Test 1

Question 1

What was the role of police forces in the South when they were first formed?

Answer 1

to capture slaves and bring them back

Question 2

What are the three criteria a critical theory must meet?

Answer 2

o Explanatory: explains what is wrong with the current social reality and identifies clear actors to change it
o Practical: Must identify achievable, practical goals for social transformation
o Normative: Must provide clear norms for criticism

Question 3

According to Marx, who has the most resources, power, and wealth? Why?

Answer 3

 Those who own the means of production

Question 4

Why are critical theories sometimes called conflict theories?

Answer 4

• Critical theories often begin as a “reaction” to a problem in mainstream theorizing

Question 5

What was happening in history when Black Feminist Theory was conceptualized?

Answer 5

2nd wave feminism; , heavy emphasis on “workplace” equality

Question 6

What is Critical Race Theory?

Answer 6

a set of ideas holding that racial bias is inherent in many parts of western society, especially in its legal and social institutions, on the basis of their having been primarily designed for and implemented by white people

Question 7

What are some critiques of Critical Race Theory?

Answer 7

generally speaking is a “response” to other structural problems

Question 8

What was the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937?

Answer 8

 First-time conviction was 2-10 years with a 20k fine
o Mandatory minimum- a minimum requirement of prison/jail time

Question 9

Who was Harry J. Anslinger?

Answer 9

father of the War on Drugs; made marijuana illegal

Question 10

Mandatory minimum sentences

Answer 10

a minimum requirement of prison/jail time

Question 11

Three strikes laws

Answer 11

a set of criminal sentencing laws that increase prison sentences for repeat felons

Question 12

Drug scheduling (ranking drugs)

Answer 12

Marijuana scheduled 1 along with LSD and heroin

Question 13

What Jim Crow Laws were and why they came about

Answer 13

• Getting rid of slavery harmed the Southern economy
• The idea of profiting off of black people, however, not calling it slavery
• Strict voter registration laws
• Black interests are never shown

Question 14

When and some possible reasons why the “War on Drugs” started

Answer 14

• 1971 Nixon declares war on drugs (right after the repeal of Jim Crow laws)
• President Reagan created harsh punishments for marijuana
• Police can keep property if they deem it as evidence (related to drugs)
• Reagan focused on punishment instead of rehabilitation

Question 15

why or how each of these things contributes to systemic racism/structural inequality

Answer 15

• Different charges for crack vs cocaine (even though it’s the same) BECAUSE black people were more likely to have crack and white people were more likely to have cocaine because coke is more expensive

Question 16

What is the Racial Threat Hypothesis?

Answer 16

o Economic (jobs, housing)
o Political (as minority people gain seats, the majority has less power)
o Public safety/criminal (white people feel minority brings crime)
o Cultural (minority groups take over majority culture)

Question 17

What is crimmigration? Why do some argue that the U.S. is currently engaging in a “war on immigrants?”

Answer 17

• 4 ways to get into the country: family, employment, good and bad luck
• Immigration is based on the country, there is a 7% cap for all populations (even india, china, etc.)

Question 18

What kinds of things could get an immigrant deported

Answer 18

anything, breaking any types of law