Beliefs That Citizens Hold About Their Government and Its Leaders

Question 1

Public opinion on foreign policy is usually particularly responsive to opinion leadership because

Answer 1

Few people pay sustained attention to foreign affairs

Question 2

An example of a contradiction in what people believe the government should do economically for social welfare is

Answer 2

Lower taxes, but more government action

Question 3

Party politics is an important identifier for voters because

Answer 3

Past performance is a better criterion than future promises for preferred results

Question 4

Most Americans tend to take conservative positions on most social issues, but they respect

Answer 4

Individual freedom

Question 5

Moral and social issues defy political resolution because

Answer 5

Wide disagreement on values leaves little room for agreement

Question 6

Political party affiliation remains a strong connection to what voters believe about government because

Answer 6

Cumulative experience may strengthen or weaken allegiance to a party
It is an easy way to evaluate political situations

Question 7

Individuals may show political ambivalence toward an issue because

Answer 7

Their attitudes and beliefs are pulled in different directions

Question 8

Aggregate public opinion is a more important measure of voter attitudes than individual public opinion because

Answer 8

It is stable and coherent over time

Question 9

The egalitarian nature of the American political system tolerates large differences in the wealth of individuals and groups due to

Answer 9

A belief in free-market capitalism

Question 10

All of the following explain general distrust in politicians in recent decades except

a) The government wastes tax money
b) Voters are better informed than in the past
c) Politicians are controlled by special interests
d) Politicians do not care about ordinary people
e) Public officials are corrupt

Answer 10

B