In the United States, checks and balances allow each branch of government to restrain the other branches and in so doing support the principle of

Which of the following factors has had the LEAST impact on the ability of third-party candidates to succeed in American politics?

a. America's plurality election system b. the difficulty third-party candidates have in getting on the ballot c. the unwillingness of the media and voters to take third-party candidates seriously d. state laws prohibiting the formation of third parties e. most Americans' unfamiliarity with systems other than the two-party system

Which of the following statements about Japan's debt is INCORRECT? a. Japan has sought to decrease its debt only by cutting spending, rather than raising revenue

b. Japan has the highest debt-to-GNP ration among OECD countries. c. Servicing the national debt consumed about a quarter of Japan's 2013 budget. d. One reason for Japan's large debt is that it has paid for increased social welfare costs by issuing government bonds. e. Japan's outstanding debt per citizen is just slightly higher than that of the United States.