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
According to the information in the first graph, which statement correctly describes the period from 2006 to 2008?
- A. Gross farm income continued the decline that had characterized previous years.
- B. Gross farm income increased despite increases in production costs.
- C. Increases in production costs caused gross farm income to decline.
- D. Decreases in production costs continued throughout this period.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
During the period from 2006 to 2008, gross farm income saw an increase, even as production costs rose. This indicates that farmers managed to offset higher expenses with increased revenue. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a continuation of decline, which contradicts the data showing growth in income. Option C misinterprets the relationship between rising costs and income, as income actually increased despite those costs. Option D is inaccurate because it implies a consistent decrease in production costs, which is not supported by the graph indicating rising expenses during this timeframe.
During the period from 2006 to 2008, gross farm income saw an increase, even as production costs rose. This indicates that farmers managed to offset higher expenses with increased revenue. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a continuation of decline, which contradicts the data showing growth in income. Option C misinterprets the relationship between rising costs and income, as income actually increased despite those costs. Option D is inaccurate because it implies a consistent decrease in production costs, which is not supported by the graph indicating rising expenses during this timeframe.
Which statement best describes the action of the people in the photograph?
- A. They are utilizing an 8th Amendment right to secure the release of a colleague who was jailed unfairly.
- B. They are utilizing a 6th Amendment right to secure a fair trial for a jailed associate.
- C. They are utilizing a 1st Amendment right to secure equality under the law.
- D. They are utilizing a 14th Amendment right to secure the opportunity to vote in federal elections.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The action depicted in the photograph aligns with the 1st Amendment, which guarantees freedoms concerning speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The individuals are likely advocating for equality under the law, a fundamental principle of democratic society. Option A incorrectly references the 8th Amendment, which focuses on protection against excessive bail and cruel punishment, not the right to protest for a colleague's release. Option B misapplies the 6th Amendment, which ensures the right to a fair trial, rather than addressing broader issues of equality. Option D inaccurately connects the situation to the 14th Amendment, which deals with citizenship rights and equal protection, not specifically voting rights.
The action depicted in the photograph aligns with the 1st Amendment, which guarantees freedoms concerning speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The individuals are likely advocating for equality under the law, a fundamental principle of democratic society. Option A incorrectly references the 8th Amendment, which focuses on protection against excessive bail and cruel punishment, not the right to protest for a colleague's release. Option B misapplies the 6th Amendment, which ensures the right to a fair trial, rather than addressing broader issues of equality. Option D inaccurately connects the situation to the 14th Amendment, which deals with citizenship rights and equal protection, not specifically voting rights.
Which statement from President Polk's address is a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. "Our title to… Oregon is 'clear and unquestionable,' and already are our people preparing to perfect that title by occupying it with their wives and children..."
- B. "[O]ur people… have filled the eastern valley of the Mississippi,... ascended the Missouri to its headsprings..."
- C. "Nor will it become in a less degree my duty to… maintain by all constitutional means the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains."
- D. "The jurisdiction of our laws and the benefits of our republican institutions should be extended over them in the distant regions which they have selected for their homes."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B presents a factual statement about the movement of people in the United States, specifically noting their migration patterns along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This statement can be verified through historical records, making it a fact. In contrast, Option A expresses a subjective belief regarding the clarity of the title to Oregon, which is an opinion rather than an objective truth. Option C discusses the duty of the President in a way that implies a commitment but does not provide verifiable information. Lastly, Option D suggests a normative view on governance and territorial expansion, reflecting a belief in the benefits of U.S. institutions rather than stating a fact.
Option B presents a factual statement about the movement of people in the United States, specifically noting their migration patterns along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This statement can be verified through historical records, making it a fact. In contrast, Option A expresses a subjective belief regarding the clarity of the title to Oregon, which is an opinion rather than an objective truth. Option C discusses the duty of the President in a way that implies a commitment but does not provide verifiable information. Lastly, Option D suggests a normative view on governance and territorial expansion, reflecting a belief in the benefits of U.S. institutions rather than stating a fact.
Which technology mentioned in the passage was the first one invented by Edison?
- A. vote recorder
- B. motion-picture camera
- C. electric light bulb
- D. phonograph
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The vote recorder was the first technology invented by Edison, designed to streamline the voting process. This innovation predates his more famous inventions. The motion-picture camera (B) and electric light bulb (C) came later, showcasing Edison's evolution as an inventor. The phonograph (D), although significant in audio technology, was also developed after the vote recorder. Understanding the chronological order of these inventions highlights Edison's early contributions to technology and their impact on society.
The vote recorder was the first technology invented by Edison, designed to streamline the voting process. This innovation predates his more famous inventions. The motion-picture camera (B) and electric light bulb (C) came later, showcasing Edison's evolution as an inventor. The phonograph (D), although significant in audio technology, was also developed after the vote recorder. Understanding the chronological order of these inventions highlights Edison's early contributions to technology and their impact on society.