Free Public Finance MCQs with Answers

• A. provide group representation above and beyond that provided by our elected officials in Congress
• B. provide geographic representation
• C. bring into the open obscure problems to be solved
• D. choose candidates for political office

Explanation: Interest groups represent specific interests that may not be adequately expressed through geographically elected legislators.

• A. Urban and suburban residents
• B. The young and underprivileged
• C. College educated professionals
• D. White collar workers

Explanation: Young people and disadvantaged citizens have traditionally voted at lower rates because of weaker political engagement, fewer resources…

• A. Lockean model
• B. referendum model
• C. majoritarian model
• D. Madisonian model

Explanation: The majoritarian model treats democracy as rule by the majority, usually through direct or representative decision-making.

• A. groups of people interested in specific legislation
• B. groups of people who want to enter politics
• C. wealthy and civicminded people with excessive leisure time.
• D. coalitions of individuals with similar attitudes and interests who attempt to influence public policy

Explanation: An interest group is an organized coalition whose members share attitudes or interests and seek to influence public policy without…

• A. they are the same
• B. public opinion is limited to few issues
• C. political opinion deals with all matters
• D. political opinion is all opinions expressed on political issues

Explanation: Public opinion is the broader set of views held by the public, whereas political opinion specifically concerns views expressed about…

• A. national state
• B. nationless state
• C. intergovernmental organization
• D. nongovernmental organization

Explanation: The Catholic Church operates independently of any single government and is therefore treated as a nongovernmental organization.

• A. a general support of the government
• B. full support of democratic principles
• C. the majority of people and political leaders are equally committed to democratic values
• D. a general cynicism about government

Explanation: Although Americans may support democratic ideals, surveys commonly show distrust and dissatisfaction with government institutions.

• A. Republican Club
• B. Democratic Club
• C. Political Action Committee
• D. Rules Committee

Explanation: A Political Action Committee raises and spends money to influence elections and legislation, so large contributions can give it…

• A. greater ideological division
• B. increasing numbers of Independents
• C. greater freedom of action for candidates
• D. adopting a winner-takes -all principle

Explanation: Greater ideological division can make party positions clearer and give voters more distinct choices.

• A. define the interests of the people in the form of a platform
• B. provide personnel to run the government
• C. engage in political socialization
• D. all of the above

Explanation: Political parties develop platforms, recruit people for public office and government posts, and teach citizens political beliefs and…

• A. voters do have a choice in elite competition
• B. the elites have a consensus on basic democracy
• C. new groups can become the new elite
• D. all of the above

Explanation: Realist democracy combines pluralist competition with elitist influence: voters choose among competing elites, elites share basic…

• A. everyone participates in the political process
• B. real equality for everyone is a fact
• C. there is no ruling elite
• D. members of Congress and their constituents generally do not know much about what the other thinks

Explanation: The relationship between representatives and constituents is often marked by limited mutual knowledge, because each side has different…

• A. power is spread through multiple centers
• B. policy reflects the wishes of a few elites
• C. significant decisions are made by the upper classes
• D. power is in the hands of a small homogeneous class of leaders

Explanation: Pluralism holds that political power is dispersed among several competing groups and institutions rather than concentrated in one elite.

• A. military and business leaders
• B. middle-class urban residents
• C. union leaders
• D. intellectuals

Explanation: Power-elite theory identifies a relatively small ruling circle drawn especially from major business and military leadership, often…

• A. pluralism
• B. power elitism
• C. absolute power
• D. authoritarianism

Explanation: Pluralism explains policy-making as the result of bargaining and competition among multiple interest groups.

• A. Church leaders and educators
• B. The corporate rich only
• C. High ranking military officers only
• D. The military-industrial-governmental complex

Explanation: Mills's power elite consists of leaders at the top of the corporate, military and governmental hierarchies, often described as a…

• A. The proletariat
• B. The bourgeoisie
• C. The workers for the owners of the means of production
• D. The military

Explanation: In Marxist analysis, the bourgeoisie control the means of production and use that economic power to dominate the state and society.

• A. allows those representing minority views to try to become the majority
• B. favors those representing majority views
• C. allows those in positions of power to ignore the peoples wishes
• D. none of the above

Explanation: A democratic political process gives minority groups the opportunity to persuade voters and become the majority.

• A. oversight
• B. ensuring that jobs are provided equally
• C. provide an opposition party to the administration in office
• D. none of the above

Explanation: Legislative oversight means examining and monitoring the actions of the executive branch and public agencies.

• A. is a slow and painful process
• B. involves negotiation and compromise
• C. sometimes pits the executive branch against the interests of the members of states and districts
• D. all of the above

Explanation: Legislation commonly takes time because legislators negotiate and compromise, and conflicts may arise between executive priorities and the…