Advanced Placement Government and Politics Review Questions: Political Culture and Public Opinion A poll conducted over

the Internet is of questionable accuracy because: A. The participants were not randomly selected B. The margin of error is over +/ !" #. The sample is biased in favor of the poor $. The sample is too large %. &uestions are typically not worded clearly In light of the 'graying of America() which issues are li*ely to get attention from elected officials+ A. $eregulation of the energy industry B. ,issile defense programs #. Term limits for members of #ongress $. ,edicare coverage for prescription benefits %. -un control .hich of the following statements about political ideology in the /nited 0tates are accurate+ I. 1olitical movements on the e2treme right and the e2treme left have had little support. II. 1eople who identify themselves as conservatives always oppose laws restricting abortions. III. ,ost Americans consider themselves moderates. I3. #onsistency is not essential to political ideology. A. B. #. $. %. I only II only I( III( and I3 only II and I3 only I3 only

1olitical sociali4ation refers to: A. .hy a person identifies with a political party B. 5ow an individual6s political views are developed #. The measure of the public6s attitude on national issues $. A person6s position on social questions such as abortion %. The role of government in promoting national identity $ata collected on the political attitudes of ethnic and racial groups shows that: A. All minorities tend to ta*e liberal positions on ma7or policy questions B. African Americans are shifting bac* to the 8epublican 1arty #. The views of African Americans are not significantly affected by income $. Asian American support for the $emocratic 1arty is strong %. 5ispanic Americans are the most consistently liberal group

Answers: A, D, C, B, C

Two days before a primary election( a poll shows the following brea*down in a three candidate race: #andidate A 9:" #andidate B !;" #andidate # ;!" The margin of error is +/ !". .hat conclusions can we draw from the data about the outcome of the election+ A. #andidate A will get a ma7ority of the votes cast. B. #andidate # will drop out of the race because of limited support. #. The election is too close to call because of the margin of error. $. <o conclusion can be drawn because the election is still a month away. %. There will be a runoff between candidate A and candidate B .omen are more li*ely than men to favor: A. #apital punishment B. -un control legislation #. <o increases in the federal minimum wage $. =ess spending on public housing %. Abortion =ibertarians support all of the following e2cept: A. An end to ta2 brea*s for large corporations B. A prescription drug plan for seniors paid for by the government #. The repeal of laws restricting gun ownership $. The legali4ation of mari7uana and similar drugs %. >ull e2ercise of freedom of speech( including materials considered obscene. $espite migration from the 8ust Belt to the 0un Belt( the 0outh: I. Is a more conservative region then the <ortheast II. Is a stronghold for the religious fundamentalists III. 8emains committed to the $emocratic 1arty A. B. #. $. %. I only II only I and II only III only II and III only

The political party an individual identifies with is largely determined by: A. ,ass media B. 1eers #. Teachers $. 1arents %. %mployers

Answers: A, B, B, C, D

A politician who advocates raising the federal minimum wage( cutting spending on new weapons systems( and increasing the budget for the %nvironmental 1rotection Agency is considered a: A. 1opulist B. =iberal #. #onservative $. =ibertarian %. 8eactionary .hich of the following is not a conservative position+ A. 0upport for prayer in the public schools B. 0upport for voucher plans in private schools #. 0upport for increases in corporate and income ta2es $. 0upport for deregulation of business %. 0upport for limits on affirmative action programs. 1oliticians are concerned about the 'graying of America) because: A. ?lder Americans do not contribute as much as they can to political campaigns B. ?lder Americans are politically engaged and vote in high numbers #. ?lder Americans are single issue voters and care only about foreign policy $. ?lder Americans are apathetic and do not bother to vote %. ?lder Americans are not well organi4ed politically compared to other groups %ven a scientifically conducted telephone poll can include a sample bias for all of the following reasons e2cept: A. ,any people refuse to participate in political surveys B. A higher percentage of minority groups do not have telephones #. 1eople confuse pollsters with telephone solicitations $. 1eople prefer face to face interviews %. Telephone interviews do not poll random samples The #ontract with America refers to: A. The ;@@@ $emocratic party platform B. 8alph <ader6s campaign slogan for the -reen 1arty #. The ABB9 8epublican legislative agenda calling for devolution of federal power $. The strong economic ties between the /nited 0tates and the %uropean /nion %. The foreign aid pac*age the #linton Administration proposed for Africa <o poll is one hundred percent accurate. This is reflected in the concept of: A. 0ampling error B. &uestion bias #. 8andom sampling $. ,argin of error %. Ideological bias

