AP Government ChAPters 8 And 11

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AP Government Quizzes & Trivia

Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    In the description of political parties as "three-headed political giants," which of the following is NOT considered one of those three heads?

    • A.

      The party out of power.

    • B.

      The party in the electorate.

    • C.

      The party as an organization.

    • D.

      The party in government.

    • E.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. The party out of power.
    Explanation
    In the description of political parties as "three-headed political giants," the three heads refer to the party in the electorate, the party as an organization, and the party in government. The party out of power is not considered one of those three heads.

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  • 2. 

    The key spokespersons for political parties come from which of its major components?

    • A.

      The leaders of the party organization.

    • B.

      The party as an organization.

    • C.

      The party in the electorate.

    • D.

      The party out of power.

    • E.

      The party in government.

    Correct Answer
    E. The party in government.
    Explanation
    The key spokespersons for political parties come from the party in government. This means that the individuals who hold positions of power within the government, such as the president, prime minister, or other high-ranking officials, are typically the ones who speak on behalf of the party. They are responsible for communicating the party's policies, agendas, and decisions to the public and media. As they are in positions of authority and have direct influence over government affairs, they are considered the main representatives of the party.

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  • 3. 

    Which of the following do you need to do to become a Republican or Democrat?

    • A.

      Prove that you've voted for the party.

    • B.

      Give money.

    • C.

      Formally join the party.

    • D.

      Add your name to the mailing list.

    • 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.
    Explanation
    To become a Republican or Democrat, the only requirement is to believe that you belong to the party of your choice. There is no need to prove voting history, give money, formally join the party, or add your name to the mailing list. The key factor is personal belief in aligning with the chosen political party.

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  • 4. 

    The people who keep the party running between elections and make its rules are members of which "head" of the party?

    • A.

      Permanent party

    • B.

      Party in government

    • C.

      Party in the states

    • D.

      Party in the electorate.

    Correct Answer
    B. Party in government
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Party in government." The party in government refers to the group of individuals who are currently in power and hold government positions. These individuals are responsible for making decisions, implementing policies, and running the country or state. They play a crucial role in shaping the party's agenda and ensuring its continuity between elections.

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  • 5. 

    The political "party in the electorate" is defined as people who

    • A.

      Work for a party's candidates.

    • B.

      Register as members of a party.

    • C.

      Walk door-to-door to meet the voters and personally campaign for their party's candidates.

    • D.

      Identify with the party.

    • E.

      Vote for the candidates from one party.

    Correct Answer
    D. Identify with the party.
    Explanation
    The political "party in the electorate" refers to the group of individuals who align themselves with a particular political party. This means that they share the party's values, beliefs, and goals, and feel a sense of identification with the party. This group may include individuals who work for the party's candidates, register as party members, campaign for the party's candidates, and vote for candidates from the party. However, the defining characteristic of the "party in the electorate" is their identification with the party.

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  • 6. 

    A party's endorsement to officially run for office as the candidate of that party is called

    • A.

      A conformation.

    • B.

      An appointment.

    • C.

      A ticket.

    • D.

      A nomination.

    • E.

      A ballot.

    Correct Answer
    D. A nomination.
    Explanation
    A party's endorsement to officially run for office as the candidate of that party is called a nomination. This means that the party has chosen and approved the individual to represent them in the election.

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  • 7. 

    As _________, political parties serve the role of translating inputs from the public into outputs from policymakers.

    • A.

      Superdelegates

    • B.

      Political converters

    • C.

      Coalitions

    • D.

      Machines

    • E.

      Linkage institutions

    Correct Answer
    E. Linkage institutions
    Explanation
    Linkage institutions serve as a connection between the public and policymakers, translating the inputs from the public into outputs from policymakers. They play a crucial role in the democratic process by facilitating the flow of information, interests, and demands between citizens and the government. These institutions can include political parties, interest groups, elections, and the media, among others. Through their activities, linkage institutions help to ensure that the public's concerns and preferences are represented and addressed in the policymaking process.

