Edwards, Lineberry Chp. 8
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Political parties play an important role in democracy because they
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Guarantee voters radically different choices of policy outcomes
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Offer politicians unique identities
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Connect the public with policymaking institutions
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Contribute to a centralized federal government
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Control each of the three branches of government
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This quiz, based on Edwards and Lineberry's Chapter 8, assesses understanding of the U. S. Two-party system, roles of political parties, third-party impacts, ticket splitting, and divided government. It is designed to connect learners with key democratic processes and institutional interactions.
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- 2.
The process that parties use to nominate their candidate for the presidency is called
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A critical election
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A national convention
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An open primary
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A closed primary
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A national committee
Correct Answer
A. A national conventionExplanation
A national convention is the process that parties use to nominate their candidate for the presidency. During a national convention, delegates from each state gather to choose their party's nominee. This event is an important part of the political process as it allows party members to come together and make decisions about who will represent their party in the general election. It is a formal and organized event where candidates give speeches, delegates vote, and the nominee is officially announced. The national convention is a crucial step in the selection of a presidential candidate.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who is most likely to engage in ticket splitting?
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Nonvoters
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Primary election voters
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Democrats
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Republicans
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Independents
Correct Answer
A. IndependentsExplanation
Independents are most likely to engage in ticket splitting because they are not affiliated with any specific political party. They have the freedom to vote for candidates from different parties, based on their individual preferences and beliefs. Unlike Democrats and Republicans, who generally vote along party lines, independents are more inclined to evaluate each candidate independently and make their decision based on the candidate's qualifications and policies rather than party affiliation. This flexibility and willingness to consider candidates from different parties make independents more likely to engage in ticket splitting.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When were local party organizations strongest?
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When party machines controlled large cities
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During the New Deal Coalition
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During a realignment
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During a dealignment
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Immediately after a presidential election
Correct Answer
A. When party machines controlled large citiesExplanation
The correct answer is when party machines controlled large cities. Local party organizations were strongest during this time because party machines had significant control over the political landscape in these cities. Party machines were able to mobilize voters, distribute resources, and exert influence over local government and elections. This allowed them to maintain a strong and organized presence, making local party organizations more powerful and influential.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A political party is
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A team of men and women seeking to control the government by gaining office in elections
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A group of people who agree on everything and organize annually to win elections
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A narrow interest group seeking advantage through elections
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Less interested in winning elections than in particular public policy
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More interested in lobbying members of Congress than in winning elections
Correct Answer
A. A team of men and women seeking to control the government by gaining office in electionsExplanation
The correct answer is "a team of men and women seeking to control the government by gaining office in elections." This answer accurately describes a political party as a group of individuals who aim to gain power and influence by winning elections and controlling the government. It highlights the collective effort and ambition of party members to secure positions in government through the electoral process.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following best explains why the United States has a two-party system?
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The Constitution mandates a two-party system
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Federal laws mandate a two-party system
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In every state except California, state laws mandate a two-party system
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Seats in Congress are awarded on a winner-take-all basis
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Seats in Congress are awarded according to the principles of proportional representation
Correct Answer
A. Seats in Congress are awarded on a winner-take-all basisExplanation
Seats in Congress are awarded on a winner-take-all basis, meaning that the candidate who receives the most votes in a district wins the seat. This system encourages the formation of two major parties because smaller parties have a harder time gaining representation. In order to be competitive and have a chance at winning seats, parties need to build broad coalitions and appeal to a wide range of voters. This winner-take-all system has contributed to the development and persistence of a two-party system in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following can be seen as an advantage of divided government?
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Divided government creates clear lines of accountability for policy failures and successes
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Political parties are better able to enact their policy platforms
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Divided government encourages compromise between the parties
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The president maintains the upper hand in negotiations with Congress
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Increased voter turnout
Correct Answer
A. Divided government encourages compromise between the partiesExplanation
Divided government encourages compromise between the parties because when different political parties control different branches of government, they are forced to work together and find common ground in order to pass legislation and govern effectively. This can lead to more bipartisan cooperation and a greater likelihood of finding solutions that represent a wider range of perspectives. It also helps to prevent one party from having too much power and potentially abusing it. Overall, divided government can foster a more balanced and collaborative approach to governance.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following statements accurately describe critical elections?I. critical elections are often associated with significant political or social eventsII. After a critical election, the previously existing minority party usually collapses and a new party formsIII. a critical election ensures that the previously existing majority party will maintain its position of powerIV. Critical elections usually signal the beginning of a new political era
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II only
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IV only
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I and IV only
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II and III only
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I, II, and IV only
Correct Answer
A. I and IV onlyExplanation
Critical elections are often associated with significant political or social events. This means that these elections occur during times of major changes or upheavals in society or politics. Critical elections usually signal the beginning of a new political era, indicating a shift in the dominant party or political ideology. However, they do not necessarily result in the collapse of the previously existing minority party or ensure that the previously existing majority party will maintain its position of power. Therefore, statements II and III are not accurate.Rate this question:
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- 9.
All of the following were part of hte New Deal Coalition EXCEPT
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Urbanites
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Bankers
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Labor unions
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Southerners
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Jews
Correct Answer
A. BankersExplanation
The New Deal Coalition was a political alliance formed during the Great Depression in the United States. It brought together various groups, including urbanites, labor unions, Southerners, and Jews, who supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies. However, bankers were not part of this coalition as they were often seen as representing the interests of big business and finance, which were viewed unfavorably by many New Deal supporters.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following statements are generally true of third parties? I. Third-party officeholders threaten the political standing of the US in the eyes of other nationsII Third parties expand the political agendaIII Third parties rarely gain enough support in the electorate to winIV Third-party success may indicate popular discontent
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I only
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III only
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II and III only
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I and IV only
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II, III, and IV only
Correct Answer
A. II, III, and IV onlyExplanation
Third parties expand the political agenda by introducing new ideas and perspectives into the political discourse. They rarely gain enough support in the electorate to win, which is why they are considered "third" parties. However, their success can indicate popular discontent with the major parties and their policies. Third-party officeholders do not necessarily threaten the political standing of the US in the eyes of other nations.Rate this question:
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Jul 22, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jul 21, 2010Quiz Created by
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