Civics Midterm

With the beginning of the Cold War we saw the formation of two major alliances that reshaped the geopolitical landscape, ____________________________  & the Warsaw Pact.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Evaluating the greatest amount of good in any given situation

Formula of Humanity

Policy that would support a stronger assertion of governmental power over the individual decisions of people. 

Authoritarian

"the quality of being logically or factually sound; true."

Validity

Never treat someone as purely a means to an end

Formula of Humanity

In terms of societal application, is morality objective or subjective?

There are times when society applies both an objective and subjective sense to ethics.

Why did the US military choose to ignore the practice of Bacha Bazi by some Afghani Commanders throughout the occupation of Afghanistan? 

It helped secure the cooperation of Afghani Commanders to pursue US established goals in the region.

3 levels of government

Federal - State - Local

The ratification of social categorical imperatives is best demonstrated by

Laws

The current leader of North Korea

Kim Jung Un

According to Nietzsche, what is the primary purpose of hierarchies? 

To advance humankind

"On no point, however, is the ordinary consciousness of Europeans more unwilling to be corrected than...if they promised  to invent a mode of life which should refrain from all organic functions." Why does Nietzsche argue against his contemporaries who allude to the idea of establishing Utopia?

They refused to accept exploitation was a necessary part of life. 

True or False: Master and Slave Morality can exist within the same individual.

True

From which does Nietzsche argue the concepts of "good and evil" originate from?

Slave Morality

Master Morality can largely be understood as a(n) ____________ mentality. 

Individualistic

Why does someone belonging to a Slave Morality feel ambition is wrong?

It places oneself above the group.

Batman and the Joker have a unique relationship bound by a cycle = The Joker kills (x) people -> Batman beats the Joker -> Batman puts the Joker in jail -> the Joker escapes and kills (x) people. Many people feel that Batman is partially responsible for the lives the Joker takes, because he could have killed the Joker at any point beforehand and saved future innocent lives, but Batman refuses to kill. The argument to kill the Joker would align with which ethical philosophy?

Utilitarianism

The aristocracy could be best described as

A vine climbing a tree

Why did Nietzsche describe the barbarians as, "more complete men...more complete beasts." 

They refused to accept the social contract. 

(The cartoon depicts a money pyramid people are self-climbing with more at the bottom than the top). The political cartoon above best represents which of the following?

Meritocracy

Evaluating the likelihood that an action will produce benefit, good, happiness, or pleasure. 

Principle of Utility

The excerpt and chart is part of a Stanford University study involving immigrants. Use the excerpt or chart to help answer the question below: "Our key finding is that for immigrants who arrived in the 1900s and 1910s, the more time they spent in the U.S., the less likely they were to give their children foreign-sounding names. Figure 1 shows that after 20 years in this country, half of the gap in name choice between immigrants and natives had disappeared. The shift in name choice happened at a roughly equal pace for sons and daughters and among poor and rich families." The practice of migrant families choosing less foreign-sounding names over generations could be seen as evidence of:

Assimilation

The American value that is most associated with the rite of passage referred to as "entering the real world," where young Americans are pushed to pursue their own interest & endeavors. 

Individualism

The 3 branches of government are

Legislative, Executive, Judicial

Which of the following quotes from Nietzsche would support his ideas concerning income inequality?

"(society) should therefore accept with a good conscience the sacrifice of a legion of individuals, who, for its sake, must be suppressed and reduced to imperfect men, to slaves and instruments."

A form of government in which one person has all the decision making power

Totalitarian Dictatorship

Nietzsche would likely argue people who self-validate through materialism are most aligned with which of the following?

Master Morality

In 2022 the SCOTUS made a controversial ruling in Dobbs vs Jackson, which ultimately turned the decision-making power on the issue of abortion back to the states & the people within them to regulate. Most of the court's reasoning behind the decision was based on the fact that the previous Roe vs Wade decision had unintentionally been serving as a law, a law that only the US Congress would have the power to create; therefore since the US Constitution didn't mention the issue of abortion, the right to decide how to govern it belongs to the states (at least until Congress passes a law to change it). The transference of decision-making power and regulation on the issue of abortion from the federal level to the state level can be best seen as an example of which of the following?

Federalism

Lil Morgan Wilkerson is a young woman who has been working the last year towards her Gold Award certification. To be a Gold Reward recipient is a very significant accomplishment & one colleges/employers look very fondly on, but of course - that's not why Lil Morgan Wilkerson is working so hard. Lil Morgan Wilkerson loves the people of her community who live in Gasping Heart Valley, and so Lil Morgan Wilkerson has been installing wheelchair accessible ramps along park trails around Weeping Lake, to help people like her who have trouble navigating it's very bleak and dreary banks. Lil Morgan's service to her community would best reflect which of the following?

Patriotism

A collection of fiscal governmental assistance programs designed to help people who are living in poverty or qualify for assistance. 

Welfare

Sociologist theorize that in _____________________________  years America will be a more homogenous country. 