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  • 8. 

    American political parties tend to take middle-of-the-road stands on major issues

    • A.

      Because most of the American electorate are centrist.

    • B.

      Only because the party's candidates are so afraid of alienating those on different sides of issues.

    • C.

      While the public tends to have stronger opinions.

    • D.

      In spite of evidence that more extreme positions generate more excitement and likelihood for electoral victory.

    • E.

      Because most of the American electorate do not have political opinions.

    Correct Answer
    A. Because most of the American electorate are centrist.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is because most of the American electorate are centrist. This is because political parties in America tend to adopt middle-of-the-road stands on major issues in order to appeal to the majority of voters who hold centrist views. By taking moderate positions, parties can attract a broader base of support and increase their chances of electoral success.

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  • 9. 

    Each party holds a national convention every

    • A.

      Six years

    • B.

      Five years

    • C.

      Four years

    • D.

      Year

    • E.

      Two years

    Correct Answer
    C. Four years
    Explanation
    National conventions are typically held by political parties to nominate their candidates for the presidential election. These conventions serve as a platform for party members to come together and discuss their party's policies and strategies. The correct answer is "four years" because national conventions are held once every four years in the United States. This coincides with the presidential election cycle, where the parties nominate their candidates for the presidency.

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  • 10. 

    Which is primarily responsible for crafting the political party's platform and for nominating its candidates for president and vice president?

    • A.

      National committee

    • B.

      Primary committee

    • C.

      Party in government

    • D.

      Party in the electorate

    • E.

      National convention

    Correct Answer
    E. National convention
    Explanation
    The national convention is primarily responsible for crafting the political party's platform and nominating its candidates for president and vice president. This event brings together party delegates from across the country to discuss and determine the party's official stance on various issues. It is during the national convention that the party's platform is drafted and finalized. Additionally, the convention serves as a platform for the nomination of the party's candidates for the highest offices in the country, providing a formal endorsement and launching their campaigns.

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  • 11. 

    When asked about the most important challenge of running party organizations, the national party chairman of both parties replied

    • A.

      "organization."

    • B.

      "money."

    • C.

      "time."

    • D.

      "competent staff."

    • E.

      "finding good candidates."

    Correct Answer
    B. "money."
    Explanation
    The national party chairman of both parties replied "money" when asked about the most important challenge of running party organizations. This suggests that they believe that the availability of financial resources is crucial for the functioning and success of political parties. Money is needed for various activities such as organizing campaigns, advertising, recruiting staff, and supporting candidates. Without sufficient funds, parties may struggle to effectively reach out to voters, mobilize support, and compete with rival parties. Therefore, the chairman's emphasis on money highlights its significance in overcoming challenges and achieving the objectives of party organizations.

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  • 12. 

    The chairperson of the party that controls the White House is normally selected by

    • A.

      Closed primary.

    • B.

      Members of the party in Congress.

    • C.

      The committee of state chairpersons.

    • D.

      The president.

    • E.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. The president.
    Explanation
    The chairperson of the party that controls the White House is normally selected by the president. The president, as the leader of the party, typically has a significant influence over the selection process and can appoint a chairperson who aligns with their goals and policies. This allows the president to have greater control and coordination within their party, ensuring that the chairperson supports their agenda. The other options, such as closed primary, members of the party in Congress, or the committee of state chairpersons, do not typically have the authority to directly select the chairperson of the party that controls the White House.

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  • 13. 

    An example of a critical election is

    • A.

      The displacement of the majority Republicans with the Democrats during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

    • B.

      The emergence of the Republican Party during the Civil War.

    • C.

      The election of George W. Bush following the 1994 Republican takeover of the House of Representatives.

    • D.

      All of the above

    • E.

