than Democrats or Republicans and more likely to be Republicans than Democrats.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

42. As sample size increases, the margin of error
a. Is greater than or equal to the margin of error.
b. Increases.
c. Decreases.
d. Stays the same.

43. When is the candidate's website NOT a good source of information?
a. To find more information about the candidate's biography.
b. To find out which prominent people and organizations support the candidate.
c. To find out more about the candidate's positions on the issues.
d. To find an unbiased account of the candidate's voting history.

44. According to Jackson, the candidates use presidential debates
a. All of these.
b. To show empathy for voters' problems.
c. To distinguish themselves on the issues.
d. To introduce their favorable personal characteristics to the voters.

45. An example of an interest group offering a benefit to encourage people to join their organization is a. Congressmen providing assistance to constituents.
b. The American Association of Retire People (AARP) offering travel discounts.
c. Hospitals offering charitable care to indigent patients.
d. District attorneys offering reduced sentences for testimony about a crime.

46. According to the political scientist Marjorie Hershey,
a. The Federalist Party, the Democratic-Republican Party, and the Whig Party have not been active since the 19th century.
b. All of these.
c. The Democratic Party and Republican Party have dominated the Congress and the presidency since 1860.
d. There have been only five major political parties in all of US history.

47. Pluralists in the 19th century believed that
a. Interest groups would always form.
b. Interest groups would always pursue their own political interests vigorously.
c. No single interest would win or lose all of the time.
d. All of these.

48. “Blue Dog Democrats” are
a. Democrats from the “blue” states.
b. Democrats who support labor unions.
c. Democrats who are conservative on economic issues.
d. Liberal Democrats who always vote along party lines.

49. When women’s groups wanted to fight pregnancy discrimination in the 1970s,
a. All of these.
b. They chose a legislative and an executive strategy.
c. They went to Congress
d. They went to the the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

50. Small racial, ethnic, or religious groups in the US
a. Don't have quotas for seats in the schools or government as they do in India.
b. Do not have a party which is dedicated to their interests.
c. Do not have legislative representation as is the cases in other countries with proportional representation.

d. All of these.

Political Science 1 – National & California Governments


Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein (Office Phone 310-434-3541)
Political Science 1 – National & California Governments 

Globalyceum Unit Exam No. 3

1. The refusal of a Kentucky county courthouse official to issue marriage licenses to gay couples after the Supreme Court's same-sex decision
a. None of these.
b. Was very common throughout the US.
c. Was very common throughout the South.
d. Was an exception to the fact that most jurisdictions enforced the law.

2. About how many bills do modern presidents veto in any given two-year Congressional session?
a. About 10-20 vetoes.
b. There are hundreds of vetoes in a session but only about a half dozen are really critical.
c. As many as 100 vetoes.
d. One or two vetoes.

3. The Office of Management and Budget works directly for
a. The Senate.
b. The president.
c. The Office of Management and Budget is an independent agency.
d. The Treasury Department.

4. Baum suggests that the Miranda decision took a while to implement, because
a. All of these.
b. Police officers and their superiors did not want to comply with the ruling.
c. Police officers and departments might have been not wanted to comply because then they may not be able to question the defendant, if they gave the Miranda warning.
d. Police officers found it cumbersome to comply with the ruling.

5. What is the most important power given to the president in the Constitution?
a. Chief of the Senate.b. Director of the federal bureaucracy.c. Persuader in chief.d. Commander-in-Chief

6. The following is true about US Courts of Appeals:
a. The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals covers the largest geographical area in the US.
b. All of these.
c. There are 10 US Courts of Appeals
d. The 2nd Circuit US Court of Appeals includes New York State.

7. The process that keeps one group or individual from gaining too much power is called
a. Veto.
b. Checks and balances.
c. Abdication.
d. Override.

8. When the president and Congress share the same political party,
a. There are many fewer vetoes of bills.
b. There tend to be more vetoes.
c. The number of vetoes is about the same as when there is divided government.
d. In the first years, there are almost no vetoes, and then they increase steadily through the years

9. The "bully pulpit"
a. Was coined by Theodore Roosevelt.
b. All of these.
c. Is a term referring to a platform from which one can preach.
d. Refers to the White House as a national stage from which to advocate an agenda.

