The table and the article are based on information from the U.S. Federal Election Commission.
U.S. presidential candidates receive financial contributions from many different sources. For the 2012 election cycle, political parties reported contributions of $34,750 to all candidates. Political action committees, groups that raise money to give to campaigns, reported contributions of $1.7 million to all candidates. Candidates personally contributed $5.8 million to their own campaigns. Additionally, the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, to which citizens may contribute by checking a box on their federal tax forms, gave $1.3 million to all candidates. The remainder came from individual contributions as shown in the table.
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.
Other Related Questions
How did Chief Justice Marshall contribute to the U.S. government system of checks and balances?
- A. by establishing the Supreme Court's power to check Congress
- B. by creating the power to remove the president from office
- C. by expanding the president's power to check Congress
- D. by giving the Supreme Court the power to control itself
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Chief Justice Marshall played a pivotal role in defining the Supreme Court's authority, notably through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review. This empowered the Court to invalidate laws passed by Congress that it deemed unconstitutional, effectively allowing it to check legislative power. Option B is incorrect as the power to remove a president lies with Congress through impeachment, not the Supreme Court. Option C misrepresents Marshall's contributions, as he did not expand presidential power but rather clarified judicial authority. Option D is also inaccurate; the Supreme Court does not have self-regulating powers but operates within the framework of checks and balances.
Chief Justice Marshall played a pivotal role in defining the Supreme Court's authority, notably through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review. This empowered the Court to invalidate laws passed by Congress that it deemed unconstitutional, effectively allowing it to check legislative power. Option B is incorrect as the power to remove a president lies with Congress through impeachment, not the Supreme Court. Option C misrepresents Marshall's contributions, as he did not expand presidential power but rather clarified judicial authority. Option D is also inaccurate; the Supreme Court does not have self-regulating powers but operates within the framework of checks and balances.
According to this information, which philosopher would most likely support the presidential power to appoint federal judges with the consent of the U.S. Senate?
- A. Thomas Hobbes
- B. Baron de Montesquieu
- C. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- D. John Locke
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Baron de Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers within government, emphasizing the need for checks and balances to prevent tyranny. His support for a collaborative process in appointing judges aligns with the presidential power requiring Senate consent, ensuring that no single branch holds excessive authority. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, favored a strong central authority and would likely support concentrated power without the need for Senate approval. Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the general will and popular sovereignty, which does not directly address the judicial appointment process. John Locke valued consent and governance but did not specifically advocate for the Senate's role in judicial appointments.
Baron de Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers within government, emphasizing the need for checks and balances to prevent tyranny. His support for a collaborative process in appointing judges aligns with the presidential power requiring Senate consent, ensuring that no single branch holds excessive authority. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, favored a strong central authority and would likely support concentrated power without the need for Senate approval. Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the general will and popular sovereignty, which does not directly address the judicial appointment process. John Locke valued consent and governance but did not specifically advocate for the Senate's role in judicial appointments.
How does the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling differ from Justice Murphy's dissent?
- A. Only Justice Murphy's dissent acknowledged the dangers to the United States of having citizens from foreign lands.
- B. Only the Court's ruling acknowledged that the actions of fearful U.S. authorities can endanger the civil rights of citizens.
- C. Only the Court's ruling contended that Korematsu was ordered held in an internment camp because he was disloyal to the United States during time of war.
- D. Only Justice Murphy's dissent contended that U.S. internment camps were a clear-cut example of racial prejudice.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Justice Murphy's dissent emphasized that the internment camps represented blatant racial prejudice, highlighting the unjust targeting of Japanese Americans based solely on their ethnicity. This perspective contrasts sharply with the majority opinion, which focused on national security concerns without addressing the racial implications. Option A is incorrect as both perspectives recognize the potential dangers of foreign nationals, albeit in different contexts. Option B misrepresents the majority's stance, which did not explicitly acknowledge civil rights violations. Option C inaccurately simplifies the Court's ruling, which did not solely attribute internment to disloyalty.
Justice Murphy's dissent emphasized that the internment camps represented blatant racial prejudice, highlighting the unjust targeting of Japanese Americans based solely on their ethnicity. This perspective contrasts sharply with the majority opinion, which focused on national security concerns without addressing the racial implications. Option A is incorrect as both perspectives recognize the potential dangers of foreign nationals, albeit in different contexts. Option B misrepresents the majority's stance, which did not explicitly acknowledge civil rights violations. Option C inaccurately simplifies the Court's ruling, which did not solely attribute internment to disloyalty.
Based on the excerpts, which speaker would agree with each statement below? Drag each statement into the box labeled with that speaker's name. If neither would agree with a statement, drag it to the box labeled "Neither."
- A. Congress should spend money public education.
- B. Schools should meet federal education guidelines.
- C. Parents should hold public schools accountable.
- D. Local districts should set school guidelines.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
Speaker A likely supports the idea that Congress should spend money on public education, as this aligns with a belief in federal investment in education for equitable access. Speaker B would agree that schools should meet federal education guidelines, as this emphasizes the importance of uniform standards for educational quality and accountability. Speaker C advocates for parental accountability in public schools, reflecting the belief that parents play a vital role in monitoring and improving educational outcomes. Speaker D likely supports the idea that local districts should set school guidelines, as this allows for tailored approaches that reflect community needs and values. If neither speaker aligns with a statement, it belongs in the "Neither" category.
Speaker A likely supports the idea that Congress should spend money on public education, as this aligns with a belief in federal investment in education for equitable access. Speaker B would agree that schools should meet federal education guidelines, as this emphasizes the importance of uniform standards for educational quality and accountability. Speaker C advocates for parental accountability in public schools, reflecting the belief that parents play a vital role in monitoring and improving educational outcomes. Speaker D likely supports the idea that local districts should set school guidelines, as this allows for tailored approaches that reflect community needs and values. If neither speaker aligns with a statement, it belongs in the "Neither" category.