AP Government ChAPters 9 & 10

Frontloading refers to the practice of states scheduling their primary elections early in the calendar year, usually before other states, in order to gain more media attention and influence the outcome of the nomination process. This strategy allows states to have a greater impact on the selection of a party's candidate, as candidates are more likely to focus their resources and campaigning efforts on states with early primaries. Therefore, the statement that the recent tendency of states to hold primaries early in the calendar year in order to capitalize on media attention is called frontloading is true.

The statement correctly defines the term "party platform" as the goals and policies of a political party for the next four years. This platform serves as a guiding document for the party's actions and positions on various issues during their term. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct.

The statement suggests that it is possible to manipulate a candidate's appearance in a way that has an impact on voters. This implies that altering how a candidate presents themselves or how they are portrayed can influence voters' perceptions and decisions.

Elections primarily serve the functions of selecting public officials, connecting citizens to government officials, and providing legitimacy to the political system. However, they do not directly serve the function of making and coordinating public policy. While elected officials may have the authority to make and coordinate public policy, this is not the primary purpose of elections themselves. Elections are more focused on the democratic process of choosing representatives rather than the actual policy-making process.

The national party convention is a significant event where members of a political party gather to choose their party's candidates for the presidency and vice presidency. Additionally, during the convention, party members also work together to develop and finalize a party platform, which outlines the party's beliefs, goals, and policy positions. Therefore, the statement that the national party convention functions to select presidential and vice presidential candidates and to write a party platform is true.

The Motor Voter Act, also known as the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, was enacted to simplify the voter registration process. It requires states to offer voter registration opportunities when individuals apply for or renew their driver's licenses or other identification cards. Additionally, it mandates that registration forms be made available at various government agencies, such as public assistance offices and military recruitment centers. Therefore, the statement that the Motor Voter Act made voter registration easier is true.

The Federal Election Commission is a bipartisan body responsible for administering campaign finance laws and enforcing compliance with those laws. This means that it is a neutral organization that oversees the regulations and rules regarding how campaigns are funded and ensures that candidates and political parties follow these laws. It does not favor any specific political party and its main focus is on maintaining transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

527 groups are a type of tax-exempt organization in the United States that are involved in political activities. These groups are prohibited from explicitly urging citizens to vote for or against a specific candidate. This is because they are classified as tax-exempt organizations under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, which restricts them from engaging in certain activities that directly support or oppose political candidates. Therefore, the statement that 527 groups cannot explicitly urge citizens to vote for or against a candidate is true.

The United States has the lowest voter turnout rate compared to the other countries listed. This may be due to various factors such as the complexity of the voting process, lack of accessibility to polling stations, and voter apathy. Additionally, the United States does not have mandatory voting laws like some other countries, which could contribute to lower turnout rates.

States are responsible for choosing their state electors. This is true because according to the United States Constitution, each state has the power to determine how its electors are chosen. This means that states can decide whether to use a popular vote or another method to select their electors. This system allows each state to have control over the process and ensures that the voices of their citizens are represented in the Electoral College.

The first presidential caucus of the campaign season is traditionally held in Iowa. This is because Iowa holds the first-in-the-nation caucus, which is an important event in the U.S. presidential election process. Candidates spend a significant amount of time campaigning in Iowa and the state's caucus is seen as a crucial test of a candidate's viability and support. The Iowa caucus has a long-standing tradition and is considered an influential event in shaping the outcome of the presidential race.

Proposition 13 in California is indeed an example of an initiative petition. Initiative petitions are a form of direct democracy where citizens can propose and vote on laws or amendments. Proposition 13 was a ballot initiative passed in 1978 that significantly limited property tax increases in California. It was initiated by citizens who collected signatures to put it on the ballot, and it was ultimately approved by voters. Therefore, the given answer, "True," is correct.

The statement contradicts common knowledge and research findings. Studies have consistently shown that married individuals are more likely to vote compared to single individuals. Marriage often brings about a sense of responsibility, stability, and a desire to participate in civic duties, including voting. Additionally, married individuals may have more personal connections and social networks that encourage and motivate them to vote. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

The Motor Voter Act implemented a new way to register to vote by checking a box on your license application or renewal form. This means that individuals can conveniently register to vote while applying for or renewing their driver's license. This method aims to increase voter registration by making the process more accessible and integrated into routine administrative tasks.

The correct answer is "The suffrage has broadened, and the turnout has increased." This means that over the past 100 years, more people have gained the right to vote (suffrage has broadened), and there has been an increase in the number of people actually participating in elections (turnout has increased).

Rational people might decide that the costs of voting outweigh the benefits means that individuals who think logically and make decisions based on reason might determine that the disadvantages or expenses associated with voting are greater than the advantages or rewards. This suggests that some people may choose not to vote because they believe it is not worth the effort or time. Therefore, the statement is true.

The correct answer is "ordinary people can influence the government." Political efficacy refers to an individual's belief that their actions and participation in the political process can have an impact on the government. It is the belief that ordinary citizens can make a difference by voting, engaging in political activism, and holding their elected officials accountable. This belief is essential for a healthy democracy as it encourages citizen engagement and participation in the political system.

Having a college degree is more likely to make someone vote in an election because individuals with higher levels of education tend to be more politically engaged and informed. They are more likely to understand the importance of voting and the impact it can have on their lives and society as a whole. Additionally, having a college degree often correlates with higher socioeconomic status, which can provide individuals with more resources and opportunities to participate in the political process.

The "candidate-centered age" refers to a system of modern campaigns that allows politicians to have control over various aspects of their campaigns. They can decide on their own to run for office, build their own personal campaign organizations, raise their own campaign funds, and make individual promises about what they will do once they are in office. This shift towards a candidate-centered approach has given politicians more autonomy and has changed the dynamics of political campaigns.

The correct answer is the McGovern-Fraser Commission. The McGovern-Fraser Commission was responsible for opening up the process to choose delegates to the Democratic National Convention after the tumultuous events of 1968. This commission was formed in response to the widespread belief that the nomination process was undemocratic and needed reform. The commission's recommendations led to greater inclusion and participation, as well as the implementation of rules that required the representation of women, minorities, and young people in the delegate selection process. This marked a significant shift in the Democratic Party's approach to selecting delegates and making the nomination process more democratic.

The statement suggests that a large majority of the population who were eligible to vote participated in the election of 1896. This indicates a high level of engagement and interest in the political process during that time.

The focus of the election of 1896 was economics. This election marked a significant shift in American politics, as it centered around economic issues such as currency and tariffs. The two major candidates, William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan, had differing views on these economic matters, with McKinley advocating for the gold standard and Bryan supporting the free coinage of silver. The election ultimately resulted in a victory for McKinley, solidifying the dominance of pro-business and conservative economic policies for the next several decades.

The mandate theory of elections suggests that the election winner has authorization from voters to carry out his or her promised policies. This means that when a candidate wins an election, it is seen as a mandate from the voters to implement the policies that they campaigned on. It implies that the elected candidate has the support and backing of the majority of voters to carry out their proposed agenda. This theory emphasizes the importance of democratic representation and the idea that elected officials should act in accordance with the will of the people.

Anthony King's concept of "running scared" suggests that politicians do too little governing because they are perpetually campaigning. This means that instead of focusing on their responsibilities and making decisions for the betterment of the country, politicians are more concerned with staying in power and winning elections. They prioritize campaigning and pleasing the public rather than effectively governing and making necessary changes. This constant focus on campaigning leads to a lack of substantial governance and can hinder progress.

In the election of 1800, the decision was made by the House of Representatives. This was because no candidate received a majority of the electoral votes. According to the Constitution, when this happens, the House of Representatives has the responsibility to choose the President. They held a contingent election and ultimately decided the outcome of the election.

