Political Beliefs and Elections Quiz
48 Questions
7 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

Which group is more likely to support government-sponsored health insurance?

  • Hispanics
  • Young people
  • Evangelical Christians
  • Minorities (correct)

Older individuals prioritize issues related to student loan debt.

False (B)

What is a public opinion poll?

Interviews or surveys that estimate the feelings and beliefs of the entire population.

Polls conducted as voters leave polling places on Election Day are known as _____ polls.

<p>exit</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the factors with their importance in a public opinion poll:

<p>Size = Increases accuracy Random Sampling = Reducing bias Diversity = Better representation Margin of Error = Indicates precision</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one common shortcoming of public opinion polling?

<p>Survey errors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Strict Roman Catholics support abortion in all cases.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are tracking polls used for?

<p>To monitor changes in public opinion over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the National Convention?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The electoral college uses a winner-take-all system in all states.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the magic number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?

<p>270</p> Signup and view all the answers

Interest groups seek to influence __________ decisions to benefit their members.

<p>government</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of interest group activity with its impact:

<p>Submitting legal briefs = Judicial Lobbying lawmakers = Legislative Lobbying executive agencies = Executive Running issue ads = Election influence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically considered when choosing a running mate?

<p>Fashion sense (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If no candidate secures the magic number in the electoral college, the election is decided by the Senate.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an iron triangle?

<p>A policy-making relationship between congressional committees, the bureaucracy, and interest groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which political ideology is characterized by a strong federal government and support for civil rights?

<p>Liberalism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conservatives generally advocate for a strong government role in economic affairs.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the right to vote in political elections?

<p>suffrage</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person who seeks compromise and common ground in political issues is known as a __________.

<p>moderate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the demographic to their voting tendency:

<p>College Graduates = More likely to vote Citizens with higher income = Tend to vote more Citizens age 30 and older = Higher percentage of voting People with advanced degrees = Most likely to vote</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a form of conventional political participation?

<p>Protesting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Strict voter registration is one method the government has used to increase voter turnout.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one way the government has tried to increase voter turnout.

<p>Motor Voter Law</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of pluralism suggest?

<p>Competition among various interest groups leads to a balance of power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hyperpluralism argues that the government functions effectively even with many competing interest groups.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

<p>A private group that raises and spends money to elect and defeat candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hard money refers to donations made directly to a candidate’s campaign, while soft money is money contributed for __________ activities.

<p>party-building</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aim of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)?

<p>To restrict donations to curb the influence of large donors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the Supreme Court cases with their significance:

<p>Buckley v. Valeo = Upheld restrictions on campaign contributions but ruled spending limits violated free speech Citizens United v. FEC = Declared that corporations and unions have the same First Amendment rights as individuals McCutcheon v. FEC = Struck down aggregate limits on total donations to candidates and political committees</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) aimed to increase transparency in the electoral process.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Citizens United v. FEC have on political action committees?

<p>It led to the rise of Super PACs by granting corporations and unions the same free speech rights as individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demographic groups tends to lean Democratic?

<p>Low income individuals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Party dealignment leads to increased loyalty to political parties.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of political parties in the electoral process?

<p>To win elections</p> Signup and view all the answers

In __________ elections, voters choose which candidates will fill elective public offices.

<p>general</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Primary Election = A process where party members decide candidates for the general election Caucus = A public meeting for party members to discuss and select candidates Frontloading = Moving primary dates earlier in the election cycle Open Primary = A primary where voters can choose to participate in either party's election</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do third parties face in the US political system?

<p>They split votes among similar candidates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Primaries typically involve public discussions among party members.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the nomination process changed in the past century?

<p>It has become more democratic, giving voters more control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a Super PAC from a regular PAC?

<p>Super PACs can raise unlimited money, whereas PACs have limits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Investigation journalism focuses solely on sports-related stories.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 527 groups and 501(c) groups primarily known for?

<p>Engaging in political activities while having different rules regarding coordination and campaigning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Media concentration refers to the ownership of media outlets becoming concentrated in the hands of _____ companies.

<p>fewer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of media roles with their definitions:

<p>Agenda Setting = Determining which issues are worthy of public attention Issue Framing = Focusing on how to present an issue or story Media Bias = Reinforcing a particular viewpoint in news reporting Investigative Journalism = In-depth investigation of significant issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of the media in shaping the policy agenda?

<p>Influencing public opinion and highlighting issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

501(c) groups are primarily allowed to engage in direct political campaigning.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What executive agency is responsible for regulating the media?

<p>Federal Communications Commission (FCC)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sampling

A smaller group selected from the larger population for a public opinion poll, representing the entire population's characteristics

Public Opinion Poll

A survey or interview of a sample of citizens to estimate the beliefs and feelings of the entire population.

