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Questions and Answers
What is the approximate annual federal budget of the United States?
Which of the following values is considered a widely cherished aspect of American political culture?
What percentage of Americans supported equal job opportunities for women in a 2020 Gallup poll?
What was the voter turnout rate in the 2020 presidential election?
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How many civilian employees are approximately in the U.S. federal workforce?
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What concern is frequently expressed by Americans regarding democracy?
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What percentage of young adults voted in the 2018 midterms?
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Which governmental aspect was defined by the Constitution adopted in 1787?
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What is one purpose of government?
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How did the COVID-19 pandemic primarily affect low-income workers?
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What was a significant factor contributing to the stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression?
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Which event is associated with the decline in public trust in the federal government?
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The term 'switch in time that saved nine' refers to which action by the Supreme Court?
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Which of the following is NOT a primary function of government?
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What does political culture refer to?
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How did the post-World War II economic boom affect recovery efforts in countries like Germany?
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What does active participation ensure in a democracy?
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Which of the following is NOT a method of contacting representatives?
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What is a characteristic of totalitarianism?
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How does a representative democracy differ from a direct democracy?
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What is described as a belief in one’s ability to affect political processes?
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What consequence may arise from a lack of participation in a democracy?
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In which system does a small group hold significant power without the governed's consent?
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What best describes the function of peaceful demonstrations in a democracy?
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What is a fundamental characteristic of democracy as defined in the content?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a core American value?
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What challenge is associated with misinformation in American democracy?
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In what way does economic inequality affect American democracy?
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What distinguishes a republic from a direct democracy?
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What is one consequence of political polarization in American democracy?
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Which form of government seeks to control every aspect of public and private life?
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Which of the following describes authoritarianism?
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What significant demographic change occurred in the United States between 1920 and 1970?
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Which ethnic groups saw the fastest growth rates in the early 21st century in the U.S.?
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What was a major consequence of the post-World War II baby boom?
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What primary role does government serve?
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What percentage of Americans lived in urban areas as of the early 21st century?
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What was a notable result of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s?
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What is a significant implication of the aging population in the U.S.?
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What trend did the Immigration Act of 1924 lead to in the U.S.?
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Study Notes
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Corporations
- Corporations face lawsuits concerning their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, highlighting challenges in implementing effective policies.
Historical Supreme Court Shifts
- The phrase "switch in time that saved nine" describes the Supreme Court’s change in stance to uphold New Deal legislation after prior opposition, impacting future legislative support.
Economic Impact of COVID-19
- The pandemic severely impacted low-income workers lacking employee benefits, sparking discussions on governmental responsibility in providing economic support.
Decline in Public Trust
- Public trust in the federal government began to decline in the 1960s, influenced by significant events such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
Causes of the Great Depression
- Lack of regulation and extensive margin trading practices contributed to the stock market crash, leading to the Great Depression.
Post-World War II Economic Context
- Post-war economic growth in the U.S. significantly contrasts with the recovery challenges faced by nations like Germany during this time.
Government's Economic Role
- Government actions, such as stabilizing prices and regulating the financial sector, play vital roles in enhancing economic stability and providing safety nets.
Definition and Purpose of Government
- Government consists of institutions and processes for making public policy, including offices like the presidency and Congress.
- Core functions include maintaining order, protecting rights, providing public goods, and promoting citizen welfare.
Political Culture
- Political culture encompasses shared beliefs and attitudes that shape the citizen-government relationship, promoting civic engagement like demonstrations and contacting representatives.
Importance of Civic Participation
- Active citizen participation is crucial in democracy, ensuring representation and accountability; low participation can threaten democratic integrity.
Types of Government Explained
- Democracy: Power resides with the people, directly or via elected representatives, exemplified in the U.S. as a representative democracy.
- Authoritarianism: Concentration of power with minimal input from the governed, often curbing individual freedoms.
- Totalitarianism: An extreme form of authoritarianism where the state seeks complete control over all aspects of life.
- Republic vs. Direct Democracy: The U.S. operates as a republic, contrasting with direct democracies where citizens make decisions through referendums.
Political Efficacy and Trust
- Political efficacy is the belief in individual influence over government processes; trust is essential for a functioning democracy.
- The federal government employs approximately 2 million civilians, excluding military personnel, showing its massive scale.
Core American Values
- Liberty: Freedom of thought and action, provided it does not infringe upon others.
- Equality: Right to equal protection and access to opportunities, widely supported across demographics.
- Democracy: General agreement on the importance of democratic principles despite concerns about current governance.
Voter Participation Trends
- Voter turnout saw about 66.8% in the 2020 presidential election; yet, less than half of Americans participate in other forms of political engagement.
- Younger voters (ages 18-29) exhibit lower turnout rates, although participation has been slowly increasing in recent elections.
Population Trends in America
- By 1920, the U.S. population reached around 106 million, influenced heavily by industrialization and immigration.
- Significant population growth occurred post-World War II, with suburbanization trends growing alongside civil rights advancements for minorities.
21st Century Demographic Changes
- The U.S. population exceeds 335 million, with growing diversity due to immigration, particularly from Hispanic and Asian communities.
- An aging population raises concerns for public services like healthcare and social security due to increased life expectancy.
- Urbanization trends indicate about 83% of Americans reside in urban areas, reflecting a shift away from rural living.
Challenges Nearing American Democracy
- Political polarization and misinformation are increasing, impacting governance effectiveness and citizen engagement.
- Economic inequality heightens the risk of unequal political influence, risking the foundations of democratic representation.
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