Political Science: Elite Theory and Congress
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of members of the House of Representatives have a bachelor’s degree?

  • 40%
  • 100%
  • 95% (correct)
  • 73%

    • Members of Congress are primarily composed of individuals with lower income and less education.

    False (B)

    What effect does a flat tax have on the wealthy compared to the poor?

    It hurts the poor more than the wealthy.

    Approximately _____ percent of members of Congress are men.

    <p>73</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following percentages with their corresponding groups in Congress:

    <p>95% = House of Representatives with a bachelor's degree 76% = White members of Congress 38% = Members who send their children to private schools 11% = General American population sending children to private schools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of increased funding for public education on different socioeconomic classes?

    <p>It greatly benefits the poor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Around _____ percent of the American population sends their children to private schools.

    <p>11</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Half of the members of Congress are millionaires.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary belief of elite theory regarding government control?

    <p>Only a small group of economic and political elites influence government. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pluralism argues that political power is concentrated in the hands of a few influential elites.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is considered the foremost supporter of elite theory?

    <p>C. Wright Mills</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to elite theory, the wealthy use their power to control the nation’s ______.

    <p>economy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the theories of government with their beliefs:

    <p>Elite theory = Government is controlled by a small group of elites. Pluralist theory = Government power is distributed among competing groups. C. Wright Mills = Foremost supporter of elite theory. Access points = Many ways citizens can influence government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to pluralist theorists, why do citizens engage with the government?

    <p>Because of the numerous access points to government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One-third of U.S. presidents have attended Ivy League schools, supporting the elite theory.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do supporters of elite theory believe about average citizens?

    <p>Average citizens are content to allow elites to govern.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does pluralist theory primarily argue about political power in society?

    <p>It is distributed throughout society among various organized groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to pluralist theory, individuals are typically more influential than organized groups.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was one of the first proponents of pluralist theory and wrote 'Who Governs?'

    <p>Robert Dahl</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to pluralist theory, groups with shared interests form in order to voice their _____ to politicians.

    <p>desires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Elitist Theory = Belief that a small group controls political power Pluralist Theory = Power is distributed among various organized groups Interest Groups = Organizations formed to voice specific political interests Trade-offs = Compromises made between competing interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do interest groups play according to pluralist theory?

    <p>They express the interests of ordinary people to politicians. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pluralist theory suggests that government policy is shaped solely by elite interests.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main concerns regarding firearm violence discussed in this context?

    <p>Protection of families from firearm violence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Thousands of _____ groups exist in the United States, with many Americans reporting membership in at least one.

    <p>interest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Federal law requires private sellers to conduct background checks before selling firearms.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant legislation related to background checks was signed into law in March 2018?

    <p>Fix-NICS Act</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Many groups favor greater __________ on who can buy guns.

    <p>restrictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following groups with their positions on gun ownership:

    <p>Some groups = Want to ban certain weapon types completely Others = Oppose any restrictions on gun ownership National Rifle Association = Object to stricter background checks State governments = Aim to balance interests with regulations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do trade-offs in government often attempt to satisfy?

    <p>The interests of both the elite and the people (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The First Amendment allows the federal government to interfere with the right to free speech.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the Massachusetts law regarding protestors outside abortion clinics?

    <p>To prevent women seeking abortions from being harassed or threatened.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ Amendment requires state governments to protect the right to free speech.

    <p>Fourteenth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the McCullen v. Coakley case?

    <p>The law was struck down (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Many Americans believe that the U.S. should become more dependent on foreign sources of energy.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Groups that support protecting women's reproductive rights supported the law that required protestors to stand __________ feet away from clinic entrances.

    <p>thirty-five</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following groups to their interests or actions:

    <p>FBI = Eavesdropping on citizens' communications American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) = Protecting citizens' rights to freedom of speech Supreme Court = Struck down buffer zone law Energy Advocates = Reducing foreign energy dependence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential benefit of fracking for local communities?

    <p>Job creation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fracking is universally accepted as safe and beneficial with no reported negative impacts.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one environmental concern associated with fracking.

    <p>Contamination of drinking water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fracking is the process of hydraulic __________ to access natural gas.

    <p>fracturing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following issues with the interests they represent:

    <p>Job creation = Fracking Environmental protection = Coastal preservation Tourism = Coastal lands Public health concerns = Contamination from fracking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group is likely to oppose fracking due to its environmental risks?

    <p>Environmentalists (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Political parties can influence members of Congress to vote against the interests of their constituents.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What trade-off is often faced by members of Congress when voting on fracking policies?

    <p>Balancing job creation with environmental protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Learning Objectives

    • Describe the pluralism-elitism debate
    • Explain the tradeoffs perspective on government

    Elitism vs. Pluralism

    • Many Americans fear a group of elite citizens control the government. This is called the elite theory.
    • The pluralist theory suggests political power is shared among competing interest groups.
    • Theorists of pluralism believe citizens easily influence the government because of many access points.

    The Power Elite

    • C. Wright Mills supported the elite theory.
    • He argued powerful business, military, and political elites control the government.
    • Elite members are often highly educated and from prestigious universities.

    Elite Theory

    • Wealthy elite use their economic power to control the economy and secure key political positions.
    • Elites then make decisions and allocate resources to benefit themselves.
    • They maintain order through force and assume average citizens are content to let them govern.

    Pluralist Theory

    • Rejects the idea that a few elites control the government.
    • Political power is distributed among numerous organized groups.
    • Various groups with shared interests (environmental, unions, businesses) help their interests be known to politicians.
    • Groups compete to shape government policies.
    • Government policy is shaped from the "bottom-up" due to group competition.

    Characteristics of Congress

    • Half of members are millionaires
    • 38% of Congress sent children to private schools in 2009 (11% average American)
    • Congress is primarily made up of well-educated White men.
    • People's political interests depend on their socioeconomic status.

    The Tradeoffs Perspective

    • Government action often results from compromises and trade-offs.
    • Interests of both elites and the people often influence government action.
    • Government often attempts to satisfy these competing interests.
    • The balance of power between state and federal governments is constantly being negotiated.

    Freedom of Speech

    • The First Amendment protects the right to free expression.
    • State governments must also protect that right.
    • While free speech is a right, expressions cannot infringe on other rights (abortion, for example).

    Tradeoffs in Policy

    • Tradeoffs between national and state control were highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Tradeoffs regarding freedom of speech and actions were made in connection to protesting in front of facilities that provide abortion.
    • Government attempts to balance the competing interests of citizens are common. Examples include disagreements about controlling firearms.

    Tradeoffs in Congress

    • Members of Congress often vote according to their district's interests.
    • This can create conflict between the interests of different parts of the country.
    • Members will sometimes ignore constituents to follow political party mandates.

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    Related Documents

    Who Governs? Elitism, Pluralism, and Tradeoffs - American Government 3e PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the structure and composition of the U.S. Congress, focusing on educational backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and theories of government. Test your knowledge of elite theory versus pluralism and the impact of policies on different social classes. Engage with questions about the demographics and beliefs that influence American politics.

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