Questions and Answers
What is NOT an accurate statement about the political party system in the modern United States?
Which new political party rose to compete with the unchallenged power of the Democratic Party in the 1830s?
Which of the following is a single-issue political party?
In a national convention, which of the following does NOT describe an action that is undertaken by the delegates?
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State committees gather support to elect party candidates to all of the following positions EXCEPT which one?
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Which of the following statements is NOT true about county committees?
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Which of the following is NOT a standard function for the members of a political party?
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What does NOT constitute acting as a 'watchdog' for a party that has been voted out of an election?
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Which of the following has never been a factor in determining whether an American citizen has the right to vote?
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Which of the following is NOT required when a citizen is registering to vote?
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What is the term for the votes cast by citizens who are unable to vote in person on Election Day?
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Which of the following citizens is MOST LIKELY to abstain from voting?
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The field of candidates narrows after which of the following elections is held?
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Which of the following is NOT an effective argument against the Electoral College?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of public opinion?
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A well-constructed polling sample reflects which of the following?
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Which of the following is NOT generally considered a negative result of public-opinion polls?
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Which of the following has become the most important medium for American politics?
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Which of the following describes the First Amendment right of reporters and editors to publish their opinions without government approval?
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What is the term for an individual part of a party’s platform?
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In _______________ primaries, only declared members of a party are allowed to vote for that party’s nominees.
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Most states award the party’s nomination to the candidate who receives a ______________ of votes.
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Representatives from every state make up a political party’s _____________ committee.
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Independent candidates can get on most states’ ballots by...
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If you vote for candidates from both parties, you are voting a ___________ ticket.
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_______________ polling often allows specialists to predict the winners before all votes are officially counted.
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The _______________ is a way that citizens can propose new laws or state constitutional amendments.
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Special-interest groups help fund a candidate’s campaign by forming...
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At what location is voting carried out?
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Elections are a two-part process involving primary races and...
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Citizens can vote to remove a public official from office in a...
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Donations given to political parties and not designated for a particular candidate’s campaign are called...
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Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, recordings, movies, and books are called...
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Elected officials sometimes ______________ information to the press to test public reaction to an idea or policy.
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The mass media plays an important _____________ role by exposing government misconduct.
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The idea of the ______________ appeal is to make people think a candidate is just like them.
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The ______________ technique is an attempt to turn people against a candidate or idea by using an unpleasant label or description.
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_______________ includes the ideas and attitudes that most people hold about the government and political issues.
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Study Notes
Political Party System in the U.S.
- Modern U.S. political system is characterized as a two-party system dominated by Republicans and Democrats.
- Third parties can participate but typically struggle against the major parties.
- Significant political shifts included the rise of the Whig Party in the 1830s to contest the Democratic Party.
Political Parties and Committees
- Political parties often include single-issue parties, such as the Prohibition Party.
- National conventions involve delegates raising funds, writing party platforms, and nominating presidential and vice presidential candidates.
- County committees play a critical role in grassroots support, and their operations connect with state party leaders.
Voting Rights and Registration
- Voting rights have historically been influenced by age, sex, race, and, less often, religion.
- Voter registration often requires proof of citizenship, age documentation, and address verification but not a driver's license.
- Absentee ballots allow citizens unable to vote in person to still participate in elections.
Electoral Process
- Citizens most likely to abstain from voting include those who are apathetic.
- The primary election narrows down candidates for general elections.
- An Electoral College debate highlights concerns over representation and influence.
Public Opinion and Polling
- Public opinion consists of direction, intensity, and stability, but not credibility.
- Well-constructed polling samples should represent the characteristics of the entire population.
- Public opinion polls can influence political decisions, shape media narratives, and alter voter turnout.
Media's Role in Politics
- The Internet has emerged as the most significant medium in American politics.
- Reporters and editors enjoy freedom from prior restraint, allowing them to publish opinions independently.
- Mass media encompasses various formats, including television, radio, and print.
Campaign Finance and Elections
- Political action committees (PACs) help fund campaigns; donations not tied to specific candidates are termed soft money.
- Voting occurs at polling places, with citizens voting to potentially recall public officials through specific initiatives.
- Citizens can propose new laws or amendments via initiatives and referendums.
Election Strategies and Techniques
- Voting a split ticket means supporting candidates from different parties.
- Exit polling can forecast election results before counting is completed.
- Campaign appeals like the "plain-folks" approach aim to resonate with average voters, while name-calling seeks to discredit opponents.
Political Education and Engagement
- Understanding public opinion involves recognizing the widespread attitudes towards government policies and politics.
- Engaging with political issues begins with awareness of party dynamics, voter rights, and election processes.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Civics and Economics with this Unit 3 quiz. Covering essential concepts about the political party system in the United States, this quiz features questions on historical and modern political dynamics. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of American government.