      Both A and B

    Correct Answer
    E. Both A and B
    Explanation
    Both A and B can be considered examples of critical elections. The displacement of the majority Republicans with the Democrats during the Great Depression of the 1930s was a significant shift in political power and marked a turning point in American politics. Similarly, the emergence of the Republican Party during the Civil War was a transformative event that led to the realignment of political parties. Both of these elections had long-lasting effects on the political landscape of the United States.

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  • 14. 

    The first party system in the United States consisted of the

    • A.

      Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

    • B.

      Democratic-Republicans and Whigs.

    • C.

      Federalists and Whigs.

    • D.

      Democrats and Whigs.

    • E.

      Democrats and Republicans.

    Correct Answer
    A. Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
    Explanation
    The first party system in the United States consisted of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. This system emerged in the late 18th century and lasted until the early 19th century. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, advocated for a strong central government, a national bank, and a pro-British foreign policy. On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, favored states' rights, agrarianism, and a pro-French foreign policy. These two parties represented the main political divide during this period, with the Federalists eventually declining in influence and the Democratic-Republicans evolving into the modern Democratic Party.

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  • 15. 

    The first American political party evolved

    • A.

      From the supporters of George Washington's first campaign for president.

    • B.

      Out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank.

    • C.

      During the Constitutional Convention.

    • D.

      Out of Thomas Jefferson's efforts to get the Declaration of Independence adopted.

    • E.

      Out of public disgust over the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, leading to calls to solve conflicts through peaceful party competition.

    Correct Answer
    B. Out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank. This is because Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, proposed the creation of a national bank in order to stabilize the nation's finances and promote economic growth. His efforts to convince Congress to establish the bank were met with opposition, leading to the formation of the first American political party, the Federalist Party, which supported Hamilton's economic policies and the establishment of the bank.

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  • 16. 

    In the second party system in United States history, the election contests were between which two major parties?

    • A.

      Democrats and Republicans

    • B.

      Federalists and Anti-Federalists

    • C.

      Republicans and Whigs

    • D.

      Federalists and Whigs

    • E.

      Democrats and Whigs

    Correct Answer
    E. Democrats and Whigs
    Explanation
    In the second party system in United States history, the major parties that competed in election contests were the Democrats and the Whigs. The Democrats, led by Andrew Jackson, advocated for the common man and supported states' rights. The Whigs, on the other hand, were a coalition of various groups opposed to Jackson's policies. They favored a stronger federal government and supported industrialization and modernization. This era saw intense political battles between these two parties, shaping the political landscape of the United States during the mid-19th century.

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  • 17. 

    The Republican party began as the

    • A.

      Party of the state's rights and silver money.

    • B.

      Party of big business interests.

    • C.

      Party of the New Deal.

    • D.

      Principal antislavery party.

    • E.

      Principal proslavery party.

    Correct Answer
    D. Principal antislavery party.
    Explanation
    The Republican party began as the principal antislavery party. This is because the party was formed in the mid-1850s as a response to the expansion of slavery into new territories. The party's main goal was to oppose the spread of slavery and promote the rights and freedom of enslaved individuals. This stance on slavery eventually led to the party's success in the 1860 presidential election with the election of Abraham Lincoln, who was known for his anti-slavery views.

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  • 18. 

    The theory that seeks to explain political processes and outcomes as consequences of purposive behavior is called the

    • A.

      Goals theory.

    • B.

      Behaviorism.

    • C.

      Means-ends theory.

    • D.

      Cognitive theory.

    • E.

      Rational-choice theory.

    Correct Answer
    E. Rational-choice theory.
    Explanation
    Rational-choice theory is the theory that seeks to explain political processes and outcomes as consequences of purposive behavior. It suggests that individuals and groups make rational decisions based on their preferences and goals, weighing the costs and benefits of different choices. This theory assumes that individuals act in their own self-interest and are motivated by maximizing their utility. It provides a framework for understanding how political actors make decisions and how these decisions shape political outcomes.

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  • 19. 

    Ticket splitting refers to

    • A.

      Voting for a party other than the one you identify with.

    • B.

