This is an excerpt from a 2001 speech by U.S. Representative Ron Paul, introducing the Education Improvement Tax Cut Act.
I need not remind my colleagues that education is one of, if not the, top priority of the American people.... Many proposals that claim to increase local control over education actually extend federal power by holding schools "accountable" to federal bureaucrats and politicians. Of course, schools should be held accountable for their results, but under the United States Constitution, they should be held accountable to parents and school boards not to federal officials.
This excerpt is taken from the public domain.
This is an excerpt from a 2009 speech by President George W. Bush, discussing the No Child Left Behind Act.
We believe that it is important to have a high quality education if one is going to succeed in the 21st century.... The philosophy behind the law is pretty straightforward... In exchange for federal dollars... we expect results. We're spending money on schools, and shouldn't we determine whether or not the money we're spending is yielding the results society expects?
This excerpt is taken from the public domain.
Based on the excerpts, which speaker would agree with each statement below? Drag each statement into the box labeled with that speaker's name. If neither would agree with a statement, drag it to the box labeled "Neither."
- A. Congress should spend money public education.
- B. Schools should meet federal education guidelines.
- C. Parents should hold public schools accountable.
- D. Local districts should set school guidelines.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
Speaker A likely supports the idea that Congress should spend money on public education, as this aligns with a belief in federal investment in education for equitable access. Speaker B would agree that schools should meet federal education guidelines, as this emphasizes the importance of uniform standards for educational quality and accountability. Speaker C advocates for parental accountability in public schools, reflecting the belief that parents play a vital role in monitoring and improving educational outcomes. Speaker D likely supports the idea that local districts should set school guidelines, as this allows for tailored approaches that reflect community needs and values. If neither speaker aligns with a statement, it belongs in the "Neither" category.
Speaker A likely supports the idea that Congress should spend money on public education, as this aligns with a belief in federal investment in education for equitable access. Speaker B would agree that schools should meet federal education guidelines, as this emphasizes the importance of uniform standards for educational quality and accountability. Speaker C advocates for parental accountability in public schools, reflecting the belief that parents play a vital role in monitoring and improving educational outcomes. Speaker D likely supports the idea that local districts should set school guidelines, as this allows for tailored approaches that reflect community needs and values. If neither speaker aligns with a statement, it belongs in the "Neither" category.
Other Related Questions
Which statement is based on the text?
- A. Individuals spend their income in factor markets.
- B. Entrepreneurs profit from participation in product markets.
- C. Individuals sell their labor in factor markets.
- D. Resources are traded in product markets.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C accurately reflects the concept that individuals offer their labor in factor markets, where resources like labor are exchanged for wages. This aligns with economic principles regarding labor supply. Option A is incorrect since individuals do not spend income in factor markets; rather, they purchase goods and services in product markets. Option B misrepresents the role of entrepreneurs, who primarily earn profits through innovation and sales in product markets, not simply from participation. Option D is also misleading, as resources are exchanged in factor markets, while product markets focus on the sale of finished goods and services.
Option C accurately reflects the concept that individuals offer their labor in factor markets, where resources like labor are exchanged for wages. This aligns with economic principles regarding labor supply. Option A is incorrect since individuals do not spend income in factor markets; rather, they purchase goods and services in product markets. Option B misrepresents the role of entrepreneurs, who primarily earn profits through innovation and sales in product markets, not simply from participation. Option D is also misleading, as resources are exchanged in factor markets, while product markets focus on the sale of finished goods and services.
Which conclusion can be drawn from the diagrams?
- A. The legislature is more representative of the people in a presidential democracy than in a parliamentary democracy.
- B. The branches of government are more independent of each other in a presidential democracy than in a parliamentary democracy.
- C. The executive branch is more accountable to the people in a parliamentary democracy than in a direct democracy.
- D. The people are more involved in governing in a presidential democracy than in a direct democracy.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In a presidential democracy, the separation of powers is a key feature, allowing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to operate independently. This independence enhances checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch can dominate. Option A is incorrect as both systems aim for representation, but the degree can vary based on specific contexts rather than the type of democracy. Option C misrepresents accountability; in parliamentary systems, the executive is directly accountable to the legislature, which is elected by the people. Option D is misleading; in a direct democracy, citizens have direct involvement in governance, often more so than in a presidential system.
In a presidential democracy, the separation of powers is a key feature, allowing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to operate independently. This independence enhances checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch can dominate. Option A is incorrect as both systems aim for representation, but the degree can vary based on specific contexts rather than the type of democracy. Option C misrepresents accountability; in parliamentary systems, the executive is directly accountable to the legislature, which is elected by the people. Option D is misleading; in a direct democracy, citizens have direct involvement in governance, often more so than in a presidential system.
Which statement from the excerpts is a fact?
- A. "When people blame the current crisis on the free market, they are making a grave intellectual error." (paragraph 3)
- B. "... we ultimately included a provision in the Affordable Care Act that people who can afford to buy health insurance should take the responsibility to do so." (paragraph 7)
- C. "Like other areas of the economy where the federal government wields its heavy hand, health care is overregulated and in need of serious market reforms." (paragraph 2)
- D. "... [T]oday's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it." (paragraph 5)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
Which quotation from the excerpt reveals the author's bias about the relationship between the rule of the majority and the rights of the minority?
- A. "The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment."
- B. "Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression."
- C. "In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good."
- D. "In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C highlights the author's bias by suggesting that the majority's decisions can lead to unethical behavior that undermines public welfare. This reveals a concern for minority rights, indicating that the author believes majority rule may result in negative consequences for those not in power. Option A misrepresents the author's view, as it suggests that the smaller group's wishes will always be overridden, which does not directly reflect bias against majority rule. Option B focuses on safeguards against oppression, which does not convey bias but rather a protective measure. Option D addresses the government's performance during emergencies but fails to connect to the relationship between majority rule and minority rights, missing the core issue of bias.
Option C highlights the author's bias by suggesting that the majority's decisions can lead to unethical behavior that undermines public welfare. This reveals a concern for minority rights, indicating that the author believes majority rule may result in negative consequences for those not in power. Option A misrepresents the author's view, as it suggests that the smaller group's wishes will always be overridden, which does not directly reflect bias against majority rule. Option B focuses on safeguards against oppression, which does not convey bias but rather a protective measure. Option D addresses the government's performance during emergencies but fails to connect to the relationship between majority rule and minority rights, missing the core issue of bias.