Compare and contrast the role of wealth in pluralistand elite theories. Which do you find most convincingly portrays the reality of contemporary U.S. politics, and why?
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1, Explain that in pluralism, groups compete for access to decision making with no one group dominating. Both the wealthy and the non-wealthy have the ability to influence the government's policy agenda.
2, Note that elite theory suggests that the upper class has greater influence over decision making, thus the wealthy control policy decisions.
3 Argue in favor of one of these. If supporting pluralist theory, note that many different groups gain different access points. If supporting elite theory, note that certain groups have access to greater resources and are therefore in a beneficial position.
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Which of the following is a true statement about the U.S. Court of Appeals?
a. Each of the judicial circuits has only one Court of Appeals. b. Most review done by the Court of Appeals is by certiorari. c. Review by the Court of Appeals is often done with the help of a jury, but a timely request must be made or else a jury trial will be waived. d. All of the above are true.
Which of the following is one way a candidate could lose ground in appealing to the voters during the nomination campaign?
a. By appearing too weak in ideology b. By not following the platforms of party activists c. By not listening to campaign staff d. By not raising enough money e. By appearing too extreme in ideology