英语国家概况-谢福之-课后答案-简答题(美国部分)

第三大题 Chapter 8

1. How is the American population distributed?

The distribution of the American population is rather uneven the most densely populated region is the northeastern part of the country. The great plains have a comparatively small population .the south also has a population of almost 57.5million. the west is not densely populated ,except for some metropolitan centers like los Angeles and san Francisco . it has about 20% of the nation’s population.

2. Why was the immigration act of 1942 instituted ?

The new immigrants in the united states , being poor and accustomed to poverty , were willing to work for very low wages .this made other workers afraid that the immigrants would ls and take jobs away from them . this opposition led to the immigration act of 1942.

Chapter 9

1. Why did American change its policy and enter world war II?

Because of the formation of the axis , the American government feared that the axis countries were wining the war and it might threaten America’s security and interests . it began to provide war equipment to the foreign nations resisting the aggression of the axis power . the Japanese air raid on pearl harbor became the direct cause for America’s entrance into the war. 2. What were Nixon’s well-known contributions during his presidency? a) brought the Vietnam war to a close b)reestablishing U.S. relations with china

c) negotiating the firststrategic arms limitation treaty with the former soviet union . 3. What were the contents of Reagan’s economic program?

Reagan’s economic program called for reductions in income taxes and business taxes in order to encourage investment , and it also requested that many government regulations be eliminated so as to reduce the federal government’s role in the day-to-day operation of business.

Chapter 10

1. What are the two characteristics of the U.S. constitution?

One is “checks and balances”, the other is that the power of the central government and the powers of state governments are specified.

2. What are the qualifications for a senator and a representative respectively?

A senator must be over 30 years old , a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and a resident in the state which they represent . a representative should be at least 25 years old and a U.S. citizen for no less than seven years.

3. What are the major powers of the supreme court?

a) to interpret laws

b) to hear appeals from any federal court cases;

c) to hear appeals from state court cases that involve the constitution or national laws d) may declare a law unconstitutional

e) may declare a presidential act unconstitutional.

4. What is the difference between the democrats and the republicans in terms of political opi

nions?

The democrats want the government to play an important role in the economy and emphasize full employment as a matter of national concern they favor civil rights laws , a strong social security system which gives enterprises a greater freedom and demand that the government control inflation. They stress the need for law and order, and oppose complete government social programs and free choice of abortion they also favor a strong military posture and assertive stand in international relations.

Chapter 11

1. What industry developments took place during the colonial period of America?

During the colonial period ,the secondary industries developed as the colonies grew . a variety of specialized sawmills and gristmills appeared. Colonists established shipyards to build fishing fleets and trading vessels . they also built small iron forges . by the 18th century , regional patterns of development in America had become clear. 2. How did the civil war affect the American economy?

After the civil war , the large southern cotton plantations became much less profitable . northern industries , which had expanded rapidly because of the demands of the war ,surged ahead.

3. Why does America try to reduce trade barriers?

Because the united states has increasingly realized that open bilateral trade will not only advance its own economic interests, but also enhance domestic stability and its peaceful relationship with other nations.

Chapter 12

1. How does an American university choose its applicants?

a)their high school records;

b) recommendations from their high school teachers;

c) the impression they make during interviews at the university; d) their scores on the SAT.

2. What functions do American higher education institutions perform?

Higher education institutions in the united states have three functions: teaching , research and public service , and each has its own emphasis with regard to its function . 3. What similarities do four famous university share?

They all have a long history , they all have an excellent faculty , a large number of students and have made extensive academic achievements. Some of their graduates are very successful or influential in some areas such as politics, arts and business. 4. What are the origins of thanksgiving day?

Thanksgiving is associated with the time when Europeans first came to the new world , in 1620,the mayflower arrived and brought about 150 pilgrims. Life at the beginning was very hard and there was not enough food , so many of them died. During the following summer the native America helped them and then they had a bountiful harvest. So they held a big celebration to thank god and the native Americans.

第四大题 Chapter 8

1． Why is the United States regarded as a”melting pot” and a ”salad bowl” ?

The United States is not merely a nation,but a nation of nations.The immigrants came in waves,including the Europeans,the Africans and the Asians.Therefore,America is described as a\melting pot\ntly,America has been called a\s mix harmoniously,but at the same time keep their distinct culture and customs. 2． What do you think is the best way to help assimilation in a multicultural society?

