Political Parties Quiz Kennedy 2nd
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- 1.
The “Contract with America” refers to
- A.
Republican promises for reform following the 1994 GOP takeover of the House
- B.
Democratic promises for reform following the 2006 takeover of the House
- C.
The brainchild of Dick Cheney and Newt Gingrich
- D.
An attempt on the part of Republicans to offer Americans a positive program for reshaping policy and reforming how Congress works
- E.
A, c, & d
Correct Answer
E. A, c, & dExplanation
The "Contract with America" refers to the Republican promises for reform following the 1994 GOP takeover of the House, as well as the brainchild of Dick Cheney and Newt Gingrich, and an attempt on the part of Republicans to offer Americans a positive program for reshaping policy and reforming how Congress works.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following do you need to do to become a Republican or Democrat?
- A.
Formally join the party
- B.
Prove that you’ve voted for the party
- C.
Add your name to a mailing list
- D.
Give money
- E.
All you need to do is believe that you belong to the party of your choice
Correct Answer
E. All you need to do is believe that you belong to the party of your choice -
- 3.
Almost all definitions of political parties have which of the following in common?
- A.
Parties have formal organizations
- B.
Parties have a mass following
- C.
Parties try to win elections
- D.
Parties are run by elites
- E.
Parties have limited policy agendas
Correct Answer
C. Parties try to win electionsExplanation
Political parties are defined by their primary objective of trying to win elections. While parties may have formal organizations, a mass following, be run by elites, and have limited policy agendas, these characteristics are not universal to all political parties. However, the goal of winning elections is a common feature shared by almost all political parties as it is essential for them to gain political power and influence in order to implement their policies and agendas.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The theory that seeks to explain political processes and outcomes as consequences of purposive behavior is called the
- A.
Rational-choice theory
- B.
Behaviorism
- C.
Means-ends theory
- D.
Cognitive theory
- E.
Goals theory
Correct Answer
A. Rational-choice theoryExplanation
The rational-choice theory seeks to explain political processes and outcomes as consequences of purposive behavior. This means that individuals are seen as rational actors who make decisions based on their own self-interests and goals. They weigh the costs and benefits of different options and choose the one that maximizes their utility. This theory assumes that individuals have preferences, make choices based on those preferences, and act in a way that is consistent with their own goals and beliefs.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Ticket splitting refers to
- A.
Switching membership in political parties
- B.
The procedure used to conduct computerized, automated vote counting
- C.
Voting with one party in one presidential election, and another party in the next presidential election
- D.
Voting for one party for one office, and another party for other offices
- E.
Voting for a party other than the one you identify with
Correct Answer
D. Voting for one party for one office, and another party for other officesExplanation
Ticket splitting refers to the act of voting for candidates from different political parties for different offices in an election. This means that a voter may choose to vote for a candidate from one party for a specific office, such as president, and then vote for candidates from a different party for other offices, such as senators or representatives. This practice allows voters to select candidates based on their individual merits, rather than strictly following party lines.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In blanket primaries,
- A.
Voters may choose on election day which party primary they want to participate in
- B.
Only voters who have registered in advance with the party can vote
- C.
Voters may vote for candidates from either party
- D.
Voters may vote for multiple candidates
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Voters may vote for candidates from either partyExplanation
In blanket primaries, voters are allowed to vote for candidates from either party. This means that they are not restricted to voting only for candidates from the party they are registered with. This type of primary allows for more flexibility and encourages cross-party voting, as voters have the opportunity to support candidates from different political affiliations.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Closed primaries
- A.
Depress voter turnout
- B.
Encourage party loyalty
- C.
Discourage party loyalty
- D.
Cost less than open primaries
- E.
Have fewer undercounts
Correct Answer
B. Encourage party loyaltyExplanation
Closed primaries encourage party loyalty because they only allow registered members of a specific political party to participate in selecting the party's candidates. By limiting participation to party members, closed primaries create a sense of exclusivity and strengthen party identification. This can lead to higher levels of party loyalty among voters, as they are more likely to support and vote for candidates from their own party.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Each party holds a national convention every
- A.
Six years
- B.
Two years
- C.
Three years
- D.
Year
- E.
