Entry Exam Category: High School Equivalency Exams
Course: General Education Development (GED)
Exam: GED Social Studies Practice Test
Practice Question
Extract
This excerpt is from Federalist No. 22, published in 1787. It has been paraphrased.
A legislative rule requiring more than a majority to pass a bill gives the minority more power than the majority. The effect of this practice is the opposite of what is expected in theory. Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression. But in reality it destroys the thoughtful deliberation of a respectable majority and replaces it with the whims and trickery of a small but unruly gang.
In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important. The government must in one way or another take action. If a majority resolution can be blocked by a stubborn minority, it will be necessary for the majority to conform to the minority for action to occur. The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment. In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good.
A legislative rule requiring more than a majority to pass a bill gives the minority more power than the majority. The effect of this practice is the opposite of what is expected in theory. Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression. But in reality it destroys the thoughtful deliberation of a respectable majority and replaces it with the whims and trickery of a small but unruly gang.
In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important. The government must in one way or another take action. If a majority resolution can be blocked by a stubborn minority, it will be necessary for the majority to conform to the minority for action to occur. The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment. In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good.
Which quotation from the excerpt reveals the author's bias about the relationship between the rule of the majority and the rights of the minority?
Answer Choices
- A: "The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment."
- B: "Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression."
- C: "In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good."
- D: "In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phrasing ("scheming, trickery, disgraceful deals") shows negative bias toward minority influence