Lecture 9 – Social Class Study Guide: Answer Key

The central argument of the Communist Manifesto is:

• The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.

• Capitalism is the best economic system for all societies.

• Monarchies are the most stable form of government.

• Religion should be the foundation of all political systems.

The bourgeoisie are the owners of the means of production, and the proletariat are the working class. Who are the bourgeoisie and who are the proletariat?

• The bourgeoisie are the owners of the means of production, and the proletariat are the working class.

• The bourgeoisie are the working class, and the proletariat are the owners of the means of production.

• Both the bourgeoisie and the proletariat are landowners.

• The bourgeoisie and the proletariat are both government officials.

The rise of the bourgeoisie to power was helped by:

• the growth of trade and industry

• the decline of feudalism

• the spread of religious authority

• the expansion of rural agriculture

The contradiction within capitalism is:

• the pursuit of profit can lead to inequality

• everyone becomes equally wealthy

• resources are distributed equally

• there is no competition

Abolishing private property means:

• Eliminating individual ownership of land and resources

• Allowing everyone to own more property

• Increasing taxes on private property

• Making all property government-owned and inaccessible to the public

Moore's three paths to modernity are:

• bourgeois revolution, fascism, communism

• capitalism, socialism, feudalism

• industrialization, urbanization, democratization

• liberalism, conservatism, totalitarianism

A strong middle class is essential for democracy because:

• it provides stability and supports democratic institutions.

• it concentrates power in the hands of a few.

• it discourages political participation.

• it leads to economic inequality.

The difference between commercial farming that supports communism vs. fascism is:

• In communism, farming is collectively owned and managed by the state, while in fascism, farming remains privately owned but is controlled by the state.

• In both systems, farming is privately owned and operated for profit.

• In communism, farming is privately owned, while in fascism, it is collectively owned.

• In fascism, farming is managed by local communities, while in communism, it is managed by corporations.

Is gradual reform better than revolution?

• Moore is skeptical. He argues that reform is often blocked by entrenched elites, making revolution sometimes necessary despite its violence.

• Moore fully supports gradual reform, believing it is always more effective than revolution.

• Moore believes revolution is never justified under any circumstances.

• Moore thinks that elites usually encourage reform to avoid revolution.

Does Moore glorify revolution?

• No. He emphasizes its brutality and human cost but sees it as occasionally unavoidable.

• Yes. He believes revolution is always justified and heroic.

• He ignores the topic of revolution entirely.

• He romanticizes revolution as a purely positive force.