The given answer states that the criticism of the current system of presidential primaries and caucuses is that the media do not have enough of a role in the process. This implies that the media's involvement is considered inadequate or insufficient in shaping the primary and caucus outcomes. The other options listed as criticisms include the excessive influence of money, difficulty for officeholders to participate, excessive attention on early primaries, and candidates dropping out before most states have held their primary or caucus.

Elections serve multiple functions in a political system, including providing legitimacy to the political system, selecting public officials, and connecting citizens to government officials. However, the function that elections least serve is making and coordinating public policy. While elections can indirectly influence policy decisions by electing officials with certain policy preferences, the primary responsibility for making and coordinating public policy lies with the elected officials and the government institutions. Elections are more focused on the selection of representatives rather than directly engaging in the policy-making process.

The Supreme Court ruled in Bush v. Gore (2000) that more precise and consistent standards for evaluating ballots would have to be applied in all counties for ballot recounts to be valid. This means that the court required a uniform standard to be used across all counties in Florida when recounting the ballots, in order to ensure fairness and accuracy in the election process. The ruling aimed to prevent different counties from using different criteria for evaluating and counting the ballots, which could lead to inconsistent and potentially unfair results.

The president and vice president are not directly selected by the American people. Instead, they are elected through the Electoral College system. The American people vote for electors who then cast their votes for the president and vice president. Therefore, the statement is false.

To qualify for federal matching funds, a presidential candidate must raise $5,000 on their own in at least 20 states. This requirement ensures that the candidate has a broad base of support across the country and is not solely reliant on a few states or wealthy donors. By meeting this threshold, the candidate becomes eligible to receive matching funds from the federal government, which helps to finance their campaign. This system aims to promote fairness and reduce the influence of big money in elections.

Campaigns strengthen voter commitment to the usual party or the candidate they previously supported by emphasizing reinforcement as part of their campaign strategy. Reinforcement refers to the act of reinforcing or strengthening existing beliefs or behaviors. In the context of political campaigns, this could involve reminding voters of the party's or candidate's past achievements, promoting consistent messaging, or highlighting shared values and beliefs. By using reinforcement, campaigns aim to solidify support among their target audience and increase the likelihood of voter commitment and loyalty.

The statement is false because traditionally, Iowa holds the first presidential caucus, not primary, to choose delegates to each party's national conventions.

A national primary would not lengthen the time of the campaign because it would consolidate all the state primaries into one day, reducing the overall duration of the nomination process. This would allow for a more direct and efficient selection of candidates, as well as bring simplicity to the process. Additionally, a national primary would ensure that votes in one state do not have more political impact than votes in another, as all states would have an equal say in the nomination. It would also concentrate media coverage and increase interest and understanding by focusing on a single day of voting.

In 2004, the FEC ruled that 527 groups were not subject to strict contribution restrictions as long as their political messages did not contain explicit endorsements of candidates using phrases like "vote for" or "vote against." This means that these groups were allowed to receive contributions without limitations as long as their messages did not directly advocate for or against specific candidates. This ruling allowed 527 groups to have more flexibility in their political activities, as long as they avoided explicit endorsements.

The given statement is "Less than 30 percent of the population votes." The correct answer is "False." This means that the statement is not true, indicating that more than 30 percent of the population actually votes.

In the 1976 case of Buckley v. Valeo, the Supreme Court ruled that the limitation on the amount of money persons could contribute to their own election campaigns violated free speech and was unconstitutional. This means that individuals should have the right to spend their own money on their own campaigns without restrictions, as it is considered a form of expression protected by the First Amendment. The Court's decision emphasized the importance of political speech and the need to protect individuals' ability to financially support their own campaigns.

National campaigns in most advanced, industrialized countries are limited by law to no more than two months.

According to Herbert Alexander's "doctrine of sufficiency," there is a minimum amount of money that candidates must spend to have a chance at winning. This suggests that simply having more money than the opponent or being wealthier does not guarantee victory. Instead, the focus is on reaching a certain threshold of spending that is considered necessary for a candidate to be competitive in the election. This implies that financial resources play a significant role in a candidate's chances of winning, but it is not solely determined by the candidate's personal wealth or net worth.

