The Second Amendment concerns American citizens’ “right to bear arms,” yet this amendment has long been a source of heated debate, confusion, and litigation. What has been the stance of the Supreme Court on Second Amendment issues in the past few decades?
a. The Supreme Court has refused to rule on Second Amendment matters on the grounds that it is perceived as a state issue instead of a federal issue.
b. Generally the Supreme Court has refused to restrict the right to bear arms, with only few exceptions, such as allowing the government to regulate the commercial sale of handguns.
c. The Supreme Court has consistently chipped away at private ownership and use of guns.
d. The Supreme Court has historically avoided the subject of private gun ownership, but recently appointed justices have signaled a dramatic shift toward strict gun control.
e. The Supreme Court believes that retreat on the Second Amendment will set a dangerous precedent that will create a “slippery slope” on which retreat on First Amendment issues will be imminent.
ANS: B
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Which of these is not a way that interest groups can enhance democratic governance?
a. pursue a public policy outcome that benefits private interests b. supply information to citizens c. contribute to debates about issues d. encourage people to get more involved in politics e. change the established order by influencing institutions
According to a revised perspective on democratic peace, new democracies are likely to be
a. more peaceful as they establish democratic practices. b. more willing to compromise in order to avoid conflict. c. more prone to wage war as they do not have institutions or values based on compromise. d. institutionalized with built-in mechanisms leading to negotiations.
Which of the following provides the framework for the modern understanding of political authority?
a. Empires b. Ethnicities c. Parties d. States
Which of the following argue that the formation of so many influential interest groups has made it increasingly difficult to accomplish major policy change in Washington?
a. Elitists b. Federalists c. hyperpluralists d. labor unions