Arab Spring Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was a common factor contributing to the legitimacy of the dictators in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia before their downfall?

Public support for the military

Strong democratic traditions

Long-standing oppressive regimes (correct)

International diplomatic recognition

Which event characterized the fall of dictators in Egypt and Tunisia?

Peaceful negotiations with foreign powers

Massive public demonstrations (correct)

Military intervention from neighboring countries

Economic sanctions imposed by the UN

What is one of the primary criticisms of pluralism as a democratic theory?

It guarantees representation for all citizens.

It encourages equal participation from all groups.

It fails to adequately represent poor citizens. (correct)

It always prioritizes the public interest.

How do totalitarian regimes differ from authoritarian governments?

Totalitarian regimes control all aspects of life Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of a direct democracy?

Decisions are made directly by the people Signup and view all the answers

What do critics argue about the decision-making process within interest groups under pluralism?

It can lead to paralysis in the democratic system. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya?

A civil war lasting seven months Signup and view all the answers

What is political socialization primarily responsible for?

Transmitting political beliefs and values. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT considered fundamental to the American political culture?

Socialism Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes authoritarianism?

It allows for independent social and economic structures Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the collapse of Egypt's new democracy in 2013?

The army seized power Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dominant culture' refer to in the context of American politics?

The values established by traditionally powerful political groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which two sources are considered the most important in political socialization?

Family and the educational system. Signup and view all the answers

Under what type of government does a dictator have ultimate control over all decisions in society?

Totalitarianism Signup and view all the answers

Which historical roots have significantly influenced the dominant culture of American politics?

Western European civilization. Signup and view all the answers

What do the writers of the U.S. Constitution believe would sustain the nation?

Political culture and structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a referendum?

An electoral device to refer measures to voters for approval Signup and view all the answers

What did the framers of the U.S. Constitution think about direct democracy?

They believed it was a source of instability and danger Signup and view all the answers

What does a republic mean in the context of the U.S. government?

A system where power is held by the people, rather than a single leader Signup and view all the answers

How did the framers of the Constitution aim to limit direct influence of the electorate?

By creating an electoral college for presidential elections Signup and view all the answers

What was one concern of the framers regarding ordinary citizens in the 1700s?

They would likely be influenced by demagogues Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the U.S. government reflects the concept of popular sovereignty?

Elections are held to choose officials Signup and view all the answers

What change to the election of senators was made later in U.S. history?

They began to be elected by a direct vote of the people Signup and view all the answers

What did the framers of the Constitution hope to achieve by creating an electoral college?

To ensure that the president was elected by knowledgeable individuals Signup and view all the answers

How do modern conservatives primarily define liberty?

As freedom from government imposition of nontraditional ideals Signup and view all the answers

What social issues were particularly affecting Trump's strongest support group?

Drug abuse and poor health Signup and view all the answers

What do conservatives generally believe about the private sector compared to the government?

It can outperform the government in most activities Signup and view all the answers

Which political ideology advocates for strong government intervention to improve individual welfare?

Liberalism Signup and view all the answers

Which social issue do modern conservatives tend to oppose?

Antipoverty programs Signup and view all the answers

What significant shift in liberalism occurred during the 1960s?

Increased skepticism of U.S. military involvement abroad Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the political ideology of socialism?

Economic and social equality through government control of major businesses Signup and view all the answers

How did the 2018 mid-term elections reflect the national response to Trump's presidency?

They showcased continued debates over fundamental values. Signup and view all the answers

What were some goals of American liberals in the early 20th century?

Promoting organized labor and providing support for the poor Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'political ideology' refer to?

A comprehensive set of beliefs about people and government roles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following programs did the Roosevelt administration introduce?

Social Security and unemployment insurance Signup and view all the answers

Which group predominantly supported Trump during the election?

White voters without a college education Signup and view all the answers

What stance do liberals typically take on economic equality?

They support substantial antipoverty spending Signup and view all the answers

How do Trump supporters relate to traditional conservatism?

They emphasized anti-immigrant and nationalist views distinct from the mainstream conservative movement Signup and view all the answers

Which ideology is characterized by skepticism or opposition towards most government activities?

Libertarianism Signup and view all the answers

What was a common sentiment expressed by Trump’s supporters after Hurricane Michael?

They thought the government was not effectively supporting them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Events in Arab Nations since 2011

Long-standing dictators in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia faced growing opposition after decades in power.
These nations lacked a tradition of democracy, allowing leaders to maintain legitimacy for extended periods.
Legitimacy eroded due to oppressive actions; violence was used to suppress dissent.
In Egypt and Tunisia, military refusal to enforce orders against demonstrators led to the fall of regimes.
Muammar Gaddafi of Libya was overthrown and killed after a prolonged civil war lasting seven months.
Egypt's brief democratic experiment ended in 2013 when the army regained control.

Types of Government

Totalitarian Regimes: Governments that exercise total control over political, social, and economic life. Examples include Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union under Stalin.
Authoritarianism: Governments where the ruler controls the government but allows some independence in social institutions.
Democracy: Systems where political authority derives from the people. Can be divided into:
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly decide on policies.

Concerns about Democracy

Founders of the U.S. Constitution were wary of direct democracy due to its potential for instability.
They believed ordinary citizens were often uneducated and susceptible to demagogues.
James Madison cautioned against "pure democracy," advocating for a cautious approach to governance.

Democratic Republic

U.S. system established a republic where power rests with the people, distinct from monarchy.
Sovereignty is based on popular consent, with elections determining representatives.
Senators were originally selected by state legislatures; later amendments allowed direct election.
An electoral college was created to elect the president, intended to mitigate direct voter influence.

Challenges of Pluralism

Pluralism may leave poor citizens underrepresented in interest groups, while affluent individuals may have too much influence.
Critics argue that interest group struggles can hinder effective policymaking, leading to compromises that do not reflect the public interest.

Fundamental Values

U.S. political culture is founded on liberty, equality, and property rights, with a consensus on these principles through political socialization.
Key sources of political socialization include family and education systems.
The concept of the dominant culture reflects Western European values influencing American politics, emphasizing individualism and private property.

Trump's Supporters

Trump’s election was bolstered by dedicated Republican voters and new, previously non-voting demographics.
Strong backing came from the white working class, facing social crises such as declining health and life expectancy.

Political Ideologies

Ideology: A structured set of beliefs about human nature and governmental roles.
- Conservatism: Advocates for limited government intervention, traditional values, and cautious adaptation to change.
- Liberalism: Promotes governmental action to enhance individual welfare, civil rights, and tolerance for changes.
- Socialism: Aims for economic and social equality, often advocating for government or cooperative control over major industries.
- Libertarianism: Opposes most government involvement, favoring personal and economic freedoms.

Modern Conservative and Liberal Trends

Conservatives value liberty but emphasize freedom from governmental interference in traditional matters.
They typically oppose high government spending aimed at poverty alleviation.
Modern liberalism has roots in early 20th-century policies, advocating for rights and welfare programs like Social Security.
The civil rights and feminist movements of the 1960s reinforced liberalism's commitment to equality and government action against inequality.

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Description

Explore the events of the Arab Spring that unfolded in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia since 2011. This quiz discusses the legacy of long-standing dictatorships and the eventual loss of legitimacy faced by these regimes due to oppressive actions and violence. Test your knowledge on the factors that led to significant political change in these nations.