The best possible way to help assimilation in a multicultural society is to be open and tolerant toward different cultures.People from different racial and ethnic backgrounds should respect each other.Society should create opportunities to help immigrants become assimilated.At the same time the immigrants should keep their own language,customs and religion,contributing to the diversity of a multicultural society.

Chapter 9

1. What was the cause of the American Civil War?

The Southern planters of America needed a large number of black African slaves to manage their plantations and they regarded the slaves as their property.In the North,with the development of industry,there was a growing demand for free labor.What’s more,the Northerners demanded a law to protect tariffs and asked the government to finance the building of railways and roads.But the Southerners were against it and advocated free trade so as to purchase cheaper goods from foreign countries.The accumulating conflicts led to the division of the North and the South and finally the American Civil War.

2. What made the United States a powerful country by the end of World War II?

During the two World Wars,America remained neutral in the early stage.However, Americans continued their profitable trade with the warring countries.Therefore,they not only retained their military forces,but also accumulated great wealth.When America entered the wars,it was almost at the end of the wars.By sharing the fruit of victory with other allies, America greatly strengthened its power and became a powerful country by the end of World War II.

Chapter 10

1. How is the American President voted into office? What are your ideas about the American

election?

Each party holds its national convention every four years to choose a candidate for presidency.To win a presidential election,a candidate has to spend millions of dollars,travel all over the country to make speeches and debate on television with the rival.The general election is technically divided into two stages.During the first stage,presidential electors for each state will be chosen.In the second stage the electors meet and vote a President.Since the second stage is only a kind of formality,everyone knows who will be the next President an soon as the first stage is over.

I think the candidates spend too much money on the electoral campaigns.And, the election cannot solve the social and economic problems of the U.S. as some candidates do not keep th

eir word after they become President.

2. What was President Eisenhowers foreign policy and what were the consequences ?

President Eisenhower made vigorous efforts to wage the Cold War.He placed new emphasis on developing nuclear strength to prevent the outbreak of war.He also frequently authorized the CIA to undertake secret interventions to overthrow unfriendly governments or protect reliable anti-communist leaders whose power was threatened.The CIA helped topple the governments of Iran and Guatemala,but it suffered an embarrassing failure in Indonesia.In addition,Eisenhower used U.S.power and prestige to help create a non-communist government in South Vietnam,which brought disastrous long-term consequences to the United States.

Chapter 11

1. How did the U.S constitution lay the groundwork for American’s economic development ?

The U.S.Constitution,as an economic charter,established that the entire nation was a unified or \the federal government could regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states,establish uniform bankruptcy laws,create money and regulate its value,fix standards of weights and measures,establish post office and roads,and fix rules governing patents and copyrights.The last-mentioned clause was an early recognition of the importance of \y\ntury.

2. Cite examples to illustrate the role of government intervention in America's economic deve

lopment.

The government has always played an active and important role in America’s economic development.In the early 1930s,thr United States suffered the worst economic depression in American history.President Roosevelt introduced the New Deal to tackle the financial crisis.Besides,he set up the New York State Emergency Relief Commission to help those in desperate need and tried to relieve the serious problems of the jobless.At the end of 1970s, the American economy again suffered a recession.The Reagan administration combated inflation by controlling government spending deficit,cutting taxes and raising interest rates.Both policies mentioned above helped to set the country’s economic development on its right course,In all,the intervention of the government has ensured that economic opportunities are fair and accessible to the people.It has prevented flagrant abuses of the system,dampened the effects of inflation and stimulated economic growth.

Chapter 12

1. What are the ideals that guide the American educational system?

The first ideal is that as many people as possible should receive as much education as possible .The second ideal is that of ptoducing a society that is totally literate and of local control . The third ideal is that scholars and students should work to discover new information or conceive new ways to understand what is already known . 2. How does America carry out multicultural education?

American schools routinely teach the experiences and values of many ethnic cultures.Current textbooks incorporate a variety of ethnic individuals who have achieved success.Struggle for equality are vividly depicted,and past racism is bluntly acknowledged.Cultural pluralism is no