These excerpts are from the first volume of Alexis de Tocquevilles osoit Delhicciacy in America, published in 1835.
Excerpt 1
A majority... may be regarded as a being whose opinions, and most frequently whose interests, are opposed to those of another being, which is styled a minority. If it be admitted that a man, possessing absolute power, may misuse that power by wronging his adversaries, why should a majority not be liable to the same reproach?
Excerpt 2
If there existed in America a class of citizens whom the... majority sought to deprive of exclusive privileges which they had possessed for ages... it is probable that the minority would be less ready to comply with its laws.
These excerpts are taken from the public domain.
Which feature of the U.S. system of government did de Tocqueville believe might cause conflict in society?
- A. The majority is able to achieve special rights.
- B. The minority is able to block popular legislation.
- C. Legislators must represent minority interests.
- D. Legislators sometimes act against majority rule.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
De Tocqueville observed that when the majority in a democracy can impose its will, it might lead to the oppression of minority groups, creating societal conflict. This reflects his concern about "tyranny of the majority," where the dominant group's interests overshadow the rights of others. Option B is incorrect because while minorities can influence legislation, de Tocqueville focused more on majority power. Option C misrepresents his views; he acknowledged the importance of minority representation but did not see it as a source of conflict. Option D is also inaccurate, as de Tocqueville emphasized the potential for the majority to dominate rather than legislators opposing the majority.
De Tocqueville observed that when the majority in a democracy can impose its will, it might lead to the oppression of minority groups, creating societal conflict. This reflects his concern about "tyranny of the majority," where the dominant group's interests overshadow the rights of others. Option B is incorrect because while minorities can influence legislation, de Tocqueville focused more on majority power. Option C misrepresents his views; he acknowledged the importance of minority representation but did not see it as a source of conflict. Option D is also inaccurate, as de Tocqueville emphasized the potential for the majority to dominate rather than legislators opposing the majority.
Other Related Questions
Assuming that the majority of senators and representatives voted along party lines, which conclusion about the U.S. government in 2011 does the table support?
- A. The party that passed more legislation could be anticipated.
- B. The party that would win the next presidential election could be predicted.
- C. Party divisions were a challenge to the legislative process.
- D. Party affiliations are a requirement for congressional membership.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The data suggests that party divisions significantly impacted the legislative process in 2011, indicating that partisan alignment often hindered bipartisan cooperation. Option A incorrectly implies that the quantity of legislation passed directly correlates with party strength, which is not supported by the information. Option B assumes a direct link between legislative success and electoral outcomes, which cannot be inferred from party voting patterns alone. Option D misrepresents the nature of congressional membership, as party affiliation is not a formal requirement but rather a common practice among members.
The data suggests that party divisions significantly impacted the legislative process in 2011, indicating that partisan alignment often hindered bipartisan cooperation. Option A incorrectly implies that the quantity of legislation passed directly correlates with party strength, which is not supported by the information. Option B assumes a direct link between legislative success and electoral outcomes, which cannot be inferred from party voting patterns alone. Option D misrepresents the nature of congressional membership, as party affiliation is not a formal requirement but rather a common practice among members.
Which prediction is supported by both graphs?
- A. The average wage for farm workers will decrease..
- B. The average cost for agricultural produce will decrease.
- C. The operating cost of running a farm will increase.
- D. The number of people required for producing food will increase.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C is supported by both graphs, indicating an upward trend in operational costs due to factors like inflation and increased resource prices. This aligns with economic patterns observed in the agricultural sector. Option A is incorrect as both graphs do not show a decline in farm worker wages; rather, they suggest stability or growth. Option B is misleading; the graphs do not reflect a decrease in agricultural produce costs, which often correlate with rising operational expenses. Option D is also unsupported, as the data does not indicate an increase in labor requirements, but rather highlights efficiency improvements in farming practices.
Option C is supported by both graphs, indicating an upward trend in operational costs due to factors like inflation and increased resource prices. This aligns with economic patterns observed in the agricultural sector. Option A is incorrect as both graphs do not show a decline in farm worker wages; rather, they suggest stability or growth. Option B is misleading; the graphs do not reflect a decrease in agricultural produce costs, which often correlate with rising operational expenses. Option D is also unsupported, as the data does not indicate an increase in labor requirements, but rather highlights efficiency improvements in farming practices.
Which statement identifies a purpose of Roosevelt's speech?
- A. to convince his audience that preserving the environment is as important as national security
- B. to convince his audience that preserving the environment is the responsibility of ordinary citizens
- C. to gain support for using public lands to obtain vital productive resources
- D. to gain support for a candidate who wants to preserve the environment
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively captures Roosevelt's emphasis on the interconnectedness of environmental preservation and national security. He aimed to highlight that a healthy environment is crucial for the nation's well-being and stability. Option B is incorrect as Roosevelt’s speech focuses more on broader national priorities rather than individual responsibilities. Option C misinterprets the message; while resource management is important, the speech primarily advocates for environmental preservation rather than exploitation. Option D is misleading; Roosevelt's speech is not about promoting a candidate but rather advocating for a national commitment to environmental stewardship.
Option A effectively captures Roosevelt's emphasis on the interconnectedness of environmental preservation and national security. He aimed to highlight that a healthy environment is crucial for the nation's well-being and stability. Option B is incorrect as Roosevelt’s speech focuses more on broader national priorities rather than individual responsibilities. Option C misinterprets the message; while resource management is important, the speech primarily advocates for environmental preservation rather than exploitation. Option D is misleading; Roosevelt's speech is not about promoting a candidate but rather advocating for a national commitment to environmental stewardship.
What is the meaning of confederation in this passage?
- A. a government in which the whole population of a country votes to make laws for the people
- B. a political union in which power is divided between a strong central authority and the various other political units
- C. a political union in which the component units retain significant independence from the central government
- D. a government in which people vote to elect representatives who make laws for the people
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Confederation refers to a political union where individual components maintain considerable autonomy while cooperating for mutual benefit. Option C accurately captures this definition, emphasizing the independence of component units from the central authority. Option A describes a direct democracy, which is not aligned with the concept of confederation. Option B suggests a balance of power that leans towards a strong central authority, contradicting the essence of a confederation. Option D outlines a representative democracy, which does not inherently involve the independence of component units, thus misrepresenting the nature of a confederation.
Confederation refers to a political union where individual components maintain considerable autonomy while cooperating for mutual benefit. Option C accurately captures this definition, emphasizing the independence of component units from the central authority. Option A describes a direct democracy, which is not aligned with the concept of confederation. Option B suggests a balance of power that leans towards a strong central authority, contradicting the essence of a confederation. Option D outlines a representative democracy, which does not inherently involve the independence of component units, thus misrepresenting the nature of a confederation.