Test Bank for California Government and Politics Today, 15th Edition

CHAPTER 2. THE CALIFORNIANS: LAND, PEOPLE, AND POLITICAL CULTURE Chapter Summary Chapter 2 presents California’s size, location, and geographic diversity as well as gives an overview of the state’s ethnic, political, and cultural diversity. Conflicts among agriculture, environmentalists, urban interests, and the oil industry are discussed, as well as the rich natural resources of the state. California’s ethnic and cultural diversity is described, and the concepts of assimilation versus diversity are debated. The state’s political culture is described in terms of economic impacts of the current recession, and the term monocultural electorate is introduced. The role of government according to both liberal and conservative viewpoints is explained. Discussion Questions 1. Discuss the importance of California’s location and geography in the state’s history and development. 2. Give an overview of ethnic diversity in California and explain the social, economic, and political impacts diversity has on California. 3. Discuss the cultural and political attitudes in California and share your views on the issues of today. Discuss the impact of the recent economic challenges California faces. 4. Debate the issue of assimilation versus diversity, using the box on page 13 as a reference. Based on your understanding of the entire chapter, what are the advantages and disadvantages of assimilation and diversity? 5. Compare the themes of conservatism and liberalism as they play out in California politics. Test Bank Multiple Choice 1. The geographic area of California is 156,000 square miles and is larger than some whole countries. It is the largest state in the United States. a. first b. fifth c. second d. third Answer: D; Page Reference:10; Bloom’s Category: Understanding 2. The largest ethnic group in California includes first-generation immigrants and a population whose ancestors came from what country? a. Spain b. Russia c. Mexico d. Italy Answer: C; Page Reference 11; Bloom’s Category: Understanding, Application 3. What is a natural resource in California that has become the subject of continual political debate over its use? a. California’s agriculture b. California’s timber c. California’s water d. California’s landscape Answer: D; Page Reference: 11; Bloom’s Category: Application, Understanding 4. California is the most populous state with what percentage of the nation’s people? a. 20 percent b. 12 percent c. 10 percent d. 19 percent Answer: B; Page Reference: 12; Bloom’s Category: Understanding 5. California is more of a two-tier state than some other states. What does the author mean by this? a. That California should be divided into two states: northern California and southern California b. That there are too many people in California, and it should become its own country c. That there are large gaps between those who are rich and those who are poor d. That there are too many two-story houses Answer: C; Page Reference: 15; Bloom’s Category:Analysis True or False 1. California is the leading state on the Pacific Rim and is the nation’s number-one exporter. Answer: True; Page Reference: 11; Bloom’s Category: Understanding, Application 2. California has more people who identify as multiracial than any other state. Answer: True; Page Reference: 12 ; Bloom’s Category: Application, Evaluation 3. Assimilation takes place in varying degrees of education, language, and customs. Answer: True; Page Reference: 13; Bloom’s Category: Application 4. One of the biggest challenges in California for middle- to low-income residents is the high cost of housing. Answer: True; Page Reference: 15; Bloom’s Category: Application, Evaluation 5. Most people think of California as being a very conservative state. Answer: False; Page Reference: 16-17; Bloom’s Category: Analysis