1.
The adoption of the motor-voter programs has resulted in
Correct Answer
C. An increase in independent registrations.
Explanation
The adoption of motor-voter programs has resulted in an increase in independent registrations. Motor-voter programs allow individuals to register to vote when they apply for or renew their driver's license, making the registration process more accessible. This has led to a larger number of people registering to vote as independents, as they may not align with either major political party.
2.
Voter turnout n European elections is typically
Correct Answer
B. More than 80 percent.
Explanation
The correct answer is "more than 80 percent." This is because European elections generally have high voter turnout, with a majority of the population actively participating in the electoral process. The answer options of "near 100 percent" and "less than 30 percent" are too extreme and not reflective of the typical voter turnout in European elections. The answer option of "approximately 50 percent" is also not accurate as it underestimates the actual voter turnout. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is "more than 80 percent."
3.
The most powerful determinant of political participation, other than education and information, is
Correct Answer
E. Age.
Explanation
The correct answer is age. Age is the most powerful determinant of political participation, other than education and information, because as individuals grow older, they tend to develop a greater interest in politics and civic engagement. Older individuals also have more life experience and a longer exposure to political systems, which may motivate them to participate in political activities such as voting, attending rallies, or joining political organizations. Additionally, older individuals often have more time and resources available to engage in political activities compared to younger individuals who may be focused on education, career, or family responsibilities.
4.
Which of the following statements about political participation by blacks is true?
Correct Answer
B. Blacks participate more than whites of the same socioeconomic status.
Explanation
Blacks participate more than whites of the same socioeconomic status. This statement suggests that when comparing individuals of the same socioeconomic status, blacks are more likely to engage in political participation than their white counterparts. This implies that race itself does not determine political participation, but rather socioeconomic factors play a significant role in influencing levels of political engagement.
5.
Which of the following statements about public demonstrations such as sit-ins and protest marches correct?
Correct Answer
B. They have become much more common in recent decades.
Explanation
Public demonstrations such as sit-ins and protest marches have become much more common in recent decades. This can be attributed to the increasing awareness and mobilization of various social and political movements. These demonstrations have been used by a wide range of activists, including those advocating for antiwar causes and civil rights. While they may not be considered a traditional form of political participation, they have proven to be an effective means of raising awareness, expressing dissent, and influencing public opinion.
6.
The enactment of strict voter registration procedures has resulted in
Correct Answer
C. Stronger political parties.
Explanation
The enactment of strict voter registration procedures has resulted in stronger political parties. This is because when voter registration procedures are strict, it becomes more difficult for ineligible or fraudulent voters to participate in elections. This leads to a more accurate representation of the electorate and ensures that only legitimate voters are able to cast their votes. As a result, political parties can have more confidence in the integrity of the electoral process and focus on building their support base and strengthening their platforms.
7.
Which of the following factors are highly correlated with a high rate of political participation?
Correct Answer
A. More education, older then 35 years of age.
Explanation
The correct answer is more education, older than 35 years of age. This is because higher levels of education are often associated with greater political awareness and engagement. Additionally, older individuals tend to have more life experience and are more likely to have developed a sense of civic duty and political interest over time.
8.
One argument against compulsory voting in the U.S. is
Correct Answer
E. Voter objections to identification papars.
Explanation
One argument against compulsory voting in the U.S. is voter objections to identification papers. This means that some individuals may oppose the requirement to present identification papers in order to vote. This argument suggests that such a requirement may be seen as a burden or infringement on individuals' rights, leading to objections and opposition to compulsory voting.
9.
Political participation encompasses all of the following activities EXCEPT
Correct Answer
B. Paying your taxes.
Explanation
The correct answer is paying your taxes. Political participation involves engaging in activities such as voting, writing to representatives, signing petitions, and discussing politics. However, paying taxes, although an important civic duty, is not typically considered a direct form of political participation as it does not directly involve engaging with the political process or expressing one's political views.
10.
Which of the following was required by the U.S. Constitution?
Correct Answer
E. Popularly elected House members.
Explanation
The U.S. Constitution required popularly elected House members. This means that the members of the House of Representatives were to be elected by the general public through a voting process. This requirement ensured that the House members represented the interests and will of the people, making the legislative branch of the government directly accountable to the citizens.
11.
