What are some of the barriers to critical thinking in the United States?

What will be an ideal response?


A major barrier to critical thinking is the unwillingness of citizens to make the effort to educate themselves. Democratic government works best if the citizenry works to develop critical thinking, but most individuals do not make the effort. Another major barrier is the changing nature of media. The rise of talk radio, cable television news networks, and Internet blogs have provided many of those individuals that do pay close attention to the news with faulty information and analysis. Most of these new outlets provide very biased news reporting, and individuals who seek them out tend to gravitate toward those sources that reinforce their own personal beliefs.

Political Science

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Historically, Congress has played a more important role than the president in setting the agenda for foreign and defense policies

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Political Science

The 1996 ______ bill required the portability of medical insurance so that fewer people would lose coverage if they changed jobs.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Political Science

State Department officials are often accused of ____________, or the process by which foreign service officers form close relationships with their host country and dismiss U.S. national interests, concerns, and priorities.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Political Science

Which of the following is true of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?

A. It was replaced by the 60-year-old program known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children. B. States under TANF are given lesser flexibility in administering welfare policies. C. States under TANF have to spend most of their welfare dollars on monthly cash payments to families. D. It strengthened work requirements for recipients and limited the time that families can receive benefits. E. States under TANF can use only public bureaucracies to administer welfare but not private agencies.

Political Science