Four years
Correct Answer
E. Four yearsExplanation
National conventions are held by political parties to nominate their candidates for the presidential election. These conventions are important events that bring together party members, delegates, and supporters. The frequency of these conventions is determined by the political parties themselves. In the United States, for example, national conventions are held every four years, coinciding with the presidential election cycle. This allows parties to showcase their platform, unite their members, and officially nominate their candidate for the presidency.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The supreme power within each of the parties is
- A.
The state party organizations
- B.
The president
- C.
The Supreme Party Court
- D.
The national convention
- E.
The national committee
Correct Answer
D. The national conventionExplanation
The national convention is the correct answer because it is the highest decision-making body within a political party. It is where party members from across the country gather to discuss and vote on important party matters, such as selecting the party's presidential nominee and setting the party's platform. The national convention has the ultimate authority and power to make decisions and shape the direction of the party.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In general, what are the ingredient(s) of a critical election?
- A.
Existing fissures in political party cause coalitions to begin to fracture
- B.
New issues appear and divide the electorate in new ways
- C.
Parties form new, enduring coalitions
- D.
All of the above
- E.
Both a and b
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
A critical election is characterized by several factors. Firstly, existing fissures in political parties lead to the fragmentation of coalitions. This means that the traditional alliances within parties start to break apart. Secondly, new issues emerge and create divisions among the electorate. These issues may be different from the ones that previously divided voters. Lastly, during a critical election, parties form new and lasting coalitions to adapt to the changing political landscape. Therefore, all of the given options (a, b, and c) are ingredients of a critical election.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Party realignments in the United States
- A.
Occur when a party makes dramatic changes in its positions on issues
- B.
Involve the death of one party and the birth of a brand new one
- C.
Are slight adjustments of political allegiance among voters in at least one region of the country
- D.
Happen after most presidential elections, and occasionally in-between
- E.
Are rare events in the United States, usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma, in which one party's majority domination is replaced with another's
Correct Answer
E. Are rare events in the United States, usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma, in which one party's majority domination is replaced with another'sExplanation
Party realignments in the United States are rare events that typically occur in response to a major national crisis or trauma. During these realignments, one party's majority domination is replaced by another party. This shift in dominance is often a result of significant changes in public opinion and political allegiances. These realignments are not frequent and usually happen in response to significant events that have a profound impact on the nation.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The first American political party evolved
- A.
From the supporters of George Washington's first campaign for president
- B.
Out of Thomas Jefferson's efforts to get the Declaration of Independence adopted
- C.
Out of public disgust over the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, leading to calls to solve conflicts through peaceful party competition
- D.
During the Constitutional Convention
- E.
Out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank
Correct Answer
E. Out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bankExplanation
The first American political party evolved out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank. This is because Hamilton's push for a national bank led to the formation of the Federalist Party, which supported his economic policies. The Federalist Party was the first formal political party in the United States and it played a significant role in shaping early American politics.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Republicans lost the election of 1932 primarily due to
- A.
The nomination of a popular war hero by the Democrats
- B.
Hitler's election as chancellor of Germany and the Republicans' failure to prevent it.
- C.
Rising political and economic instability in Europe
- D.
The failure of the Republicans to hold onto the support of urban industrialists
- E.
President Herbert Hoover's handling of the Depression
Correct Answer
E. President Herbert Hoover's handling of the DepressionExplanation
President Herbert Hoover's handling of the Depression is the correct answer because it was a major factor in the Republicans losing the election of 1932. Hoover's policies and actions during the Great Depression were widely criticized for being ineffective in addressing the economic crisis and providing relief to the American people. The high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and the overall economic downturn during Hoover's presidency led to a loss of confidence in his leadership and the Republican Party, ultimately resulting in their defeat in the election.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following is TRUE about most third-party campaigns in American history?
- A.
They almost never win office
- B.
They occasionally succeed
- C.
They usually become major political parties over time
- D.
They have been most successful at promoting party dealignment
- E.
They frequently are successful
Correct Answer
A. They almost never win officeExplanation
Most third-party campaigns in American history almost never win office. This means that these campaigns, led by parties other than the two major parties (Democrats and Republicans), have a low success rate in terms of winning elections and gaining political power. This suggests that the American political system is primarily dominated by the two major parties, making it difficult for third-party candidates to secure electoral victories.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 29, 2010Quiz Created by
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