American Government Exam 3
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
America’s political parties originated in a rivalry between Alexander Hamilton, a promoter of a strong national government and commercial interests, and Thomas Jefferson, a supporter of states’ rights and small landowners. Which of the following is true of the parties they formed?
- A.
Jefferson’s supporters formed the Federalist party and Hamilton’s followers became the Republicans.
- B.
Jefferson’s supporters formed the Democratic party and Hamilton’s followers became the Republicans.
- C.
Jefferson’s followers became the Whigs and Hamilton’s supporters formed the Federalist party.
- D.
Jefferson’s supporters formed the Republican party and Hamilton’s followers became the Federalists.
Correct Answer
D. Jefferson’s supporters formed the Republican party and Hamilton’s followers became the Federalists. -
- 2.
A political party is
- A.
An organized membership that seeks to further its members’ interests through political action.
- B.
An organization through which an interest group raises and distributes funds for election purposes.
- C.
An ongoing coalition of interests joined together in an effort to get its candidates for public office elected under a common label.
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. An ongoing coalition of interests joined together in an effort to get its candidates for public office elected under a common label.Explanation
The correct answer is "an ongoing coalition of interests joined together in an effort to get its candidates for public office elected under a common label." This answer accurately describes a political party as a group of individuals with shared interests and goals who come together to support and promote their candidates for public office. It highlights the collaborative nature of a political party and emphasizes the importance of a common label or identity in the electoral process.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Proportional representation systems encourage the formation of small parties by enabling parties to
- A.
Win legislative seats even though they do not win a plurality of votes in elections.
- B.
Receive campaign funds from the government in proportion to their support in opinion polls.
- C.
Share in patronage appointments which serve as a lure to campaign workers.
- D.
Advertise on television.
Correct Answer
A. Win legislative seats even though they do not win a plurality of votes in elections.Explanation
Proportional representation systems allow small parties to win legislative seats even if they do not receive the majority of votes in elections. This is because these systems allocate seats based on the proportion of votes a party receives, rather than a winner-takes-all approach. This encourages the formation of small parties as they have a chance to be represented in government and have their voices heard, even if they do not have widespread support. This promotes diversity and inclusivity in the political system, allowing for a broader range of perspectives to be represented.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In recent decades, party loyalties have weakened and the number of voters who call themselves Independents has risen substantially. In fact, Independents now account for roughly one-third of voters in the U.S.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that in recent decades, party loyalties have indeed weakened and the number of voters identifying themselves as Independents has significantly increased. This is supported by the fact that Independents now make up around one-third of voters in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The major reason for the persistence of the American two-party system is
- A.
There are naturally only two sides to political disputes.
- B.
Regional conflict.
- C.
The existence of single-member election districts.
- D.
Proportional representation.
Correct Answer
C. The existence of single-member election districts.Explanation
The major reason for the persistence of the American two-party system is the existence of single-member election districts. In these districts, only one representative is elected, which creates a winner-takes-all scenario. This system encourages voters to align themselves with one of the two major parties, as voting for a third party candidate may result in wasted votes. As a result, the two major parties have dominated American politics for decades, leading to the persistence of the two-party system.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Democratic coalition today includes the following groups except
- A.
Women.
- B.
African Americans.
- C.
Hispanic Americans.
- D.
The Christian Coalition.
Correct Answer
D. The Christian Coalition.Explanation
The Democratic coalition today includes various groups such as women, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans. However, the Christian Coalition is not part of this coalition. The Christian Coalition is a conservative political organization that primarily aligns with the Republican Party. Therefore, it is not included in the Democratic coalition.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In recent presidential elections, which party’s platform has supported school prayer and been opposed to abortion?
- A.
Democratic
- B.
Republican
- C.
Green
- D.
Reform
Correct Answer
B. RepublicanExplanation
The Republican party's platform has traditionally supported school prayer and been opposed to abortion. This is consistent with the party's conservative values and strong emphasis on religious freedom. The party believes in the importance of prayer in schools and opposes abortion on moral and religious grounds.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In California, the deadline for voter registration is ___ days before and election.
- A.
15
- B.
30
- C.
45
- D.
60
Correct Answer
A. 15Explanation
The correct answer is 15 because in California, the deadline for voter registration is set at 15 days before an election. This allows enough time for the registration process to be completed and for the voter's information to be verified before the election takes place.Rate this question:
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- 9.
