Discuss how functionalist theorists explain how government in the United States achieves a balanced system that protects its citizens from one another and from government itself
What will be an ideal response
Functionalists maintain that pluralism, or the diffusion of power among many interest groups, prevents any one group from gaining control of the government and using it to oppress others. In order to balance the interest of competing groups, three branches of government were set up to ensure that power was evenly distributed. The result was that no one branch of the government could become too powerful as each branch is able to nullify the actions of the other two. This system of checks and balances enables the government of the United States to achieve a balanced system. The negotiation and compromises between special-interest groups also minimize conflict and result in policies that are widely supported. In this way, no one group rules the United States and the political system is responsive to the people.
You might also like to view...
When Weber used the concept "rationality," he had in mind
a. a concern with what's good for the entire community. b. a respect for tradition. c. deliberate, matter-of-fact calculation of the most efficient way to accomplish any task. d. limiting the extent of class conflict.
Regarding bilingual education for students whose native language is not English, researchers have concluded that
A) Students with only conversational English do best B) Bilingual education helps students learn English C) There is no room for other languages in the school D) Bilingual education holds students back from learning English
If a measure is reliable, it must also be valid
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Being imbedded in a network of close family ties helps one to cope with stress
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false