1. Stating the problem: Simplify the expression $(2) -1 - (-3)^4$. 2. Recall the order of operations: exponents are evaluated before addition and subtraction. 3. Calculate the exponent: $(-3)^4 = (-3) \times (-3) \times (-3) \times (-3) = 81$. 4. Substitute back into the expression: $2 - 1 - 81$. 5. Simplify step-by-step: $$2 - 1 - 81 = (2 - 1) - 81 = 1 - 81$$ 6. Final result: $$1 - 81 = -80$$ Therefore, the simplified value of the expression is $-80$.