      Voting with one party in the presidential election, and another party in the next presidential election.

    • C.

      Voting for one party for one office, and another party for other offices.

    • D.

      The procedure used to conduct computerized, automated vote counting.

    • E.

      Switching membership in political parties.

    Correct Answer
    C. Voting for one party for one office, and another party for other offices.
    Explanation
    Ticket splitting refers to voting for one party for one office, and another party for other offices. This means that a voter may choose to support a candidate from one political party for a specific position, such as president, while supporting candidates from a different party for other positions, such as senators or governors. This practice allows individuals to express their preference for candidates from different parties based on their qualifications and policies for specific offices, rather than strictly aligning with one party across the board.

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  • 20. 

    Power in the major United States political parties is

    • A.

      Hierarchically distributed from the national to local levels.

    • B.

      Concentrated in party machines at the local level.

    • C.

      Concentrated in the state parties, with national and local organizations playing only minor roles.

    • D.

      Fragmented among local, state, and national party organizations.

    • E.

      Centralized in national party organizations.

    Correct Answer
    D. Fragmented among local, state, and national party organizations.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is fragmented among local, state, and national party organizations. This means that power within the major United States political parties is not centralized in one specific level or organization. Instead, power is distributed among various levels, including local, state, and national party organizations. This allows for a more decentralized approach to decision-making and party governance, with each level having its own degree of influence and autonomy.

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  • 21. 

    What are patronage jobs?

    • A.

      A description of anyone who worked in the Daley administration in Chicago.

    • B.

      Jobs that manage volunteers.

    • C.

      Jobs given for political reasons rather than for merit or competence.

    • D.

      Jobs in the national convention.

    • E.

      Jobs given on the basis of merit rather than for political reasons.

    Correct Answer
    C. Jobs given for political reasons rather than for merit or competence.
    Explanation
    Patronage jobs refer to positions that are filled based on political affiliation or support rather than qualifications or competence. In this context, it specifically refers to the practice of giving jobs in the Daley administration in Chicago based on political reasons rather than merit. This means that individuals are hired or appointed to these positions not because of their skills or abilities, but because of their political connections or loyalty.

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  • 22. 

    A party machine is a kind of local party organization that

    • A.

      Threatens the efficiency of state and local party organizations.

    • B.

      Remains strong in most large American cities.

    • C.

      Uses specific and material inducements to win party loyalty and power.

    • D.

      Has recently come to depend heavily on ethnic group support.

    • E.

      Specializes in computerized mass mailings both to raise funds and influence voters on behalf of their candidates.

    Correct Answer
    C. Uses specific and material inducements to win party loyalty and power.
    Explanation
    The correct answer suggests that a party machine is a local party organization that uses specific and material inducements to win party loyalty and power. This means that they offer incentives or rewards to individuals in order to gain their support and increase their influence within the party. This tactic can be seen as a threat to the efficiency of state and local party organizations, as it may undermine their authority and control.

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  • 23. 

    What was one of the reasons that urban party machines are no longer very active?

    • A.

      Regulations concerning fair bidding on government contracts were struck down.

    • B.

      Ethnic integration has become less prevalent.

    • C.

      All of the party bosses died out.

    • D.

      Progressive regulations were struck down by the Supreme Court.

    • E.

      Progressive reforms that placed jobs under the merit system weakened the machines' power.

    Correct Answer
    E. Progressive reforms that placed jobs under the merit system weakened the machines' power.
    Explanation
    One of the reasons that urban party machines are no longer very active is because progressive reforms were implemented, which placed jobs under the merit system. This weakened the power of the machines as they were no longer able to distribute jobs based on political patronage or favoritism. The merit system ensured that jobs were awarded based on qualifications and merit, reducing the influence and control of the party machines in the hiring process.

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  • 24. 

    Closed primaries

    • A.

      Discourage party loyalty.

    • B.

      Cost less than open primaries.

    • C.

      Encourage party loyalty.

    • D.

      Depress voter turnout.

    • E.

      Have fewer undercounts.

    Correct Answer
    C. Encourage party loyalty.
    Explanation
    Closed primaries encourage party loyalty because they only allow registered party members to participate in the selection of their party's candidate. This system ensures that only committed party supporters have a say in the nomination process, promoting a sense of loyalty and commitment to the party. By excluding independent and unaffiliated voters, closed primaries aim to strengthen party cohesion and prevent outsiders from influencing the candidate selection.

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  • 25. 

    Blanket primaries

    • A.

      Discourage party loyalty.

    • B.

      Have fewer undercounts.

    • C.

      Cost less than open primaries.

    • D.

      Depress voter turnout.

    • E.

      Encourage party loyalty.

    Correct Answer
    E. Encourage party loyalty.
    Explanation
    Blanket primaries encourage party loyalty because they allow voters to choose candidates from any political party, regardless of their own party affiliation. This system encourages voters to consider candidates from different parties and may lead to a stronger identification and loyalty towards a specific party. By allowing voters to participate in the selection process of candidates from multiple parties, blanket primaries encourage party members to engage more actively in the political process and support their preferred party.

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  • 26. 

    Which of the following is FALSE?

    • A.

      State parties are on the downswing throughout the country.

    • B.

      State parties' budgets have increased dramatically since the late 1970s.

    • C.

      Today, almost all state parties have permanent physical headquarters and professional staff.

    • D.

      State parties are on the upswing throughout the country.

    • E.

      A, C, and D

    Correct Answer
    A. State parties are on the downswing throughout the country.
  • 27. 

    The Republicans lost the election of 1932 primarily due to

    • A.

      Hitler's election as chancellor of Germany and the Republican's failure to prevent it.

    • B.

      The failure of the Republicans to hold onto the support of urban industrialists.

    • C.

      The nomination of a popular war hero by the Democrats.

    • D.

      President Herbert Hoover's handling of the Depression.

    • E.

      Rising political and economic instability in Europe.

    Correct Answer
    D. President Herbert Hoover's handling of the Depression.
    Explanation
    The Republicans lost the election of 1932 primarily due to President Herbert Hoover's handling of the Depression. This explanation suggests that Hoover's response to the economic crisis, which included limited government intervention and a belief in the self-correcting nature of the market, was seen as ineffective and out of touch with the needs of the American people. As a result, voters turned to the Democrats, who promised a more active role in addressing the economic downturn. This election marked a significant shift in public sentiment and set the stage for Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies.

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  • 28. 

    Between the 1930s and the 1960s, people attracted to the Democratic party included

    • A.

      Protestants and Jews.

    • B.

      The college-educated and business owners.

    • C.

      Northerners and the rich.

    • D.

      Farmers and rural dwellers.

    • E.

      Urban working class and intellectuals.

    Correct Answer
    E. Urban working class and intellectuals.
    Explanation
    During the period between the 1930s and the 1960s, the Democratic party attracted urban working class and intellectuals. This can be attributed to various factors such as the New Deal policies implemented by Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which aimed to address the economic hardships faced by the working class during the Great Depression. Additionally, the Democratic party's support for civil rights and social welfare programs appealed to intellectuals who were concerned about social justice issues. Hence, urban working class and intellectuals were drawn to the Democratic party during this time.

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  • 29. 

    Which of the following is FALSE?

    • A.

      Jews identify overwhelmingly with the Republican party.

    • B.

      Most White Evangelicals identify with the Republican party.

    • C.

      A majority of Americans age 65 and older identify with the Democratic Party.

    • D.

      African Americans identify overwhelmingly with the Democratic Party.

    • E.

      A majority of Americans under the age of 30 identify with the Democratic Party.

    Correct Answer
    A. Jews identify overwhelmingly with the Republican party.
  • 30. 

    What was a major factor that led to the Democrats' loss of power in 1968?

    • A.

      The Civil Rights Movement.

    • B.

      The beginning of the Cold War.