10. Medicaid began as part of the legislative program of
a. Harry S. Truman.
b. Lyndon
B. Johnson.c. John F. Kennedy.
d. Franklin D. Roosevelt.

11. The Supreme Court’s June 2015 ruling about same-sex marriage was based on the 14th Amendment.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

12. If the president vetoes a bill, there is nothing that Congress can do.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

13. What is Congressional "case work"?
a. The staffs that members of Congress have to get themselves reelected.
b. The services that members of Congress provide for groups and individuals in their districts.
c. The time that members of Congress spend in their constituencies to get themselves elected.
d. The work that members of Congress do to follow the US Supreme Court.

14. Most state judges have a limited term, usually of about
a. Ten years
b. Two years
c. None of these.
d. Six years

15. In what way is the Senate different than the House?
a. The Senate focuses on efficiency, the House on the participation of all members.
b. The majority party is stronger in the Senate.
c. For a bill to be approved there must be “unanimous consent” in the Senate but not in the House.
d. The Senate was designed to focus on the day to day business of politics.

16. The only thing that can change the number of representatives a state has is population growth, which alters the number of constituents per representative.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

17. Which of the following is a responsibility of the Ways and Means Committee?
a. Overseeing all taxation and tariffs
b. Oversight of the federal budget process
c. Controlling foreign aid.
d. All of these

18. Baum notes that between the 1950s and 1990s, several Supreme Court justice seemed to switch ideological positions. What happened?
a. Several moderate appointees turned out to be far-left liberals.
b. Several Democratic appointees adopted extremely conservative positions.
c. Democratic presidents appointed moderate liberals, and they became more conservative in their ideology.
d. Several Republican appointees adopted liberal and moderate positions over time.

19. In a speech he gave in 1963, President Kennedy called the issue of civil rights
a. An issue of liberty.
b. An ethical issue.
c. A legal issue.
d. A moral issue.

20. According to Gailmard, the modern standard for the presidential legislative program was inaugurated during the presidency of
a. Dwight Eisenhower.
b. Franklin Roosevelt.
c. John F. Kennedy.
d. Harry Truman.

21. What advantage does an incumbent possess?
a. Name recognition.
b. Free mailing to constituents.
c. All of these.
d. Easier fundraising.

22. The Framers intended Congress to
a. Work closely with the judiciary to make sure laws were constitutional.
b. Be the dominant branch of the federal government.
c. Pass as well as enforce the laws.
d. Be the weakest branch of the federal government.

23. Many of the wars of the last 100 years
a. Began in the Middle East.
b. Were actually armed conflicts initiated by the president.
c. Were started by the Central Powers.
d. Were settled by the United Nations.

24. According to Baum, the reason the Supreme Court rejected same-sex marriage in the 1970s was probably because the Court viewed same-sex marriage as "unthinkable" at that time.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

25. What does the Wyoming Rule attempt to remedy what situation?
a. Inequality between the House and Senate in representation.
b. The problem that the Constitution prohibits states from sharing a representative.
c. Unequal representation of people in the House of Representatives.
d. The problem of seven small population states to have one representative.

26. Congress can overcome the president's veto with
a. A supermajority of both houses of Congress
b. None of these.
c. A supermajority of the Senate but a simple majority of the House.
d. Only when the presidency changes to new hands.

27. According to Baum, when people dislike Supreme Court rulings,
a. The ruling is very often not enforced.
b. Compliance is rare.
c. The federal government often has to step in to enforce the ruling.
d. Compliance with the ruling is most often the case.

28. According to Dolan, today it is relatively easy to be a member of the House but more difficult to be a Senator.
a. FALSE
b. TRUE

29. In the legislative process, presidents are
a. More significant than a House member but about as significant as a Senator.
b. About as significant a player as any individual House mamber.
c. Among the most significant if not most significant players.
d. A side show.

30. Which of the following is true regarding the president's legislative agenda and public opinion?
a. The president can raise the salience of an issue to the voters, thereby raising the cost to members of Congress from inaction on that issue.
b. The president can use the strategy known as "going public" in bargaining with Congress for his or her agenda.
c. All of these.
d. If Congress doesn't enact the legislation the president wants, the president can mobilize public opinion in support of his causes.

31. If a president were to respond more to general public opinion than just opinion in their own party, we would call this
a. None of these.
b. Constituency responsiveness.
c. Centrist responsiveness.
d. Partisan responsiveness.

32. How often do we hold Congressional elections?
a. Every six years
b. Whenever the president calls for an election.
c. Every four years
d. Every two years

33. Which of the following is NOT a cabinet department?
a. Department of the Federal Reserve
b. Department of Agriculture
c. Department of Veterans Affairs
d. Department of Housing and Urban Development

34. Looking at the data about the number of death penalty cases in the US over the last 60 years, one could conclude
a. Strangely, there were more executions in the 1990s than in the 1960s.
b. All of these.
c. The Supreme Court ruling against the death penalty in the early 1970s spurred the states to change their laws and do more executions.
d. The death penalty is on the decline in the last 15 years.

35. After the Supreme Courts ruling that allowed flag burning,
a. The Court backed off of its previous decision and modified it ruling, a sign that it bowed to public pressure
.b. The Court continued its rulings along the same line until a conservative majority came into place and ruled the opposite way.
c. The Court refused to take up another case on flag burning.
d. The Court defied negative public opinion and ruled again to support its decision.

36. The nine-member Supreme Court
a. Has been meeting in Philadelphia since 1791.
b. Meets in Washington and is the highest-ranking court of the land.
c. Meets in New York and is the highest-ranking federal court.
d. Meets in New York and uses the certiorari process.

37. Even 10 years after Brown, what percentage of black students were still attending segregated schools in the South?
a. About half
b. 66 percent.
c. About a third
d. 98 percent

38. Because Congressional elections are not as visible as presidential elections, voters
a. Tend to choose the candidate who spends the most money.
b. Tend to select the candidate of the president's party.
c. Tend to vote for candidate personalities.
d. Tend to vote for the candidate of the political party.

39. How did federal district judges delay enforcing the Brown decision?
a. They followed state decisions about desegregation rather than the Supreme Court's decision.
b. They delayed because the Supreme Court was not specific about when to desegregate.
c. They openly opposed the decision from the bench.
d. They argued that they didn’t have the jurisdiction to enforce Brown

40. Which of these Supreme Court rulings inspired resistance?
a. All of these
b. Cases prohibiting religious observances in schools (1962)
c. Brown v. Board of Education – desegregation
d. Miranda v. Arizona (1966) - search and seizure

41. What are the terms for a Senator and House member?
a. Senator: 8 Years House Member: 4 years.
b. Senator: 6 years House Member: 2 years.
c. Both 2 years.
d. Senator: 2 years House Member: 6 years.

42. An example of "checks and balances" is
a. All of these.
b. The judicial branch's right to declare laws unconstitutional.
c. The president's qualified right to veto legislation.
d. The legislature's override of presidential veto.

43. The executive branch, directed by the president and the Department of State,
a. Makes all decisions concerning a declaration of war.
b. Is responsible for the United States’ foreign policy actions.
c. Is the mediator in states’ conflicts.
d. Does not need any permission to make a treaty with a foreign country.

44. The “Bank War” was initiated by
a. John Tyler.
b. Andrew Jackson.
c. Andrew Johnson.
d. James Polk.

45. Executive orders
a. Are not final and an executive agency can be sued in federal court if they enforce an unconstitutional executive order.
b. Give the president the final say over policy.
c. None of these.
d. Are final and an agency that enforces one can not be sued.

46. Which of these groups has an interest in state supreme court elections?
a. All of theseb. The business community c. Labor unions d. Lawyers and law firms

47. Representation in the Senate
a. Depends on changes in state population every 10 years.
b. Depends on state income.
c. Is permanently established in the 50 states.
d. Is determined by the president.

48. According to Baum, it looks as though the approval or disapproval of the Supreme Court follows the same ratings for government generally.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE

49. The two key factors in the president's role in legislation are
a. The veto and the executive order.
b. The executive order and the legislative program.
c. The veto and the legislative program.
d. The executive order and the communication program.

50. According to Baum, what is one rationale for Chief Justice Roberts’ vote on Obamacare?
a. None of these
b. If the Supreme Court acted in a partisan way, it may have become a campaign issue in the upcoming election.
c. He was worried about being removed from the Supreme Court.

d. Chief Justice Roberts has become much more liberal since his confirmation.