Answers: B, C, B, B, C, D

The most accurate way to measure public opinion is generally through: A. A stratified or quota sample B. A study of letters to the editor #. A random sample $. A mailed sample %. Tal*ing with a neighbor .hich of the following increases in its impact on political sociali4ation of American voters as they age+ A. 1olitical allegiance of their parents B. 1eers #. %ducational level $. %conomic issues %. ,ass media .hich of the following demographic changes is the most li*ely to affect public policy in the future+ I. -raying of America II. 0hift of population from the <orth and ,idwest to the 0outh and .est III. -rowth of a minority ma7ority population I3. The larger number of younger people versus older A. I only B. II only #. I( II( and III only $. II and III only %. I and III only .atergate( 3ietnam( Iran #ontra and the economic downturn of the late ABC@s have all resulted in: A. An increased reliance on the media B. A belief in the economic vulnerability of the mar*etplace. #. A decline of trust in government. $. $istrust of the military. %. A higher percentage of registered voters going to the polls All of the following can affect the accuracy of a public opinion poll e2cept: A. The margin of error B. The underdog effect #. The wording of the questions $. The interpretation of the results %. The issues that are the sub7ect of the survey

Answers: C, B, C, C, B

The development of political culture is influenced by: I. Beliefs in political efficacy II. 8eligious beliefs III. =evels of political tolerance I3. The media 3. 1olitical activities A. I only B. I( II( and I3 only #. I( II( I3( and 3 $. II( III( I3 only %. I( II( III( and I3 only The most significant agent of political sociali4ation is: A. 8eligion B. %ducation #. The ,edia $. 8ace and ethnicity %. >amily 1olling techniques that produce the most reliable or accurate results are: A. 8andom samples B. 0*ewed samples #. Two staged least sample squares $. %2it poll samples %. 0urvey samples .hich of the following statements about the stability of public opinion is correct+ A. 1ublic opinion is unstable and flu2uates B. 1ublic opinion is frequently stable for many years #. The opinions of women tend to be more stable than those of men $. ?pinion is generally more stable in the west than in the %ast %. 1ublic opinion is more stable than elite opinion All of the following beliefs are held by conservatives e2cept: A. Ta2es should be low for everyone B. 1rayers in public schools should not be banned #. Abortion is the murder of a fetus $. The federal government should actively encourage equality for minorities %. The /nited 0tates needs a strong defense budget

Answers: E, E, A, A, D

An American with a generally liberal political philosophy would most li*ely have the least amount of political tolerance toward the actions of: A. >eminist organi4ations organi4ing a march for equal pay B. Atheists demonstrating against prayers in government ceremonies and meetings #. 0tudents organi4ing a protest against a universities admissions policy $. ,embers of the DDD rallying to support a white man accused of a racist crime %. %nvironmentalists protesting the use of animals in testing All of the following characteri4e a liberal political ideology e2cept: A. 0upport of a smaller central government B. %mphasis of protection of individual rights and liberties #. %mphasis on human rights in issues regarding foreign aid $. $e emphasis of military spending %. 5igher ta2 rates for the rich than for the poor ,ost studies show that the largest percentage of Americans would characteri4e their political ideology as: A. =iberal B. 0lightly liberal #. 0lightly conservative $. #onservative %. ,oderate Assume that an opinion poll conducted in a ABBE #ongressional race found that on election eve( :9" of the voters supported #ongressman 0mith and 99" supported #hallenger =evy. Also assume that the poll had a margin of error of +/ !". .hat would the pollster be able to safely predict+ A. #ongressman 0mith would defeat #hallenger =evy B. #hallenger =evy would probably win because challengers almost always pic* up last minute support #. The election is too close to call $. #ongressman 0mith would win by a landslide %. #ongressman 0mith would win( provided turnout is good. All of the following characteri4e political tolerance in America e2cept: A. ,ost Americans believe themselves to be fairly tolerant B. Americans are willing to allow many people with whom they disagree to do a great deal politically. #. Americans have become more tolerant over the last few decades $. =iberals are more tolerant than conservatives %. ,ost people disli*e one or another group strongly enough to deny certain political rights As Americans age( which of the following factors decreases in its affects on the political sociali4ation of American voters+ A. >amily B. 1eers #. %ducational level $. %conomic issues %. ,ass ,edia Answers: D, A, E, A, E, A

