How do governments affect the distribution of wealth in a society? Are certain methods considered more legitimate than others? Explain.
What will be an ideal response?
The ideal answer should include:
1. What is private and what is public can depend on the government.
2. The United States is a capitalist system, which emphasizes private ownership of the economy. Nonetheless, the government can affect the distribution of wealth in a society by placing higher taxes on those with higher incomes and/or providing welfare programs to people who are getting the least of society's wealth.
3. Relying on such free-market measures tends to be seen as more legitimate.
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Which of the following statements about collective identities is INCORRECT?
a. It refers to groups with which people identify. b. It can be based upon gender, race, class, nationality, or religion. c. It provides the building blocks upon which social and political action is based. d. It is nonexistent as a factor in homogenous societies like Britain, France, and Germany. e. It involves issues of inclusion, political recognition, representation, resource allocation, and the ability to shape public policies.