Random Sampling

A sampling method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Margin of Error

The amount of potential inaccuracy in a poll's results.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Exit Poll

A poll conducted as voters leave polling places on Election Day.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Accuracy of Polls

Factors like the size, randomness, and diversity of a sample can improve a poll's accuracy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sampling Errors

Mistakes that occur during the sampling process of a poll that may affect the accuracy of the results.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Shortcomings of Polls

Problems affecting the accuracy or representativeness of opinion polls, including limited respondent choices, lack of knowledge, unable to measure opinion intensity, and lack of public interest.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Political Ideology

A set of values and beliefs about how government should work.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Liberal View on Govt.

Strong federal government for economic & civil rights, personal freedoms, some social intervention.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conservative View on Govt.

Limited government, traditional values, self-reliance in economics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moderate

A person holding a middle-ground view in politics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conventional Participation

Influencing politics through accepted methods like voting or campaign work.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unconventional Participation

Influencing politics through unusual actions like protests or boycotts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Voter Turnout

Percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Suffrage

The right to vote.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hispanic Voting Tendencies

Hispanics are a diverse group, but they generally lean towards the Democratic Party.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Jewish Voting Tendencies

Jewish voters are mostly likely to support the Democratic Party.

Signup and view all the flashcards

National Convention Purpose

The National Convention's main goal is to officially nominate the presidential candidate, unify the party's members, and energize supporters for the upcoming election.

Signup and view all the flashcards

White Catholic Voting Tendencies

White Catholics are divided in their political affiliation, with some leaning towards the Democratic Party and others towards the Republican Party.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Running Mate Choice Factors

Candidates select running mates to create a balanced ticket by considering their geographic location, demographic representation, and political ideologies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

White Evangelical Voting Tendencies

White Evangelicals are more likely to vote for the Republican Party.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Income and Voting

Lower income voters tend to support the Democratic Party, while higher income voters tend to support the Republican Party.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Democratic vs. Republican Nomination Process

The process of choosing delegates for the national convention differs between Democrats and Republicans, which can affect who wins the party's nomination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gender and Voting

Women are more likely to vote Democrat, while men tend to be more evenly split, with a slight leaning towards the Republican Party.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electoral College: How It Works

Each state receives electoral votes based on its population (House of Representatives members + Senators). A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win. Most states utilize a winner-take-all system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Party Dealignment

Party dealignment refers to the decline in loyalty to political parties, resulting in more independent voters.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electoral College: What Happens If No Candidate Reaches 270?

If no candidate secures 270 electoral votes, the House of Representatives decides the election.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impact of Party Dealignment

Party dealignment makes it harder for parties to cooperate and pass legislation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electoral College: Pros & Cons

Pros: Balances power between large and small states, promotes a more stable government with two major parties. Cons: Winner of the popular vote can lose, candidates focus on key states, ignoring others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Interest Group Goal

Interest groups aim to influence government decisions to benefit their members.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How Interest Groups Target Policy Institutions

Interest groups target different institutions: Judicial (legal briefs), Legislative (lobbying lawmakers), Executive (lobbying agencies and the president).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pluralism

A theory where multiple interest groups compete for influence, leading to a balanced power structure and preventing any single group from dominating policymaking.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hyperpluralism

A theory where the power of interest groups becomes so excessive that it leads to policy gridlock and ineffective government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Political Action Committee (PAC)

A private group that raises and spends money to influence elections by supporting or opposing candidates.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hard Money

Donations given directly to a candidate's campaign, subject to limits and regulations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soft Money

Contributions to political parties or organizations for general 'party-building' activities, not directly to candidates.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)

The first law to limit how much money individuals can donate to candidates, aiming to reduce the influence of large donors and promote fairness in elections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Federal Election Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)

A law that tightened campaign finance regulations by restricting the use of soft money and limiting issue ads close to elections, enhancing transparency and reducing corruption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

A Supreme Court case that upheld campaign contribution limits but ruled that spending limits violate free speech rights.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Super PAC

A type of independent political action committee that can raise unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and individuals but cannot directly coordinate with candidates or parties.

Signup and view all the flashcards

PAC

A political action committee that has a limit on how much money it can raise and spend, but can directly donate to candidates.

Signup and view all the flashcards

527 Group

A tax-exempt organization that can raise and spend unlimited money to support or oppose political candidates, but cannot directly coordinate with candidates or parties.

