Most scholars believe that political parties perform essential democratic functions that other institutions cannot

In a distribution with a bell-shaped curve,

A) Most scores fall at the ends of the distribution. B) Most scores fall at the top of the distribution. C) Most scores fall in the middle of the distribution. D) All scores fall in the middle of the distribution.

Which of the following is NOT true about the U.S. judiciary?

a. Despite the steady increase in its power, the judiciary remains structurally weaker than the other branches. b. The courts, and especially the Supreme Court, have moved steadily to the ideological right. c. With courts being increasingly involved in contentious national issues, the Senate has taken its confirmation role more seriously and has slowed the confirmation of appointees. d. The power of the courts ultimately rests with their ability to persuade the citizenry that their procedures are fair and that their judgments are based on the Constitution and law. e. The courts must rely on Congress to enforce their decisions.