Public Hearings Are Being Held to Discuss Whether a New

question 31

Multiple Choice

Public hearings are being held to discuss whether a new nuclear power plant should be built. An expert on nuclear plants testifies that modern safeguards make the plant secure from dangerous accidents. A local woman speaks and states that she knows nothing about nuclear power, but the idea of having a plant nearby frightens her and her children. Which of the two parties has the most immediate ability to change attitudes of the audience? Considering the sleeper effect, what will likely happen over time?

• A) The expert will have the most ability to change attitudes and his influence will be maintained even weeks later.
• B) The expert will have the most ability to change attitudes, but his influence will decrease over time as the woman's argument gains force.
• C) Because the local woman is most like the other people in the meeting, her opinion will have the most immediate influence, but over time the expert's opinion will gain force.
• D) The woman's opinion will be more likely to influence the audience initially, and her influence will extend into the future.

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Definitions:

Direct Election

A method of choosing political officials where the voters directly cast ballots for the persons or political party that they desire to see elected.

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1803 that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Articles of Confederation

The original constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which was replaced by the current Constitution in 1789 due to its weaknesses.

Federal Court System

The judiciary system of the United States, consisting of the Supreme Court, appellate courts, and district courts.