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
What is the meaning of the word entrenched as used in this excerpt?
- A. in control
- B. strongly defended
- C. established and unlikely to change
- D. surrounded and unable to move
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The term "entrenched" conveys the idea of something that is firmly established and resistant to change, aligning with option C. This suggests a deep-rooted nature, often implying that it has become a significant part of a system or belief. Option A, "in control," does not capture the essence of being deeply embedded or resistant to alteration. Option B, "strongly defended," implies a protective stance rather than a state of being firmly established. Option D, "surrounded and unable to move," suggests physical confinement rather than the figurative sense of being firmly set in place.
The term "entrenched" conveys the idea of something that is firmly established and resistant to change, aligning with option C. This suggests a deep-rooted nature, often implying that it has become a significant part of a system or belief. Option A, "in control," does not capture the essence of being deeply embedded or resistant to alteration. Option B, "strongly defended," implies a protective stance rather than a state of being firmly established. Option D, "surrounded and unable to move," suggests physical confinement rather than the figurative sense of being firmly set in place.
The United States fought in World War II from 1941 to 1945. Which statement explains the peak annual inflation rate during the 1940s?
- A. Consumer demand increased due to the end of rationing.
- B. Manufacturing decreased because of less demand for weapons.
- C. Government spending increased due to national defense.
- D. Wages decreased because of competition for scarce jobs.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The peak annual inflation rate during the 1940s can be attributed to increased government spending due to national defense efforts. This surge in spending stimulated the economy and raised prices as the demand for goods and services outpaced supply. Option A is incorrect; while consumer demand did rise post-rationing, it was not the primary driver of inflation during the war years. Option B is also wrong, as manufacturing actually increased during the war to meet military needs. Option D misrepresents the labor market; wages generally rose due to high demand for workers, not decreased. Thus, government spending for defense was the key factor in driving inflation during this period.
The peak annual inflation rate during the 1940s can be attributed to increased government spending due to national defense efforts. This surge in spending stimulated the economy and raised prices as the demand for goods and services outpaced supply. Option A is incorrect; while consumer demand did rise post-rationing, it was not the primary driver of inflation during the war years. Option B is also wrong, as manufacturing actually increased during the war to meet military needs. Option D misrepresents the labor market; wages generally rose due to high demand for workers, not decreased. Thus, government spending for defense was the key factor in driving inflation during this period.
Which statement is supported by both the table and the map?
- A. Differences in the total populations of the states led to political differences between the North and the South.
- B. Differences among the economies of the states contributed to political differences between the North and the South.
- C. Political differences between the North and the South reflected differences in education among the states.
- D. Political differences between the North and the South reflected differences in the standards of living in the states.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B is supported by both the table and the map, as they illustrate how varying economic structures—such as agriculture in the South versus industrialization in the North—contributed to distinct political ideologies and policies. Option A incorrectly attributes political differences solely to population size, overlooking the economic factors at play. Option C suggests education differences as the main cause, which is not evident in the provided data. Option D implies that living standards were the primary influence, but the economic context is more directly linked to the political divide. Thus, B effectively encapsulates the relationship between economy and political differences.
Option B is supported by both the table and the map, as they illustrate how varying economic structures—such as agriculture in the South versus industrialization in the North—contributed to distinct political ideologies and policies. Option A incorrectly attributes political differences solely to population size, overlooking the economic factors at play. Option C suggests education differences as the main cause, which is not evident in the provided data. Option D implies that living standards were the primary influence, but the economic context is more directly linked to the political divide. Thus, B effectively encapsulates the relationship between economy and political differences.
Which conclusion is best supported by information in the table and article?
- A. Individuals contributed a total amount of money equal to the total of all other sources of donations.
- B. Individuals contributing the smallest quantity of money insignificantly impact presidential campaigns.
- C. Individuals donated the greatest total amount although many contributions were relatively small.
- D. Individuals have more influence on the proposed policies of presidential candidates than groups do.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C is supported by the data, indicating that while many individual contributions were small, they collectively formed the largest portion of total donations to presidential campaigns. This highlights the significant role individuals play despite the size of their contributions. Option A is incorrect as it suggests individuals’ contributions equaled all other sources, which is not supported by the data. Option B misrepresents the impact of smaller donations; even small contributions can collectively influence campaign funding significantly. Option D overstates individuals' influence on policy compared to groups, which often have more resources and organized lobbying power.
Option C is supported by the data, indicating that while many individual contributions were small, they collectively formed the largest portion of total donations to presidential campaigns. This highlights the significant role individuals play despite the size of their contributions. Option A is incorrect as it suggests individuals’ contributions equaled all other sources, which is not supported by the data. Option B misrepresents the impact of smaller donations; even small contributions can collectively influence campaign funding significantly. Option D overstates individuals' influence on policy compared to groups, which often have more resources and organized lobbying power.