An ideology is
- A.
A person’s ingrained sense of loyalty to a political party
- B.
A consistent pattern of opinion on particular issues that stems from a core or basic belief
- C.
A process of political socialization that takes place through families, schools, mass media, and events
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. A consistent pattern of opinion on particular issues that stems from a core or basic beliefExplanation
An ideology refers to a consistent pattern of opinion on particular issues that stems from a core or basic belief. It is a set of ideas or principles that guide a person's thinking and decision-making in various aspects of life, including politics. This pattern of opinion is often shaped by one's core beliefs and values, and it helps individuals make sense of the world and form their political stance. It is different from a person's ingrained sense of loyalty to a political party, as loyalty to a party may change over time, while an ideology tends to be more enduring. It is also distinct from political socialization, which refers to the process through which individuals acquire political attitudes and beliefs from various sources such as families, schools, and media.Rate this question:
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- 10.
There are predominantly four ideological types in the U.S. Individuals who think that government should be limited in its programs and who feel that government should use its power to uphold traditional values are called
- A.
Liberals
- B.
Conservatives
- C.
Populists
- D.
Libertarians
Correct Answer
B. ConservativesExplanation
Conservatives are individuals who believe in limited government programs and support the use of government power to uphold traditional values. They tend to favor smaller government, lower taxes, and individual freedom. Conservatives often prioritize preserving traditional social institutions and are generally resistant to change.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Those who would use the government for the purpose of economic redistribution but not for the purpose of supporting traditional values over less conventional ones are known as
- A.
Liberals
- B.
Conservatives
- C.
Populists
- D.
Libertarians
Correct Answer
A. LiberalsExplanation
Liberals are individuals who believe in using government intervention to promote economic redistribution, such as through social welfare programs and progressive taxation. However, they do not prioritize supporting traditional values over less conventional ones, as they tend to advocate for social progress and individual freedoms.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Individuals who are reluctant to use the government either as a means of economic redistribution or as a means of favoring particular social values are called
- A.
Liberals
- B.
Conservatives
- C.
Populists
- D.
Libertarians
Correct Answer
D. LibertariansExplanation
Libertarians are individuals who are reluctant to use the government for economic redistribution or favoring particular social values. They believe in limited government intervention and emphasize individual liberty and personal responsibility. They advocate for free markets, individual rights, and minimal government interference in personal and economic matters.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Those who would use the government both as a means of redistribution and for the purpose of guarding traditional values are known as
- A.
Liberals
- B.
Conservatives
- C.
Populists
- D.
Libertarians
Correct Answer
C. PopulistsExplanation
Populists are individuals who advocate for the use of government to redistribute wealth and resources, as well as to protect and uphold traditional values. They believe in appealing to the interests and opinions of the general public, often emphasizing the needs of the common people. Populists can be seen as a combination of both liberal and conservative ideologies, as they support both social and economic interventions by the government. Therefore, the given answer, populists, accurately describes individuals who would use the government for both redistribution and the preservation of traditional values.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Most studies on the influence of ideology on public opinion agree that
- A.
Americans overwhelmingly identify themselves as liberals.
- B.
Americans are highly sophisticated in their political thinking.
- C.
Only a minority of Americans understand and apply ideological frames of reference.
- D.
Americans are highly consistent in their political thinking.
Correct Answer
C. Only a minority of Americans understand and apply ideological frames of reference.Explanation
The correct answer is that only a minority of Americans understand and apply ideological frames of reference. This means that most Americans do not have a deep understanding of political ideologies and do not use them as a basis for forming their opinions. This suggests that ideology may not play a significant role in shaping public opinion among the majority of Americans.Rate this question:
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- 15.
There is a geographic in the distribution of ideological types in the U.S. For example, liberals are heavily concentrated in the South, while conservatives are on the coasts and in large cities.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false. The distribution of ideological types in the U.S. is not geographically uniform. While there may be some general trends, it is not accurate to say that liberals are heavily concentrated in the South and conservatives are on the coasts and in large cities. Ideological preferences can vary significantly within regions and states, and there are liberal-leaning areas in conservative states and vice versa. Additionally, the distribution of ideological types can change over time as demographics and political dynamics evolve.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The process by which individuals acquire their political opinions is called
- A.
