Democracy For Realists by Christopher H. Achen, Larry Bartels - Exam
- 1. In 'Democracy For Realists', authors Christopher H. Achen and Larry Bartels challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding democratic theory, particularly the belief that voters are well-informed and rational decision-makers who cast ballots based on deep values or policy preferences. Instead, they present a compelling argument grounded in empirical research and social science that suggests that voters' choices are heavily influenced by factors such as social identity, party affiliation, and group loyalty rather than a reasoned consideration of policies. Achen and Bartels delve into various case studies and historical examples to illustrate how voters often lack the necessary information to make informed decisions, leading to outcomes that may not reflect the true will of the populace. Their work critiques the romanticized view of democracy as an idealized collective intelligence, proposing instead that electoral outcomes are often driven by chaotic and irrational forces. The authors advocate for a more realistic understanding of democracy, one that acknowledges the complexities of human behavior, the influence of political elites, and the importance of institutional design in shaping political outcomes. By drawing on research in psychology, sociology, and political science, 'Democracy For Realists' ultimately invites readers to reconsider the effectiveness of democratic governance and the nature of political representation in contemporary societies.
What is the central argument of 'Democracy for Realists'?
A) Voters consistently make rational policy choices
B) Economic factors alone determine election outcomes
C) Democracy functions exactly as idealized in theory
D) Voters are largely irrational and uninformed
- 2. What concept do Achen and Bartels use to describe voters' tendency to reward or punish incumbents for recent events?
A) Rational choice theory
B) Deliberative democracy
C) Retrospective voting
D) Prospective voting
- 3. The 'blind retrospection' concept refers to voters punishing incumbents for what?
A) Policy achievements
B) Events beyond government control
C) Campaign promises
D) International relations
- 4. What do Achen and Bartels argue about the relationship between education and voting behavior?
A) Education makes voters more economically self-interested
B) More educated voters are just as partisan and biased
C) Only college graduates vote rationally
D) Education eliminates partisan bias completely
- 5. The authors challenge which traditional assumption about democracy?
A) That multiple parties should compete
B) That citizens should have voting rights
C) That elections should be held regularly
D) That voters make informed policy choices
- 6. What do the authors suggest about political information in the electorate?
A) Voters are generally well-informed about policies
B) Only wealthy voters seek political information
C) Information levels have been steadily increasing
D) Most voters have minimal political knowledge
- 7. According to the authors, what drives most political behavior?
A) Careful cost-benefit analysis
B) Moral philosophical principles
C) Social group loyalties and identities
D) Direct personal economic interest
- 8. What is the primary evidence base for the book's arguments?
A) Philosophical reasoning alone
B) Laboratory experiments only
C) Historical election data and social science research
D) International comparative studies exclusively
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