Government/Civics CH.10 + 11 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibit?

Federal oversight of elections

Discriminatory practices

Both A and B (correct)

Literacy tests

What power did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 give the Federal Government regarding elections?

The Federal Government has power regarding all elections held anywhere in the country.

No State may deprive a citizen of the right to vote on the basis of sex.

True

Why do States have little discretion regarding age qualifications for voting?

The Constitution says no State can set the minimum age for voting at more than 18 years. Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is less likely to vote?

Voters aged 18-20 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST ACCURATE generalization about voter registration?

It helps prevent election fraud, but it could be made more convenient. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Court taking a stand against in their decision regarding voter qualifications?

Poll taxes. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common characteristic of nonvoters?

They have a strong mistrust of political institutions and processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is MOST LIKELY to vote Democratic?

A 25-year-old African American woman from Boston Signup and view all the answers

What method of voting does a photograph likely show if it features a mail-in ballot?

An absentee ballot. Signup and view all the answers

Which example qualifies as public opinion?

A television pundit's stand on increased funding for national defense programs. Signup and view all the answers

How can Thomas Jefferson's statement about government and newspapers be summarized?

A free press is much more important to a democracy than government is. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to be an informed citizen today?

Effort is needed to find media with in-depth coverage of news and issues. Signup and view all the answers

What best summarizes the differences between political parties and interest groups?

Political parties focus on nominating candidates; interest groups focus on policy questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge for pollsters regarding public opinion?

It is difficult to measure how random the sample really is. Signup and view all the answers

Why are political parties essential to democratic government?

Political parties provide a link between representatives in public office and their constituents. Signup and view all the answers

How do parties act as a bonding agent for their candidates?

They make sure their candidates are of good character and are qualified for public office. Signup and view all the answers

Minor party candidates have a real chance of winning elections.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does George Washington's quotation about political factions imply?

If one political party gains enough power to control another, it can result in despotism. Signup and view all the answers

What does the map of the 1900 presidential election indicate about political parties?

They had strong regional support in this election. Signup and view all the answers

According to the chart, what can be said about minor parties?

They occasionally gain enough popular votes to win electoral votes. Signup and view all the answers

What event does the photograph most likely depict?

A caucus. Signup and view all the answers

What role are these party members performing?

They are convention delegates nominating a candidate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for using petitions primarily at the local level?

It is practical to use petitions at the local level, where fewer signatures are required. Signup and view all the answers

How does a direct primary differ from a caucus?

A direct primary is open to all the registered voters in a party, while a caucus is not. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase BEST describes the presidential primary in some States?

A delegate-selection process Signup and view all the answers

What is the BEST description of a candidate's body language and posture during a campaign?

A candidate's body language and posture can have an effect on how people view his or her performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the event depicted in the image likely related to?

A campaign rally. Signup and view all the answers

What does the map indicate about political party dominance?

The South dominates the electoral map. Signup and view all the answers

Why might Congress limit the Federal Election Commission's powers?

Limiting the FEC allows members of Congress to keep their options open while raising money for re-election. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Constitution say about suffrage qualifications?

The constitutional amendments say that women have the right to vote, the voting age is 18, and poll taxes were eliminated. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between a direct primary and a general election.

A direct primary election involves voting for the best candidate to represent a party, while a general election involves selecting a candidate from each party to hold office. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Voting Rights and Legislation

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited literacy tests and discriminatory practices affecting voting access.
The Act empowered the Federal Government to regulate elections nationwide.
States cannot deny a citizen's right to vote based on sex, ensuring gender equality in suffrage.

Voter Eligibility and Participation

Voting qualifications include citizenship, residence, and a minimum age of 18 as dictated by the Constitution.
Young voters aged 18-20 tend to have lower turnout rates compared to older age groups.
Voter registration aims to prevent fraud but could be made more accessible for potential voters.

Court Rulings and Public Sentiment

Supreme Court opinions have challenged poll taxes, asserting that wealth should not determine voting qualifications.
Nonvoters often exhibit mistrust toward political institutions, affecting their civic participation.

Political Parties and Elections

Democratic Party support is more common among certain demographics, such as a 25-year-old African American woman from Boston.
Political parties are crucial for connecting elected officials with their constituents and ensuring candidate accountability.

Media and Public Opinion

Public opinion can be represented by various forms, including the views of media figures on policy issues.
A free press is vital for democracy, as indicated by Thomas Jefferson's preference for newspapers over government.

Election Processes

Polls are challenged by difficulties in ensuring randomness in their samples, impacting public opinion measures.
Minor parties may occasionally gain electoral votes, although they often struggle to win major elections.

Primary Elections and Candidate Selection

Direct primaries are open to all registered party voters, unlike caucuses which are more exclusive.
Candidate selection processes often involve conventions where delegates nominate candidates.

Campaign Dynamics

Body language and posture can influence public perception during a candidate's campaign.
Campaign rallies serve as important events for candidates to engage with voters and create visibility.

Constitutional Foundations

The Constitution outlines suffrage qualifications, reinforcing the Federal Government's role in ensuring equal voting rights.
Changes in voting laws reflect an inclusive approach to democracy, emphasizing age and equality as fundamental principles.

Distinctions in Election Types

Direct primaries are internal party elections to select candidates, while general elections determine public office winners.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts from chapters 10 and 11 of Government and Civics. This quiz covers important legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and examines the implications of various practices in voting. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of civil rights and electoral processes.