400

From the US Bill of Rights:

1st Amendment to the US Constitution: The Right to Free Expression

2nd Amendment to the US Constitution: The Right to Bear Arms

3rd Amendment to the US Constitution: The Right to Refuse Housing to Government Officials

4th Amendment to the US Constitution: The Right to Privacy

The following amendments taken from the Bill of Rights best reflect which concept?

Individualism

True or False: Colleges can provide racial bonus to candidate applications in order to give particular ethnic groups a competitive advantage.

False

What two solutions do many Americans propose as a method for reducing deficit spending?

Make significant cuts to the government budget and raise taxes to cover budget expenses

What is lacking in Utilitarian philosophy? 

Egotism

Which of the following creates corrupt artificial shifts in social hierarchies? 

Systematic Discrimination 

The Supreme Law of the Land

U.S. Constitution

The unskilled and overrated South Korean K-pop group, BTS, is facing a backlash in China over comments a member made about the Korean War. In a speech, the band's leader, known as RM (stupid name), mentioned South Korea's shared "history of pain" with the US over the 1950-53 conflict, in which the two countries fought together against China. The remarks have led to China banning BTS from Chinese media platforms. The above is a demonstrated example of?

Nationalism

A framework in which one's gain comes at the loss of someone else

Zero Sum Game

Use the quote from 'Beyond Good & Evil' to answer the question: "To refrain mutually from injury, from violence, from exploitation, and put one’s will on a par with that of others: this may result in a certain rough sense in good conduct among individuals when the necessary conditions are given (namely, the actual similarity of the individuals in amount of force and degree of worth, and their co-relation within one organization) ... it takes place in every healthy aristocracy." What concept is being alluded to in the quote above?

The Social Contract

Approximately how much of the US budget does Social Welfare comprise? 

60%

A significant contribution to the congregation of wealth that is integral to a family unit

Generational Wealth

The purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is to enforce laws that make workplace discrimination illegal. On average the EEOC will investigate 80,000 complaints of workplace discrimination throughout the year. Though the vast majority of the complaints are illegitimate, the EEOC does pursue approximately 200 lawsuits annually (many alleging a 14th Amendment violation). In total the EEOC may average $100+ Million dollars annually on behalf of aggrieved US citizens who courts rule have been victims of workplace discrimination. The summary of EEOC operations above would best align to which of the following American principles?

Meritocracy

True or False: Data indicates that Two-Parent Households do not provide a significant advantage to children.

False

A society in which power is held in the hands of relatively few elites. 

Aristocracy

A concept that reinforces the 14th Amendment:

Rule of Law

What is the purpose of the EEOC?

To enforce equal opportunity in the workplace. 

What type of tax system does America have?

Progressive

On average, what is the annual cost of undocumented immigration to US taxpayers?

$100 - 200 Billion

Some governors of states most heavily affected by undocumented immigration recently made headlines when they began busing and flying undocumented immigrants to Washington D.C and other Sanctuary States (a Sanctuary State is a state that has laws in place, which are favorable towards undocumented immigrants). The governors of Texas and Florida expressed that their decision to transport these migrants was an act of protest against Biden Administration policies that they claim are hurting the residents of their state. The actions of the governors would be most in line with which of the following concepts?

Nativism

Policies surrounding legal and undocumented immigration has been one of the few issues within America that has seen bipartisan support. For example, in 2006 Congress passed the __________________ which created a 700 mile long barrier along the US Southern Border. 

Secure Fence Act

Federal Agency responsible for processing Visa applications and other immigration matters

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

What is one major reason Americans cite for the influx of migrants to the United States?

Better economic opportunities in the U.S.

What event in Springfield, Ohio, was associated with unverified rumors about Haitian immigrants?

Eating people's pets

Which two key challenges are often discussed regarding the migrant crisis in New York City?

Economic costs and rising crime

Which political party's platform emphasized "America First" policies and making America a "Manufacturing Superpower"?

Republican Party

What measure does the GOP 2024 platform propose to address illegal immigration?

Completing the border wall and beginning mass deportations

Why are some Black residents in Chicago frustrated with the city's response to the migrant influx?

They believe the resources could have been used for longstanding community needs.

How did Governor Greg Abbott justify Texas's response to border security measures?

Based on Article IV, § 4 of the U.S. Constitution

What was one of the negative impacts cited by Black residents of Chicago in relation to the placement of migrant shelters?

Noise and loitering around the shelters

What is one of the main solutions suggested in the GOP platform to bring down inflation?

Unleashing American energy production

What argument can be made concerning the relationship between Chicago's approach to the migrant influx and historical issues of discrimination in the city?

It mirrors past practices of discriminatory resource allocation, when black communities migrated in large numbers to Chicago.

How could changes in New York City's criminal justice system potentially change perceptions of the asylum crisis?

By demonstrating stricter law enforcement regardless of migrant presence

What could be the possible long-term economic effect of Governor Abbott’s border policy in Eagle Pass on Texas communities?

It might protect US workers but elevate the cost of Labor as a Factor of Production

Which aspect of Chicago’s response to the migrant influx may inadvertently increase tensions between existing Black communities and new migrants?

The rapid allocation of resources to new arrivals without addressing longstanding inequalities.

If the asylum shelters in New York City are primarily placed in lower-income neighborhoods, what social and economic consequences might arise?

Heightened tension due to perceived inequities and increased resource strain

Why do some Americans believe expanding the U.S.-Mexico border wall would be effective, according to the GOP platform?

To stop the perceived “migrant invasion” and enhance border security

How does the Republican emphasis on becoming an "Energy Superpower" relate to their proposed solutions for economic issues?

It aims to improve energy prices while reducing dependency on foreign resources.

What underlying factors in New York City contribute to the ongoing asylum crisis, aside from the number of migrants?

Poor planning and challenges in the labor market for asylum seekers

How might the establishment of sanctuary cities be at odds with the GOP's 2024 platform?

Sanctuary cities refuse to enforce federal laws and may place the interest of undocumented immigrants above that of US citizens.

Which of the following strategies could most effectively address New York City’s asylum-related issues, given its current budget concerns?

Increasing employment opportunities for migrants to reduce dependency on shelters

How might Governor Abbott’s declaration of an "invasion" at the border be viewed from a constitutional perspective

As an assertion of states' rights under Article I, § 10, Clause 3

A Queens town hall hosted by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez descended into chaos, with some of her constituents calling the congresswoman a “piece of s–it.’ “American citizens before migrants,” a man holding small American flags yelled as he approached the congresswoman, according to footage recorded by Freedom News TV. “Where are you on the migrant issue? You’re a piece of s–t,” he continued shouting during the Friday forum. The 33-year-old congresswoman laughed off the incident, responding, “OK,” as the man was escorted out. But it appeared to be just the first of many interruptions to come. What concepts may we most likely observe relating to the migrant influx as it places strain on NYC?

Nativism, Populism, Nationalism

What is identified as the most significant challenge faced by the U.S. immigration enforcement system?

Outdated immigration laws that have not been updated since 1996

How has the shift in the origins of migrants impacted U.S. border enforcement?

Migrants are now coming from more distant countries, placing strain on an infrastructure designed to handle regional migration.

Why does deporting migrants to countries like China and India present a significant challenge for U.S. immigration authorities?

These countries do not allow deportees to return or the process is costly.

What is a significant factor contributing to the rise in migration from distant countries such as China?

Smugglers using digital technology to guide migrants for thousands of dollars

The Federal Agency responsible for maintaining the security of America's borders

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Which the following is NOT a potential factor most likely to have contributed to the sudden influx of mass migration experienced in 2020?

Pharmaceutical Price Ceilings

Why are many migrants from countries like China or India motivated to attempt entry into the U.S. despite the challenges?

The long delay in deportation proceedings, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. for years

The administration belonging to which US President is responsible for the largest American Amnesty program to date?

Reagan

Which of the following is NOT among the actions that the Biden Administration has taken concerning immigration?

Expanded 'Remain in Mexico'

Provided CBP Agents the authority to assess in the field asylum claims.

Title 42

Select all the following benefits that immigrants provide

25% Entrepreneur Rate and Mobility

Select all the challenges currently facing the USCIS

Not enough agents, overwhelming workload, and paper-based process

How would US taxpayer assistance reach undocumented immigrants despite their ineligibility for most federal assistance programs?

Through mix-status families

Select all challenges currently facing the CBP

Human trafficking_, surging influx of migrants responding to presidential policies, migrant deaths, and combating drug cartels

Pair the appropriate Federal Agencies to one of their best defining characteristics or roles

USCIS —> Immigration entry

FEMA —> Disaster response

CBP —> Southern Border Crisis

ICE —> Immigration Law Enforcement

Approximately how many undocumented immigrants currently reside in the US?

20 million

The image portrays a protest where former President Obama is labeled "Deporter in Chief." How does this criticism reflect both the enforcement and reform aspects of his administration's immigration policies, particularly in relation to programs like DACA and the rise in deportations?

It reflects opposition to the increase in deportations under Obama, despite reforms like DACA protecting certain groups of undocumented immigrants.

How could changes in New York City's criminal justice system potentially change perceptions of the asylum crisis?

By demonstrating stricter law enforcement regardless of migrant presence

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

Alejandro Mayorkas

Approximately how many Black millionaires are there within America?

2 million

Which subgroup represents the highest % of college degree earners when evaluating graduation rates after 25 years of age?

Black women

What is the approximate home-ownership rate of Hispanics within the US?

40-45%

What is the approximate collegiate graduation rate amongst Asians? 

74%

Which of the following may be consistent with current collegiate graduation rates by gender?

Women are earning almost 50% more degrees than men

What % of rural residents are white?

80%

True or False: Though socially frowned upon, "Redlining" is still very much practiced to this day.

False

When evaluating median household income, which factor is most likely to make the largest impact?

Single-parent Household Rate