    • C.

      The assassination of JFK.

    • D.

      The end of World War II.

    • E.

      Johnson's Vietnam policies.

    Correct Answer
    E. Johnson's Vietnam policies.
    Explanation
    Johnson's Vietnam policies were a major factor that led to the Democrats' loss of power in 1968. During his presidency, Johnson escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, which caused widespread opposition and protests across the country. Many Americans felt that the war was unjust and unnecessary, leading to a loss of public support for the Democratic Party. Additionally, the war divided the party, with some Democrats supporting Johnson's policies and others vehemently opposing them. This division and the overall unpopularity of the war contributed to the Democrats' loss in the 1968 elections.

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  • 31. 

    In 2000, Green Party candidate Ralph Nader forced more attention on _______ issues and drew away a small percentage of votes from Al Gore.

    • A.

      Environmental

    • B.

      Budgetary

    • C.

      Health

    • D.

      National security welfare

    • E.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Environmental
    Explanation
    Ralph Nader, as a Green Party candidate in the 2000 election, drew attention to environmental issues. This focus on environmental concerns likely attracted voters who were particularly concerned about these issues, potentially diverting some votes away from Al Gore, the Democratic candidate.

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  • 32. 

    Which of the following is TRUE about most third-party campaigns in American history?

    • A.

      They usually become major political parties over time.

    • B.

      The frequently are successful.

    • C.

      They occasionally succeed.

    • D.

      They almost never win office.

    • E.

      They have been most successful at promoting party dealignment.

    Correct Answer
    D. They almost never win office.
    Explanation
    Most third-party campaigns in American history almost never win office. This implies that these campaigns have a very low success rate when it comes to actually winning elections. While third-party campaigns may occasionally succeed or be successful in certain aspects, the statement "They almost never win office" suggests that the primary goal of winning political office is rarely achieved by these campaigns.

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  • 33. 

    An electoral system in which legislative seats are awarded only to the candidates who come in first in their constituencies is called a ________ system.

    • A.

      Republican

    • B.

      Liberal

    • C.

      Winner-take-all

    • D.

      Democratic

    • E.

      Proportional

    Correct Answer
    C. Winner-take-all
    Explanation
    A winner-take-all electoral system is one in which the candidate who receives the most votes in a constituency is awarded the legislative seat. This means that even if a candidate wins by a small margin, they still receive the entire seat, while the other candidates receive nothing. This system is often used in countries like the United States, where the candidate who wins the most votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes. It can lead to a lack of representation for minority parties or viewpoints, as only the candidate with the most popular support is rewarded.

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  • 34. 

    In a winner-take-all system,

    • A.

      If no single party gets a majority vote, a runoff election is held between the top two parties.

    • B.

      Legislative seats are allocated according to each party's percentage of the nationwide vote.

    • C.

      The party winning the majority of votes wins all the seats up for election in the legislature.

    • D.

      Unless a party wins, there is no reward for the votes it gets.

    • E.

      Coalition governments are common.

    Correct Answer
    D. Unless a party wins, there is no reward for the votes it gets.
    Explanation
    In a winner-take-all system, unless a party wins, there is no reward for the votes it gets. This means that if a party does not receive the majority of votes, it will not receive any representation or seats in the legislature. In this system, only the party that wins the majority of votes is rewarded with all the seats up for election. This can lead to a lack of representation for parties that do not win, potentially resulting in a less diverse or inclusive legislature. Coalition governments are not common in a winner-take-all system as it favors a two-party system.

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  • 35. 

    The "three-headed political giant" refers to the three branches of government.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because the "three-headed political giant" does not refer to the three branches of government. The term "three-headed political giant" is not commonly used or recognized as a metaphor for the branches of government. It is more likely that the term refers to something else entirely, such as a political alliance or a powerful political figure with three distinct aspects or powers.

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  • 36. 