Among the common set of fundamental political beliefs and opinions that Americans hold is a belief in: A. Affirmative action B. >reedom for the individual #. The value of government solutions over private sector solutions $. The status quo %. $eregulation of industry 1ublic ?pinion is: I. II. III. I3. The sum total of the opinion of everyone in the nation. 8epresentative of the views of several segments of a random sample of the public. 8elated to a specific issue at a specific time Tentative since it fluctuates often

A. I only B. II only #. III only $. II( III( and I3 only %. I( III( and I3 only The development of American political culture is influence by which of the following: I. 0ocial and cultural diversity II. -rowing mistrust of the government III. =evels of 1olitical Tolerance I3. Beliefs in political efficacy A. I and II only B. II( II( and I3 only #. I( II( III( and I3 $. II and III only %. II only The term gender gap refers to: A. The greater proportion of men to women in #ongress than in the population as a whole. B. The greater support of female candidates by women and of male candidates by men. #. The difference in the percentages of men and women who participate in politics. $. The difference between $emocrats and 8epublicans in defining women6s rights. %. The difference in the percentage of women versus the percentage of men supporting a particular candidate or issue. The validity of a poll is best determined by: A. A sample that represents more than half of the people in a population polled B. A large gap between the time the poll is ta*en and the time the results are released. #. 1artisan groups ta*ing and reporting the results of the poll. $. #omple2 questions to be answered by the people being polled. %. A sampling error under 9" Answers: B, D, C, E, E

An e2ample of political sociali4ation includes which of the following statements: A. 1arents who vote democratic influencing their children to vote $emocratic B. #hildren adopting the political party preference of their teachers #. #ollege graduates deciding to attend law school in order to run for office. $. 1olitical parties influencing voters through political ads. %. A newspaper running an editorial that suggests that a politician should resign. To say that the American people tend to be 'ideologically conservative but operationally liberal) means that: A. Americans favor conservative moral values but also favor the latest management techniques to supervise government bureaucracy. B. Americans are both conservative and liberal. #. Americans are li*ely to support limited government in theory but support social programs in practice. $. Americans are li*ely to tal* about the need for social welfare programs but vote legislators who will restrain government spending. %. Ideology has little impact on American politics. #onservatives would most li*ely support which of the following 0upreme #ourt decisions+ A. /pholding the ,iranda rule B. A ban on school prayer led by students at high school football games. #. 0tri*ing down a law banning partial birth abortions $. A decision to hear an appeal from a death row inmate %. /pholding a law that allowed federal money to be used to purchase computers for parochial school students .hich of the following is less a predictor of one6s political ideology than it once was+ A. -ender B. 8eligion #. 0ocial #lass $. %thnicity %. Age An older population of voters would most li*ely not support which of the following proposals+ A. An increase in ,edicare benefits B. -overnment subsidies to public education #. 5ealth care reform $. #ost of living increases for 0ocial 0ecurity recipients %. #ampaign finance reform The process through which a person acquires his or her political orientation is defined as: A. 0ocial intelligence B. 1olitical intelligence #. 1olitical sociali4ation $. 1olitical ideology %. 1olitical science

Answers: A, C, E, C, B, C

1ush polling: A. Is done on the day of the election to help get out the vote. B. Is another name for random sampling. #. Is used by candidates to determine which issues to focus on during a campaign. $. 1rovides negative information about a candidate6s opponent in hopes of shaping people6s perceptions of that person. %. Is a technique in which respondents are chosen whose characteristics most closely match the general population in certain demographics such as age and gender+ All of the following are basic beliefs that Americans hold about their government e2cept: A. 1reserving the general welfare B. %quality of outcome #. ,a7ority rule and minority rights $. %quality of opportunity %. Individual liberty .hich of the following groups is least li*ely to vote for a $emocratic presidential candidate+ A. .omen B. #atholics #. 1rotestants $. =abor %. /rbanites .hich of the following is not an accurate statement about political polling+ A. A public opinion poll can gauge the intensity of people6s attitudes towards a person or an issue. B. A public opinion poll is a picture of people6s attitudes at a given point in time. #. A public opinion poll can show the e2tent of consensus or polari4ation ion an issue or a person. $. By e2posing people6s real wants( needs( and hopes( public opinion polls can help leaders fashion public policy to satisfy these concerns. %. 1ublic opinion may understate the salience of an issue. In the /nited 0tates( the term political culture refers to: A. The environmental influences that shape a person6s party affiliation. B. A person6s interest group and association memberships #. 0ocietal consensus around the values of $emocracy( liberty( and equality. $. The full spectrum of political ideologies from radical to reactionary. %. The trend towards negative campaigning and mudslinging.

Answers: D, B, C, E, C

Inconsistent public opinion can result from which of the following: I. A lac* of *nowledge about public affairs II. A small sampling error within +/ 9" point III. 0mall polling samples A. II only B. II( II( and I3 only #. I3 only $. I( II( and I3 only %. I only The definition of political ideology is: A. The belief that government is best that governs least B. Beliefs about which candidates to support in the general election. #. Beliefs and attitudes about the functioning of the legislative and e2ecutive branches of government $. Beliefs about the ideal political system( economic order( social goals( and moral values. %. Attitudes and beliefs about government and the political process. In recent years the influence of the family on party identification has: A. $ecreased B. Increased #. 0tayed the same $. $isappeared %. $oubled .hich religious group is most li*ely to have liberal political attitudes+ A. Fews B. 1rotestants #. #atholics $. 5ispanics %. ,uslims .hich group displays the most consistency in political attitudes+ A. African Americans B. Fews #. ,anual wor*ers $. 1olitical elites %. ,oderates The least important agent in molding public opinion among the young would be: A. ?lder family members B. 0chool curriculum #. ,embers of peer groups $. 0ocio economic groups %. 8eligious role models

Answers: E, D, A, A, D, A

All of the following are characteri4ations of public opinion e2cept: A. It reflects the attitudes of a ma7ority of the population B. It involves attitudes about public issues #. It influences the decision of public officials $. It is measured by pollsters %. It is an important component of any society All of the following are values basic to the American political system e2cept: A. The rule of law B. Individualism #. %quality of outcome $. %quality of opportunity %. =iberty .omen are more li*ely than men to: A. 3ote in general elections B. Affiliate with the $emocratic 1arty #. 0upport defense spending $. #onsider politics irrelevant %. 0upport female candidates for office .hich of the following factors is probably the most important determinant of an individual6s political party affiliation+ A. >amily( particularly his or her mother6s and father6s party affiliation B. -ender #. Ideological conviction $. 8eligion %. 0ocial #lass All of the following factors complicate the accuracy of public opinion polls e2cept: A. If interview procedures are not carefully constructed( the poll results can be invalid. B. %ven if carefully constructed( different wordings of the same question can produce radically different results. #. Interview samples are usually too smallG a sample of A;@@ A:@@ participants cannot accurately reflect the views of millions of people. $. 1eople are often not well informed about the issues( so their responses can s*ew results %. 8andom samples usually must be divided into sub groups of the population in order to insure accurate representation. .hich of the following most accurately describes recent trends in American citi4ens6 trust in the government+ A. Americans have always trusted their government( e2cept for a brief period in the ABH@6s. B. Trust levels were high in the AB:@6s and early ABH@6s( too* a dip in the late ABH@s and ABC@s( but have again reached high levels of trust. #. Americans have almost always distrusted their government( a reflection of the basic American value of individualism $. Trust levels were high until the early #linton administration( and have dipped significantly since then. %. Trust levels were high in the AB:@s and early ABH@s but since the mid ABH@s trust in government has declined significantly. Answers: A, C, B, C, E

The cartoon above ma*es reference to: A. The 8epublican 1arty symbol B. The process of political sociali4ation #. Age as the ma7or determinant in acquiring political party affiliation. $. Tradition as an important factor in party identification %. The importance of family income in choosing one6s political party.

The chart above reflects all of the following patterns e2cept: A. >ew Americans identify themselves as ideological e2tremists B. The percentage of self identified moderates has increased substantially since ABC; #. Between one fourth to over one third of those surveyed either do not *now of have not thought about their ideological leanings. $. ?ver the years( a somewhat larger percentage of people identify themselves as conservative rather than liberal. %. ?ver the years( appro2imately on half of all those surveyed identify themselves as either moderate( slightly liberal( or slightly conservative.