Chapter 1

Question 1

According to political scientist, Robert Putnam, the main reason people do not engage in representative government is

Answer 1

decrease in social capital

Question 2

__________________ is the ability to have influence over a government’s institutions, leadership, or policies.

Answer 2

Political power

Question 3

________________ is defined as the process by which society decides how resources will be allocated and which policies will be pursued.

Answer 3

Politics

Question 4

In which form of government does a small group of elite people hold political power?

Answer 4

oligarchy

Question 5

The elite theory of government maintains that

Answer 5

wealthy, politically powerful people control government, and government has no interest in meeting the needs of ordinary people.

Question 6

A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives is called a

Answer 6

democracy

Question 7

Supporting the actions of the Democratic Party simply because one identifies oneself as a member of that party is an example of

Answer 7

partisanship

Question 8

T or F: A major barrier to representative democracy is the unwillingness of citizens to familiarize themselves with the most important issues confronting the country.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

T or F: Voting is the only form of political engagement in which people may participate.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

T or F:

Majority rule is the power exercised by well-positioned and highly influential individuals.

Answer 10

False