    The largest component of political parties is the party as an organization.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The largest component of political parties is not the party as an organization. There are other components, such as the party's members, supporters, and voters, that can be larger and have a greater influence on the party's functioning and success. The organization itself is just one part of the larger political party structure.

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  • 37. 

    According to rational-choice theory, the two party system in the United States tends to push political parties toward extreme positions.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    Rational-choice theory suggests that in a two-party system, political parties are more likely to adopt moderate positions in order to appeal to a broader range of voters and increase their chances of winning elections. This is because they need to capture the support of swing voters who may not align strongly with either party. Therefore, the statement that the two-party system tends to push political parties toward extreme positions is not supported by rational-choice theory.

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  • 38. 

    The most successful parties throughout American history have been those parties willing to adopt unconventional views.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    Throughout American history, the most successful parties have not necessarily been those willing to adopt unconventional views. In fact, many successful parties have been able to gain support by appealing to mainstream or traditional views. While unconventional views may have their place in shaping political discourse, they are not always a guarantee of success for a political party. Therefore, the statement that the most successful parties have been those willing to adopt unconventional views is false.

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  • 39. 

    People who call themselves Independent are the least likely among voters to engage in ticket splitting.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because people who call themselves Independent are actually more likely to engage in ticket splitting compared to other voters. Independent voters tend to have a more flexible political ideology and are less likely to strictly align themselves with a single party. This makes them more open to voting for candidates from different parties, resulting in ticket splitting.

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  • 40. 

    A patronage job is a job awarded on the basis of skill and merit.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    A patronage job is a job awarded based on personal connections, favoritism, or political influence rather than skill and merit. Therefore, the statement "A patronage job is a job awarded on the basis of skill and merit" is incorrect.

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  • 41. 

    Only people who are registered in advance with a party can vote in its primary.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement indicates that only individuals who have registered in advance with a specific political party are eligible to vote in that party's primary election. This means that individuals who are not registered with a particular party will not be able to participate in its primary election. Therefore, the correct answer is "True."

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  • 42. 

    Research suggest that the vast majority of party platform promises are never actually fulfilled.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The explanation for the answer "False" is that research suggests that the vast majority of party platform promises are never actually fulfilled. This means that most of the promises made by political parties in their platforms are not implemented or carried out. Therefore, the statement is true, not false.

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  • 43. 

    Third parties almost never win office in the United States, but they sometimes have an effect on the Electoral College vote and have served as "safety valves" for expressing popular discontent.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Third parties in the United States rarely win office, meaning they do not typically secure the presidency or other major political positions. However, they can still impact the Electoral College vote and serve as a means for people to express their dissatisfaction with the two major parties. These third parties may not win elections, but they can influence the political landscape and provide an outlet for voters who feel disillusioned with the main political options.

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  • 44. 

    Individual members of Congress receive great pressure to follow party policy, which leads to coherent party programs being passed by Congress.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    Individual members of Congress do face pressure to follow party policy, but this does not necessarily lead to coherent party programs being passed by Congress. In fact, the pressure to conform to party policy can sometimes lead to gridlock and the inability to pass meaningful legislation. Additionally, there are often divisions within parties, and members may have their own individual priorities and interests that can influence their decision-making. Therefore, it is not always the case that party policy leads to coherent party programs being passed.

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  • 45. 

    The term interest group can be generally defined as

    • A.

      An organization that seeks a collective good, the achievement of which will not specifically or materially benefit the membership or activists of the organization.

    • B.

      An organization of people who share a common interest who run candidates in elections sympathetic to that interest.

    • C.

      An organization of people with similar policy goals entering the political process to try to achieve those aims.

    • D.

      A group that has a narrow interest, dislikes compromise, and single-mindedly pursues its goal.

    • E.

      All people who share some common interest regardless of whether they join an organization promoting that interest.

    Correct Answer
    C. An organization of people with similar policy goals entering the political process to try to achieve those aims.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "an organization of people with similar policy goals entering the political process to try to achieve those aims." This answer accurately describes interest groups as organizations that are formed by individuals who share common policy goals and work together to influence the political process in order to achieve those goals. Interest groups are focused on specific issues and use various tactics, such as lobbying and advocacy, to promote their policy objectives.