Direct election of members of the House of Representatives was required by
Correct Answer
E. The original U.S. Constitution.
Explanation
The original U.S. Constitution required the direct election of members of the House of Representatives. This provision was included in the Constitution itself, rather than being a result of a Supreme Court ruling, decisions of individual states, an amendment to the Constitution, or an executive order. The framers of the Constitution believed that direct election would ensure that representatives were accountable to the people, and this principle has remained a fundamental aspect of American democracy.
12.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 contained all of the following provisions EXCEPT
Correct Answer
C. An end to all poll taxes and property requirements.
Explanation
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to address and eliminate racial discrimination in voting practices. It included provisions such as the suspension of literacy tests, the appointment of federal examiners to register black voters in areas with low participation, and the imposition of criminal penalties for interfering with the right to vote. However, it did not specifically address the issue of poll taxes and property requirements, which were additional barriers to voting that disproportionately affected minority groups. Therefore, the correct answer is that the act did not include an end to all poll taxes and property requirements.
13.
Until 1920, women were kept from voting by
Correct Answer
E. Law.
Explanation
Until 1920, women were kept from voting by law. This means that there were legal restrictions in place that prevented women from exercising their right to vote. These laws were put in place by the government and were enforced to deny women the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. It was only after the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920 that these legal barriers were finally removed, granting women the right to vote.
14.
Which of the following statements applies to the voting rights of U.S. Citizens who cannot speak English?
Correct Answer
E. Areas with many such citizens must provide ballots written in the citizens' languages.
Explanation
According to the given answer, areas with a significant number of U.S. citizens who cannot speak English are required to provide ballots written in the citizens' languages. This ensures that all citizens have equal access to voting, regardless of their language proficiency. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that language barriers do not prevent individuals from exercising their right to vote.
15.
One explanation given by the text for the decline in U.S. voter participation in presidential elections after 1900 is that
Correct Answer
D. Parties ceased mobilizing mass voter turnout.
Explanation
The decline in U.S. voter participation after 1900 can be attributed to parties ceasing to mobilize mass voter turnout. This means that political parties stopped actively encouraging and organizing large numbers of voters to participate in elections. As a result, fewer citizens were motivated or encouraged to vote, leading to a decline in overall voter participation.
16.
A careful study of the "party of nonvoters" in the 1992 and 1996 elections found the most common demographic feature(s) of nonvoters to be
Correct Answer
E. A & D
Explanation
A careful study of the "party of nonvoters" in the 1992 and 1996 elections found that the most common demographic features of nonvoters were residential mobility (they moved a lot) and youth. This suggests that nonvoters tend to be young individuals who frequently change their place of residence.
17.
The text suggests that one reason religious involvement increases political participation is because
Correct Answer
E. It puts one in contact with like-minded people.
Explanation
Religious involvement increases political participation because it puts individuals in contact with like-minded people. When individuals participate in religious activities, they often interact with others who share similar beliefs and values. This sense of community and shared identity can lead to increased political engagement as individuals are more likely to discuss and act upon their shared concerns and interests. Being part of a religious community provides a platform for individuals to connect with others who have similar political views, leading to increased participation in political activities.
18.
According to studies, what effect does cynicism have on voter turnout?
Correct Answer
E. It has no effect on turnout at all.
Explanation
Cynicism refers to a belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest, leading to a lack of trust in political processes and institutions. The answer suggests that cynicism does not affect voter turnout. This means that regardless of the level of cynicism, whether high or low, it does not impact the decision of individuals to participate in the electoral process. Therefore, cynicism does not play a role in influencing voter turnout.
19.
Minnesota and other states have each legislated voter registration
Correct Answer
B. On the same day as elections.
Explanation
Minnesota and other states have chosen to implement voter registration on the same day as elections. This means that individuals can register to vote and cast their ballots on the same day, without having to register in advance. This approach allows for greater accessibility and convenience for voters, as it eliminates the need for individuals to register weeks or months before the election. By implementing same-day registration, states like Minnesota are making it easier for eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote.
20.
Although we vote at _________________________ rates than people abroad, the meaning of our vote is ____________________.
Correct Answer
C. Lower, different
Explanation
Although we vote at lower rates than people abroad, the meaning of our vote is different. This suggests that even though fewer people participate in voting, the impact and significance of each individual vote may be greater.