Political culture.
- B.
Political assimilation.
- C.
Political socialization.
- D.
Socio-economic change.
Correct Answer
C. Political socialization.Explanation
Political socialization refers to the process through which individuals develop their political attitudes, beliefs, and values. It involves the transmission of political knowledge, values, and behaviors from one generation to another, as well as the influence of various social institutions such as family, school, peers, and media. This process plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' political opinions and behaviors, as it helps them understand and interpret the political world around them. Political culture, on the other hand, refers to the shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape a society's political behavior, while political assimilation refers to the integration of individuals into the political system. Socio-economic change is unrelated to the acquisition of political opinions.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following statements is true?
- A.
Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support pro-business measures.
- B.
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to support social welfare programs.
- C.
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to support progressive taxation.
- D.
Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support progressive taxation.
Correct Answer
D. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support progressive taxation.Explanation
The given answer states that Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support progressive taxation. This means that Democrats are more inclined to support a tax system where individuals with higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. This statement implies that Democrats generally believe in a more progressive approach to taxation, aiming to redistribute wealth and promote social equality. On the other hand, it suggests that Republicans are less likely to support such a system, indicating a preference for lower taxes and a more conservative approach to taxation.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Regular voters are characterized by
- A.
A strong sense of alienation that motivates them to try to change things.
- B.
A strong sense of civic duty.
- C.
A desire to use government to help others.
- D.
A strong sense of independence that motivates them to try to defeat incumbents.
Correct Answer
B. A strong sense of civic duty.Explanation
Regular voters are characterized by a strong sense of civic duty. This means that they feel a responsibility to participate in the democratic process and contribute to the functioning of their government. They believe that it is their duty as citizens to vote and have their voices heard. This sense of civic duty motivates them to actively engage in the political process and try to make a positive impact by electing officials who align with their values and priorities.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which group of Americans has the lowest rate of voter turnout?
- A.
Those 60 and older
- B.
Those 30 and younger
- C.
Men
- D.
Women
Correct Answer
B. Those 30 and youngerExplanation
The correct answer is "those 30 and younger." This group of Americans typically has the lowest rate of voter turnout compared to other age groups. Younger individuals often face barriers such as lack of political engagement, limited awareness of the voting process, and lower levels of trust in the political system. Additionally, factors like busy schedules, lack of interest in politics, and a perception that their vote does not make a difference may contribute to their lower participation in elections.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Voter identification cards find the most support among
- A.
Democrats.
- B.
Republicans.
- C.
Libertarians.
- D.
Liberals.
Correct Answer
B. Republicans.Explanation
The correct answer is Republicans because voter identification cards are often supported by Republicans as a means to prevent voter fraud and ensure the integrity of elections. Republicans argue that requiring identification at the polls helps maintain the fairness of the voting process and protects against potential voter impersonation or illegal voting. This stance aligns with the Republican party's emphasis on election security and their belief in the importance of preserving the integrity of the electoral system.Rate this question:
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- 21.
In comparison with today’s newspapers, early American newspapers were
- A.
Written by hand.
- B.
Less political.
- C.
Supported by political parties.
- D.
More objective.
Correct Answer
C. Supported by political parties.Explanation
Early American newspapers were supported by political parties. This can be inferred from the fact that during this time period, newspapers were often used as a tool for political propaganda and to promote the interests of specific political parties. The newspapers were financially backed by these parties, and their content was heavily influenced by their political agenda. Therefore, the support of political parties was crucial for the existence and functioning of early American newspapers.Rate this question:
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- 22.
According to your textbook, the adoption of voter identification cards by several states
- A.
Will likely cause a decline in voter turnout.
- B.
Is intended to further the gains of the Motor Voter law.
- C.
Will increase the voting power of poorer citizens.
- D.
Was a response to well documented cases of widespread voter fraud.
Correct Answer
A. Will likely cause a decline in voter turnout.Explanation
The correct answer is that the adoption of voter identification cards by several states will likely cause a decline in voter turnout. This is because requiring voters to present identification at the polls can create barriers for certain groups of people, such as low-income individuals, elderly citizens, and minority communities, who may have difficulty obtaining the necessary identification. As a result, these individuals may be discouraged from voting, leading to a decline in overall voter turnout.Rate this question:
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- 23.