Modern campaigns involve much more communication between candidates and voters than America's founders ever imagined. Candidates in modern campaigns make numerous promises during nominations and elections that would have jarred with the founders' notions of the public interest.

Intelligence is considered the least important dimension of a candidate's image because while it is valuable, it does not necessarily guarantee success in a role. Other qualities such as integrity, reliability, competence, and experience are often seen as more important as they contribute to an individual's ability to perform effectively and work well with others. Intelligence alone may not necessarily translate into practical skills, work ethic, or the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

Retrospective voting refers to voting for a candidate who promises to continue policies that have made you feel better off. This means that when individuals vote retrospectively, they consider the past performance of the candidate and evaluate whether their policies have positively impacted their lives. If they believe that the candidate's policies have made them better off, they are more likely to vote for that candidate in the future. This type of voting is based on the idea that past performance is a good indicator of future success, and individuals are motivated to vote for candidates who have a track record of policies that have benefited them.

The correct answer is state presidential primaries. State presidential primaries are the most common method used to select delegates to each major party's national convention. In these primaries, voters in each state directly choose their preferred candidate for the party's nomination. The results of these primaries determine the allocation of delegates to each candidate, with the goal of reflecting the will of the voters. This system allows for a more democratic and transparent process in selecting delegates for the national convention.

Individuals who believe that they can influence government are more likely to believe that government should have more power. This is because they have a sense of efficacy and confidence in their ability to shape and influence government decisions. They may view government as a tool for bringing about change and addressing societal issues, and therefore advocate for a stronger government that can effectively address these concerns.

Soft money refers to funds that are not directly given to a candidate's campaign but are used for other purposes related to the campaign. This includes expenses for voter registration drives and campaign material at the grass-roots level. Soft money is typically used to support the overall goals of a political party or campaign, rather than being directly given to a candidate. It is often used to fund activities that indirectly benefit a candidate's campaign, such as increasing voter turnout or promoting the party's platform.

The correct answer suggests that critics of the PAC system are concerned that PACs may control what the electoral winners do once in office. This implies that PACs have the potential to influence and manipulate the actions and decisions of elected officials, which can undermine the democratic process. It raises concerns about the extent of the influence that PACs hold over politicians and the potential for corruption or undue influence in the political system.

The statement suggests that candidate's policy positions receive more media attention than their campaign strategy. The correct answer is False because in reality, a candidate's campaign strategy tends to receive more media attention than their policy positions. The media often focuses on the candidate's tactics, messaging, and overall campaign strategy rather than delving deep into their specific policy positions.

The electors in the Electoral College are selected by state parties as a reward for their faithful service to the party over the years. This means that the selection of electors is based on their loyalty and dedication to the party rather than any other criteria such as being members of Congress or political scientists. The selection process is typically done by state parties, allowing them to choose individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to the party's goals and values.

The statement suggests that the Democratic Party has prioritized party efficiency and winning elections over broadening representation and opening up its process since 1968. The correct answer is false because the statement implies that the Democratic Party has not focused on broadening representation and opening up its process, which may not be entirely accurate.

The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 was not extremely effective in limiting the influence of money on campaigns and elections. While the act did introduce some regulations and disclosure requirements for campaign financing, it did not have a significant impact on reducing the influence of money in politics. Subsequent court decisions, such as Citizens United v. FEC, further weakened the act's effectiveness by allowing for increased corporate and union spending in elections. Therefore, the statement that the act was extremely effective in limiting the influence of money on campaigns and elections is false.

Initiative is the most direct form of democracy because it allows citizens to propose new laws or changes to existing laws directly, bypassing the legislature. It gives citizens the power to initiate legislation and put it to a vote, ensuring that the people have a direct say in the decision-making process. Unlike other options listed, such as a presidential election or direct primary, initiative allows citizens to directly participate in shaping the laws and policies that govern them.