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  • 46. 

    _________ helps explain why public interest lobbies have relatively small proportions of actual members.

    • A.

      The rise of political action committees

    • B.

      Olson's law of large groups

    • C.

      Special interest liberalism

    • D.

      The free-rider problem

    • E.

      Tougher regulation of all lobbyists

    Correct Answer
    D. The free-rider problem
    Explanation
    The free-rider problem helps explain why public interest lobbies have relatively small proportions of actual members. This problem occurs when individuals benefit from the actions of a group or organization without contributing to its efforts or costs. In the context of public interest lobbies, people may choose not to join or contribute financially because they believe that their individual participation will not significantly impact the group's overall goals. They can still benefit from the group's achievements without actively participating, leading to a smaller number of actual members in these lobbies.

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  • 47. 

    Clean air, a tax write-off, and a raised minimum wage are examples of

    • A.

      Potential problems.

    • B.

      Single-issue interest groups.

    • C.

      Selective benefits.

    • D.

      Collective goods.

    • E.

      Free-rider problems.

    Correct Answer
    D. Collective goods.
    Explanation
    Clean air, a tax write-off, and a raised minimum wage are examples of collective goods. Collective goods are goods or benefits that are available to all members of a group or society, regardless of their individual contributions. In this case, clean air, a tax write-off, and a raised minimum wage are all examples of benefits that are enjoyed by everyone in society, regardless of whether or not they actively contribute to achieving or maintaining these benefits.

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  • 48. 

    An advantage for small groups is that

    • A.

      Free-riders can be forced out of the organization, creating more unity.

    • B.

      It is easier to reconcile divergent interests in small groups.

    • C.

      Collective goods do not have to share with the big interests.

    • D.

      They are able to "hide" in the political process so that opposing groups are not able to organize against them.

    • E.

      There is more a stake for each member, making it easier to organize and activate all members.

    Correct Answer
    E. There is more a stake for each member, making it easier to organize and activate all members.
    Explanation
    In small groups, each member has a greater stake in the group's success. This means that they are more motivated to actively participate and contribute to the group's goals. With a higher level of commitment from each member, it becomes easier to organize and activate all members towards achieving the group's objectives. This advantage is not present in larger groups where individual contributions may be diluted, and there is less personal investment in the group's outcomes.

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  • 49. 

    The primary way that groups overcome Olson's law is through

    • A.

      Selective benefits.

    • B.

      Decentralizing.

    • C.

      Reducing membership fees.

    • D.

      Centralizing.

    • E.

      Mandatory membership.

    Correct Answer
    A. Selective benefits.
    Explanation
    Groups can overcome Olson's law, which states that individuals have little incentive to join and participate in collective action, by offering selective benefits. Selective benefits are exclusive advantages or rewards that are only available to members of the group. By providing these benefits, such as access to resources, networking opportunities, or specialized information, groups can incentivize individuals to join and actively participate. This helps to overcome the free-rider problem and encourages individuals to contribute to the collective goals of the group. Decentralizing, reducing membership fees, centralizing, and mandatory membership are not directly related to overcoming Olson's law.

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  • 50. 

    "A communication by something other than a citizen acting on his own behalf, directed to a governmental decision maker with the hope of influencing his decision" is called

    • A.

      Electioneering.

    • B.

      Litigating.

    • C.

      Lobbying.

    • D.

      Free-riding.

    • E.

      Collective benefits.

    Correct Answer
    C. Lobbying.
    Explanation
    Lobbying refers to the act of communicating with a government decision maker in an attempt to influence their decisions. It involves individuals or groups advocating for specific policies or interests, often on behalf of an organization or special interest group. This definition aligns with the given explanation, making lobbying the correct answer.

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Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 24, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Hookemhorns6767
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