Question

As discussed in the text, the main advantage that defenders of the status quo have working in their favor is

O greater availability of evidence
O not needing to be concerned with stock issues
O the concept of presumption
O the chance to speak both first and last in a debate

Answer 1

The key advantage for defenders of the status quo in debates is the concept of presumption, which entails an inherent advantage because the burden of proof lies on those advocating for change. Additionally, incumbents benefit from the incumbency advantage, including greater name recognition and resource control. During political bargaining, a lack of agreement results in the preservation of the status quo.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main advantage that defenders of the status quo have working in their favor is the concept of presumption. This means that in the context of a debate or political bargaining, those who wish to maintain the existing state of affairs are often seen as having the upper hand because any change implies a risk or uncertainty that needs to be justified. The incumbent or those defending current policies or systems do not need to prove that the status quo is beneficial; rather, the burden of proof lies with those who advocate for change.

Furthermore, political incumbents often have advantages such as official control of resources, which can make them more familiar to voters, thereby increasing their chances of re-election. This phenomenon, known as the incumbency advantage, is also a powerful tool for defending the status quo. Finally, in situations of political bargaining, when no agreement can be reached, the status quo automatically prevails, which reinforces the inherent advantage held by its defenders.

Answer 2

The main advantage for defenders of the status quo is the concept of presumption, which favors current policies and practices in the absence of a persuasive argument for change. This advantage is bolstered by incumbents' access to resources, name recognition, and the dynamics of political negotiations. The correct answer is option c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main advantage that defenders of the status quo have working in their favor is the concept of presumption. This means that in the absence of compelling reasons to change, the existing state of affairs is favored to continue. Defenders benefit from having established policies, practices, and norms on their side, and this default position often garners implicit support from those who fear change or see no reason for it. Incumbents have additional advantages such as greater access to resources for self-advertising, leading to higher name recognition and, thus, a better chance at reelection.

Further reinforcing the incumbency advantage is the historical difficulty of unseating office holders, which can be attributed to financial advantages and the professionalization of campaigns. Moreover, when negotiations on political issues are deadlocked, the status quo is the winner by default, further illustrating the power of presumption. Lastly, public opinion and political environments can shape outcomes, but a bias exists towards the known and the familiar, making significant change challenging.