Electoral College Quiz Study Guide
34 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What role does the media play in public policy formation?

  • It helps set the public agenda by focusing on selected issues. (correct)
  • It creates public opinion solely through entertainment.
  • It eliminates the need for political participation.
  • It solely represents the interests of wealthy individuals.

    • How do rising campaign costs affect candidates running for office?

  • They limit opportunities for candidates to enter the political arena. (correct)
  • They encourage more candidates from diverse backgrounds.
  • They reduce the need for fund-raising.
  • They have no impact on who can run for office.

    • What influence do interest groups have on public policy?

  • They can directly pass laws and regulations.
  • They identify issues and lobby officials to influence decision-making. (correct)
  • They focus solely on funding campaigns without engaging politicians.
  • They primarily educate the public on non-political issues.

    • What is a consequence of rising campaign costs for candidates?

    <p>They benefit only those with access to large donors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following activities are individuals NOT typically engaged in to influence public policy?

    <p>Conducting professional fund-raising events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of mass media in elections?

    <p>To broadcast different points of view</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which strategy is NOT recommended for evaluating campaign materials for accuracy?

    <p>Assume all claims are true</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean when the media holds government officials accountable?

    <p>Informing the public about government actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An op-ed piece is an example of which role of mass media?

    <p>Publishing independent viewpoints on issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must candidates do due to the rising costs of campaigning?

    <p>Conduct fundraisers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of mass media when they emphasize selected issues during an election?

    <p>Setting the public agenda</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about special interest groups is true?

    <p>They are focused on one specific topic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common misconception about the costs of political campaigns?

    <p>All candidates need to seek funding through different means</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the number 270 in the context of the Electoral College?

    <p>It is the number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which document outlines the establishment of the Electoral College?

    <p>The Constitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'winner-take-all' refer to in the electoral process?

    <p>Whoever has the majority of votes in a state wins all the electoral votes from that state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a state determine the number of electoral votes it has?

    <p>Senators plus congressional representatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does it matter that small states, like North Dakota, participate in the Electoral College?

    <p>They contribute to the overall democratic process despite their fewer electoral votes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What will likely happen if a candidate wins the popular vote in Virginia but loses the electoral vote?

    <p>That candidate will not receive any of Virginia's electoral votes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about the role of electors in a presidential election?

    <p>Electors are individuals who directly vote for the President on behalf of their state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must occur in order to eliminate or change the Electoral College?

    <p>An amendment must be added to the Constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following has not contributed large sums of money to political candidates over the past century?

    <p>The Electoral College</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which socioeconomic group is known to have a disadvantage in campaign spending?

    <p>Lower class / poor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the acronym PAC stand for in the context of political campaigns?

    <p>Political Action Committee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major reason people advocate for reforms in campaign finance laws?

    <p>To allow for more diverse candidates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a lobbyist primarily aim to do within the political system?

    <p>Influence legislators on policy decisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one primary role of mass media in political elections?

    <p>Influencing voters' opinions through information dissemination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do interest groups tend to have an elevated influence on elections?

    <p>Campaign costs deter potential candidates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions helps in separating fact from opinion in media coverage?

    <p>Reviewing multiple sources and contrasting viewpoints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the main purpose of an interest group?

    <p>To advocate for public policy changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of evaluating the reliability of a source in mass media?

    <p>Analyzing the credentials and background of the source</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'public agenda' refers to what aspect of government focus?

    <p>Major problems leaders prioritize</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge posed by campaign finance laws?

    <p>They allow unlimited contributions from political action committees (PACs)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can mass media emphasize specific points in election coverage?

    <p>By featuring only one candidate's views</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Electoral College Quiz Study Guide

    • Which election are people more likely to vote in? Presidential election
    • The number of representatives a state has is based on what? Congressional Representatives
    • How many senators does each state get? 2
    • What is the popular vote? Total number of votes a candidate receives
    • How does a state determine how many electoral votes they get? Senators + # of representatives
    • In order to become President, you must win the electoral vote.
    • What is the magic number of electoral votes needed to win the 2016 election? 270
    • The Electoral College favors a Two party system.
    • Even if a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the electoral vote, can they still become President? NO
    • Why? Because it is not about who has the most popular votes
    • The Electoral College is found in what document? Constitution
    • What to get rid of it or change it? Add an amendment
    • What is a "winner-take-all" system? Explain. Who ever has more votes, no matter how little, wins
    • What does it mean by congressional representation? Explain why. A state has more representatives if it has more people
    • When your Civics teacher and your parents go vote for president this November, who are we actually voting for? Electors
    • Since most states are winner-take-all, what kinds of states are the 2016 presidential candidates going to target? States with the most electoral votes
    • Why does a small state with few electoral votes, like North Dakota, matter? Yes usually
    • Hillary Clinton is the Democratic party's candidate for the 2016 election and if she wins the most popular votes in Virginia, so she would get all the electoral votes in Virginia...what is that called? Winner-take-all
    • How do the electors cast their vote? They go to the capital/Richmond

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Test your knowledge of the Electoral College with this quiz. Explore important questions regarding presidential elections, the popular vote, and how states determine their electoral votes. Perfect for students preparing for exams on American government.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser