short essay 95

20-25 sentences long for each question

1. We identifies four characteristics of ideal citizenship (political knowledge and interests, tolerant, and engaged in politics) and concludes that only some Americans live up to them. The authors argue, however, that Americans as a group behave in a much more rational manner than one would expect from their failure to meet the characteristics. Name the four characteristics and discuss the evidence for the authors’ conclusion that most Americans do not meet the standards. Explain how Americans as a group can behave so rationally if they are not rational as individuals.

2. In recent years, the influence of ideology and partisanship on political divisions in American society has changed. Define these two terms and then discuss how they influence political divisions today