By definition, the interest group system consists of all interests that are ___ and seek ___ goals.
- A.
Organized; political
- B.
Cohesive; narrow
- C.
Mobilized; ideological
- D.
Small; narrow
Correct Answer
A. Organized; politicalExplanation
The correct answer is "organized; political" because the interest group system refers to a collection of organized groups that have specific political goals. These groups are structured and have a clear agenda or set of objectives that they aim to achieve through political means.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The yellow journalism of 1900 was characterized by
- A.
Prejudice against Asian people and countries.
- B.
An emphasis on sensationalism as a way of selling newspapers.
- C.
A desire to present the news in an objective manner.
- D.
An unwillingness to take editorial positions on political issues.
Correct Answer
B. An emphasis on sensationalism as a way of selling newspapers.Explanation
During the yellow journalism era in 1900, newspapers focused on sensationalism to attract readers and increase sales. This type of journalism prioritized sensational and exaggerated stories rather than presenting objective news. By using attention-grabbing headlines and exaggerated details, newspapers aimed to captivate audiences and increase their circulation. This emphasis on sensationalism allowed newspapers to sell more copies and generate higher profits. The yellow journalism era was not characterized by a desire to present news objectively or an unwillingness to take editorial positions on political issues.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Education is strong predictor of voter turnout. Persons with a college education are much more likely to vote than are persons with a grade school education.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that research has consistently shown a strong correlation between education level and voter turnout. People with a college education tend to have higher levels of civic engagement and political knowledge, which makes them more likely to vote. On the other hand, individuals with a grade school education may face barriers such as lower levels of political awareness or limited access to information, which can reduce their likelihood of voting. Therefore, it is true that education is a strong predictor of voter turnout.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Voter turnout in the U.S. appears to be unrelated to economic status. High and low income Americans are equally likely to vote.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. Voter turnout in the U.S. is actually related to economic status. Research has consistently shown that individuals with higher income levels are more likely to vote compared to those with lower income levels. This is because higher income individuals often have more resources, such as time and education, which can facilitate their participation in the electoral process. On the other hand, lower income individuals may face barriers such as lack of transportation or work schedule conflicts that can hinder their ability to vote.Rate this question:
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- 27.
In U.S. presidential elections, retrospective voters generally judge incumbent candidates based on _____.
- A.
Opinion polls
- B.
Economic conditions
- C.
Their policies
- D.
Their leadership skills
Correct Answer
B. Economic conditionsExplanation
Retrospective voters in U.S. presidential elections tend to evaluate incumbent candidates based on economic conditions. This means that they consider factors such as the state of the economy, job growth, inflation rates, and overall financial well-being when deciding whether to support the current president or choose a new candidate. This is because voters often believe that the performance of the economy reflects the effectiveness of the incumbent's policies and leadership skills.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Congress sets the requirements for who can vote in federal elections.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because Congress does not have the authority to set the requirements for who can vote in federal elections. The power to determine voter qualifications is primarily delegated to the states. Each state has the ability to establish its own rules and regulations regarding voter eligibility, as long as they comply with the constitutional provisions protecting voting rights. While Congress can pass laws to protect voting rights and prohibit discrimination, it does not have the sole authority to determine who can vote in federal elections.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Prospective voting is characterized by
- A.
A sudden shift in the vote from one party to another.
- B.
Choices based on party loyalty.
- C.
Choices based on government’s performance.
- D.
Choices based on awareness of the candidates’ positions on issues.
Correct Answer
D. Choices based on awareness of the candidates’ positions on issues.Explanation
Prospective voting is characterized by choices based on awareness of the candidates' positions on issues. This means that voters consider the candidates' stances on various issues and make their decision based on which candidate aligns more closely with their own beliefs and values. This type of voting behavior is forward-looking, as it focuses on the candidates' future actions and policies rather than past performance or party loyalty. It allows voters to make informed choices and select candidates who they believe will best represent their interests and values.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Federal law limits the amounts of money that can be contributed by individuals, political action committees, and political parties to the campaigns of candidates for federal office.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Federal law does indeed impose limits on the amounts of money that individuals, political action committees (PACs), and political parties can contribute to the campaigns of candidates running for federal office. These limits are put in place to prevent excessive or undue influence of money in political campaigns and to promote fairness and transparency in the electoral process.Rate this question:
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