Signup and view all the flashcards

501(c) Group

A tax-exempt organization that is generally prohibited from engaging in direct political campaigning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Investigative Journalism

A type of journalism that involves in-depth investigation of a particular issue, often involving crime, aiming for accountability and transparency.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agenda Setting

The ability of the media to influence which issues are perceived as important and worthy of public attention.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Issue Framing

The way the media presents an issue, selecting specific details and angles to highlight and influence public perception.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Media Concentration

The ownership of media outlets becoming concentrated in the hands of fewer companies, leading to potential limitations in diversity and accountability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Political Beliefs and Elections

  • Political socialization is the process where individuals develop their political beliefs and values.
  • Family is a major influence on political opinions, especially during early childhood.
  • Peers also play a significant role in shaping political views, especially later in childhood.
  • Mass media consumption is high, particularly among teens, often presenting biased information.
  • Schools promote patriotism and national allegiance, but can also encourage critical thinking.
  • Political leaders can significantly impact public opinion through speeches and actions.
  • Family is the most influential political socializing agent during early childhood.
  • Gender, race, ethnicity, and age impact political values.
  • Women often hold more liberal viewpoints than men.
  • Young people are often more concerned about issues like student loan debt and gun violence, while older generations prioritize issues like Medicare and Social Security.
  • Religious beliefs often influence political attitudes.

Public Opinion Polls

  • Public opinion polls are surveys of citizens used to estimate the feelings and beliefs of the entire population.
  • Polls use sampling techniques like random sampling, random digit dialing, stratified sampling, and tracking polls.
  • Factors like sample size and diversity are crucial for accurate poll results.
  • Exit polls are conducted as voters leave polling places on election day.
  • Polls can have inaccuracies due to various factors, including survey errors, limited respondent options, lack of knowledge, inability to measure the intensity of public opinion, or a lack of interest.

Political Ideology

  • Political ideology is a coherent set of values and beliefs about government's scope.
  • Liberals often favor strong government intervention in economic security and civil rights.
  • Conservatives often favor limited government, personal freedom, and self-reliance.
  • Moderates hold a centrist view.

Voter Turnout

  • Factors affecting voter turnout include education level, income, age, and demographics.
  • College graduates and higher-income citizens vote at a higher rate than those with less education or lower incomes.
  • Older citizens vote at a higher rate than younger citizens.
  • Presidential elections typically see higher turnout than midterm elections.

Political Participation

  • Conventional participation includes activities like voting, campaigning, and contributing.
  • Unconventional participation encompasses protests, boycotts, and other forms of activism.
  • Advantages to participating in each form exist and disadvantages exist as well.
  • The most common and simplest form of political participation is voting.
  • Linkage institutions like media, parties, interest groups, and elections connect citizens to the government.
  • Ticket splitting occurs when voters choose candidates from different parties in the same election.

Political Parties

  • Important issues where Democrats and Republicans differ include income inequality, healthcare, taxation, social issues, and immigration.
  • Party dealignment occurs when voters become less loyal to a particular party.
  • A two-party system is maintained by the winner-take-all system and historical factors related to electing members to Congress and presidential elections.
  • Third parties rarely win elections but can impact the outcome of major party elections by drawing support away from one party to the other.
  • Primary elections are used to narrow down the options for candidates to one per party for the general election.
  • Determining a candidate involves a process ( caucuses or primaries) that helps citizens get better acquainted with the candidates.
  • Frontloading refers to states moving their primaries earlier in the election cycle.
  • Primaries usually see a smaller voter turnout than in general elections.
  • Different parts of the US vote at different rates, leading to the different approaches parties take in campaigns and focusing on specific areas of the nation.

Interest Groups

  • Interest groups try to influence government policies by targeting various aspects of the government.
  • Iron triangles are policy-making relationships between congressional committees, the bureaucracy, and interest groups.
  • Interest groups use various methods, including lobbying, campaign contributions, and publicity campaigns.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

  • PACs are private groups that raise and spend money to influence elections.
  • PACs often support candidates and causes they favor.
  • Hard money refers to direct contributions to candidates; soft money is contributed to parties or other organizations for "party building" activities.
  • Reform laws like the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act limit campaign spending and donations.
  • The Supreme Court cases Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United v. FEC have impacted campaign finance regulations.
  • Super PACs are independent expenditure-only committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose candidates.

Media

  • Media plays roles like agenda setting and framing to affect what people focus on and how they view issues.
  • Media concentration occurs when ownership of media outlets becomes concentrated in fewer hands.
  • Media bias is the tendency of news to present a particular perspective or viewpoint.
  • Policy agendas are issues the public sees as needing attention from the government.
  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate communications.

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Michael Frimpong - Political Beliefs and Elections Test Review PDF

Description

Test your knowledge about how political beliefs are shaped and the various influences that affect voter opinions. This quiz covers topics like political socialization, the role of family, peers, media, and more. Discover the differences in political priorities across generations.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser