Michael Walzer concluded the decade with a marvelous essay about parti

Question

Michael Walzer concluded the decade with a marvelous essay about participation in progressive politics. He made several key points. First, a citizen’s choice not to participate does not constitute false consciousness. There are many legitimate reasons for citizens to disengage themselves from politics. Equally important, these nonparticipants play an important role in democracy. They serve as audiences and critics of participants. Furthermore, they are citizens who have rights and interests that need to be represented. Walzer wrote, “Participatory democracy needs to be paralleled by representative democracy.” Second, participatory democracy has a tendency to become “the rule of men with the most evenings to spare.” Activists often turn participation into an onerous “duty” that entails constant meetings, discussions, deliberations, and decision-making. That duty may become so burdensome that most citizens cannot conceivably do it and many activists burn out trying. The “participatory” element in participatory democracy may disappear when the few activists who are willing to give 110 percent to the cause monopolize among themselves political initiative, strategy, and authority. Walzer warned that the most committed participants are the ones who need the strongest reminder that they are only part of the citizenry.     1 
 1. The passage implies which of the following about the relationship between participatory and representative democracy?

Those who actively urge others to participate are more valuable to the democratic process than those who do not.
People who do not vote forfeit their right to a stake in the outcome of an election.
Activists should devote some of their attention to ensure that those who do not vote are fairly represented.
It is more valuable for most people to be an audience for those who participate in democracy than to participate themselves.
The most committed activists would do well to allow others to have a greater role.

2  
 2. The passage suggests which of the following about political activists?

Indicate all that apply.

A. A minority of activists control a majority of political effort.
B. Activists use duty as a way of removing their political rivals from the participatory process.
C. Certain activists have shortsighted views regarding representation.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. The passage implies which of the following about the relationship between participatory and representative democracy?

In discussing the importance of non-participants in the democratic process, the author suggests that these people have value, saying,  “they are citizens who have rights and interests that need to be represented.”  This assertion supports the idea that participatory democracy should endeavor to represent those who choose not to be active. 
 
  Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. The passage suggests which of the following about political activists?

The author says that the  “few”  activists who do the most work  “monopolize”  the process, thus implying that a minority of them control most of the effort. He also says that this group of activists needs a  “reminder”  that they are only  “part of the citizenry,”  implying some of their views are shortsighted in this regard. 
 
  Answer: A,C

Michael Walzer concluded the decade with a marvelous essay about parti

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