Political Parties and Public Opinion Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main goals of long coalitions formed by parties in government?

  • To allow members to compete against one another
  • To ensure members continue to vote together (correct)
  • To enable members to vote independently
  • To reduce legislative sessions

What consequence might Mr. Business face if he betrays the coalition after Bill 1 passes?

  • Strengthening the coalition
  • Ruining the coalition (correct)
  • Increased popularity among voters
  • Gaining more legislative power

How do parties help individual members win elections?

  • By causing confusion among voters
  • Through branding and common ideas (correct)
  • By increasing voter registration fees
  • By preventing external funding

What role do parties play in influencing public opinion?

<p>They function as a heuristic and provide a sense of identity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of party organization?

<p>To enhance career opportunities for party activists (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the view of political scientists regarding the goals of parties?

<p>Parties primarily seek to obtain benefits for their members (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Americans reportedly have a clear preference when asked about their political affiliation?

<p>90% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key problem do representatives face in the principal-agent relationship?

<p>Identifying whom they primarily serve (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of UNF students identify as Democratic?

<p>45% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following social issues had the highest support for legalization among UNF students?

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

What is the predominant view of UNF students regarding climate change?

<p>It is real and caused by human activity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do moderates typically differ from ideological extremes according to the content?

<p>They have conflicting views from both ends of the spectrum. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of UNF students who support the pathway to citizenship for all immigrants?

<p>76% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of economic issues, what percentage of UNF students support an increase in the federal minimum wage?

<p>68% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of UNF students are classified as moderate in general ideology?

<p>26% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main attitude of UNF students towards the Second Amendment?

<p>A large number oppose ending it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of individuals selecting their preferred media?

<p>Formation of echo chambers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when consuming news media?

<p>In-depth journalism and investigative reporting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT typically help in discerning real news from opinion?

<p>Relying on social media influencers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for the loss of gatekeeping ability in media?

<p>Increased access to various media outlets (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the difference between consumption of news and belief?

<p>Reading widely can enhance critical thinking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents an effective strategy for engaging with media?

<p>Skepticism towards highly emotional content (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of polling was noted as an error in both the 2016 and 2020 elections?

<p>Underestimating support for Republicans (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identifying which type of experts is essential for reliable news consumption?

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

What is an example of de facto racism?

<p>Private discrimination in housing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'One-drop Rule' refer to?

<p>A belief that any black ancestry defines a person as black (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a consequence faced by newly freed slaves after Reconstruction?

<p>Increased job opportunities in agriculture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding of Alexis de Tocqueville about the American culture in terms of social structure?

<p>It was formed mostly from those seeking fortune. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the early tools that helped to propagate racism in society?

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

Which principle is NOT a widely accepted component of the American Creed?

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

What was the main outcome of redlining?

<p>Systematic denial of housing for certain communities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'worse than slavery' signify in the context of black incarceration?

<p>Harsh conditions of labor in prison (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of American identity is contested regarding the English language?

<p>Whether it is essential to being American. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is least likely to value English as important to being 'truly American'?

<p>Younger individuals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the early end of Reconstruction significant for freed slaves?

<p>It deprived them of economic support like '40 acres and a mule'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Americans believe English is very important to their identity as 'truly American'?

<p>70% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What psychological concept contributes to the formation of ingroup-outgroup distinctions?

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

Which group was primarily identified as fortune-seekers by de Tocqueville?

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

Which principle ensures that government protects numerical minorities from the majority?

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

What does American Exceptionalism imply?

<p>America is different and better than other nations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002?

<p>To regulate spending by non-candidates during elections (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What identifies a Super PAC's main advantage over regular PACs?

<p>Capacity for unlimited spending (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following donations requires full identification to the FEC?

<p>Donations over $250 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court rule regarding the limitations set by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?

<p>They declared such limitations unconstitutional (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Tullock's Puzzle in the context of political funding?

<p>The expectation that political donations are excessive (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do organizations like the NRA tend to give most of their donations to members with 'A' ratings?

<p>To strengthen existing alliances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes spending by corporations after the Citizens United ruling?

<p>Corporate spending habits remained unchanged (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of Super PACs?

<p>Steep penalties for legal violations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Long Coalitions in Government

Legislators forming long-term alliances to achieve common goals.

Party Goals (Long Coalitions)

Maintain unity and avoid splits among party members.

Party Organization

Parties improve election chances, build brand recognition, mobilize volunteers, and provide career paths.

Party in Electorate

Parties serve as shortcuts (heuristics) for voters to understand and engage in politics; they also help voters form identities.

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Party as Heuristic

A shortcut voters use to decide on political candidates or policies, based on party affiliation.

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Party in Society

Parties represent intense groups, like labor unions, social movements, and wealthy donors, to advance their interests.

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Principal-Agent Problem (Parties)

The conflict of interest between party representatives and the voters (or party members) they serve.

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Party Influence on Elections

Political parties help unify candidates with a common set of viewpoints, mobilizing volunteers, and providing funding.

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De Facto Racism

Racism practiced outside the law, often using indirect methods or "proxies" to discriminate.

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One-Drop Rule

A racist ideology that classified anyone with even one ancestor of African descent as Black, regardless of appearance.

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Echo Chambers

Online environments where people mainly encounter information and opinions that confirm their existing beliefs, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

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Ingroup-Outgroup Distinction

The psychological tendency to categorize people into groups based on perceived similarities and differences.

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Outgroup Stereotyping

Generalizing about an entire group of people based on limited information, and often with negative assumptions.

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Fake News

False or misleading information presented as news, often created to manipulate or deceive audiences.

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News Media Heuristics

Mental shortcuts people use when consuming news, often focusing on headlines or comments rather than the entire story.

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Black Codes

Laws enacted in the South after the Civil War to restrict the freedom and rights of African Americans, effectively trying to re-establish slavery.

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Loss of Gatekeeping

The decline of traditional media's power to control and filter information, leading to a more open and fragmented news landscape.

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Sharecropping

A system of labor where freed slaves worked land for a share of the crops, often leading to debt and economic dependence.

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Redlining

A discriminatory practice of refusing loans or insurance in specific geographic areas, mostly inhabited by people of color.

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News Media Consumption

The act of reading, watching, or listening to news, which does not necessarily mean believing the information presented.

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Trained Experts

Individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in a particular field, often journalists or researchers, who can provide reliable information.

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How did redlining impact wealth accumulation?

Redlining prevented families from owning homes, which is a major driver of wealth creation over generations.

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Polling Accuracy

The degree to which polls accurately reflect public opinion, with a margin of error considered acceptable.

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Polling Biases

Systematic errors in polls that can lead to inaccurate results, such as underestimating certain groups or demographics.

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American Creed

A set of core beliefs widely accepted as defining American identity; not traditionally contested.

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Classical Liberalism

Part of the American Creed, emphasizing individual liberty, property rights, and limited government intervention.

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Egalitarianism

A core belief of the American Creed; emphasizes equal treatment and opportunity for all, regardless of background, but not necessarily equal outcomes.

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Popular Sovereignty

A principle of the American Creed; power resides in the people, expressing themselves through government.

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Minority Rights

A component of the American Creed; protects numerical minorities from being overlooked or oppressed by the majority.

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American Exceptionalism

The belief that America is unique and superior to other nations.

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English Language & American Identity

A debated topic; some argue fluency in English is essential for being American, while others disagree, especially in diverse communities.

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English Language Importance - Demographics

Majority of Americans believe English is important for American identity, but this view is less common among younger, more educated, non-religious, and Democrat/liberal individuals.

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Super PACs: Unlimited Spending

Super PACs are political action committees with unlimited spending capabilities, allowing them to contribute significant funds to campaigns.

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Super PACs: Donor Anonymity

Super PACs can receive contributions from anonymous donors, making it difficult to track the sources of funding.

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Super PACs: Independent Control

Super PACs operate independently from political parties and candidates, allowing them to exert influence without direct coordination.

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Super PACs: Steep Penalties

Super PACs face strict penalties for violating campaign finance laws, but enforcement is often weak.

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Super PACs: Outsider Influence

Super PACs often support ideological forces that challenge established political structures, particularly on the right.

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Does Money Buy Policy?

Whether political contributions yield policy changes is a contested topic. Many Americans believe money influences votes, but a more complex reality exists.

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Tullock's Puzzle: Money in Politics

Tullock's Puzzle refers to the surprising observation that political spending might be lower than expected, despite the significant impact of policy on industries.

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NRA Spending: Persuasion or Loyalty?

The NRA's spending pattern suggests that they focus on supporting allies rather than persuading undecided legislators, questioning the direct influence of donations.

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Ideological Thinking in Politics

Most people don't think about politics in terms of consistent ideologies. They often view politics as a competition between "types of people" or focus on individual politicians.

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Impact of Ideology on Voting

Ideology doesn't always accurately predict a person's voting behavior. People's choices can be influenced by various factors beyond their abstract political beliefs.

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Social Liberalism Among Students

UNF students tend to hold more socially liberal views, particularly on issues like abortion, immigration, gun control, and LGBTQ+ rights.

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Economic Views of Students

While students are socially liberal, their economic views are more mixed. Some lean liberal, while others lean conservative, with a significant portion holding moderate views.

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The 'Moderate' Identity

People describing themselves as 'moderate' often hold conflicting views across different political issues. They may be less knowledgeable or engaged in politics.

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Moderation as a Heuristic

While being 'moderate' can be a simple way to understand political views, it doesn't necessarily reflect a consistent ideology. It's a shortcut, not a true measure of beliefs.

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Symbolic vs. Operational Moderation

People who call themselves 'moderates' may hold a wide range of actual political views. Their self-perception as moderate doesn't always align with their actual stances.

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Understanding Political Moderation

Moderation in politics can be a useful concept to understand political views. However, it's important to remember that it's not a consistent ideology and often reflects a combination of conflicting views or a lack of political engagement.

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Study Notes

Lecture Summaries

  • 10/14 - Lecture 12 Political Parties:

    • Founders missed or underestimated the importance of political parties, viewing them as "factions."
    • Key figures like Madison, Washington, and Jefferson held different perspectives on the role of parties in government
    • Political parties emerged as a necessary element to facilitate legislative coalitions.
    • Early party systems like the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans formed around contrasting viewpoints on governance.
  • 10/16 - Lecture 13 Polarization:

    • Ideological polarization is a significant societal trend.
    • Mass polarization isn't widely present, but elite-level polarization is increasing.
    • Demographic, geographic, and ideological sorting contribute to polarization.
    • The causes of polarization encompass historical, cultural, and social contexts, including the effect of media.
  • 10/23 - Lecture 14 Political Psychology:

    • Ideology is a set of values and principles influencing desired political outcomes.
    • Common ideological labels exist (liberal, conservative, libertarian, etc.), but public's understanding can be imperfect
    • Voting behavior is shaped more by factors like party affiliation (heuristics, etc.) than by ideology.
    • Factors affecting political behavior may include political psychology, personality assessments, group affiliations.
  • 10/21 - Lecture 15 The Media, Old and New:

    • Media outlets have diverse goals, driven by elements like profit and partisanship.
    • The accuracy of media sources may be more concerning than apparent bias
    • Traditional and social media outlets often cater to specific perspectives/audiences
    • An understanding of media incentives helps in evaluating information bias
  • 10/28 - Lecture 16 Attitudes and Polling:

    • Polling has practical use in understanding public opinion.
    • Increased accuracy through aggregation is important.
    • Response rates and sample size are critical concerns regarding polling accuracy.
    • Social desirability bias can impact polling results' reliability.
  • 10/30 - Lecture 17 Voting, Campaigns, and Elections:

    • Voting styles and eligibility criteria have evolved over time.
    • Voter turnout varies across demographics and political systems.
    • Voter turnout is impacted by factors including ease of participation, the importance of an election, and societal trust.
    • Campaign effects may be relatively minor, but significant in low-level elections or in situations with more engagement among electorate
  • 11/4 - Lecture 18 Race and Ethnicity:

    • Social constructs often shape racial and ethnic categories, rather biological differences.
    • Historic and contemporary systems have created inequalities (e.g., black codes, redlining).
    • Mass incarceration and racial bias in the criminal justice system represent significant racial disparities.
  • 11/6 - Lecture 19 Immigration:

    • Immigration history has been marked by periods of open and restricted immigration.
    • Various factors such as economic conditions, social unrest, and political instability has historically influenced immigration patterns.
    • Contemporary issues relating to immigration include paths to citizenship, sanctuary laws, and refugee policies..
  • 11/20 - Lecture 20 American Political Culture:

    • American political culture is a complex blend of ideals (e.g. liberty, equality, etc.) and behaviors.
    • Ideals are often debated and contested, often in relation to social issues and identity, while the political culture itself is influenced by demographic (religious, ethnic, etc.) differences. Various historical figures have offered varied perspectives on American political culture.
  • 12/2 - Lecture 22 Money in Politics:

    • Historical regulation of political money, with early regulations proving ineffective
    • Laws have been put in place at different points in history, and faced various challenges.
    • Current regulations and limitations on political contributions are designed to mitigate potential for undue influence by special interests.
  • 12/4 - Lecture 23 Economic Inequality:

    • Economic inequality in the U.S. has risen in recent decades, with various theories concerning the causation of inequality
    • Unequal distribution of wealth is impacting various systems, like poverty and education.
  • Lecture 24 & 25 - Democratic Accountability:

    • Public opinion is often poorly understood by political actors, leading to poor policy decisions
  • Case Studies:

    • Numerous case studies on political interest groups, including those related to business, gun rights, and civil liberties, have been highlighted.
  • Additional Topics:

    • Additional topics regarding social movements, voter turnout and their impact on political outcomes and the impact of political campaign tactics are also covered in notes.

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Test your knowledge on the roles and functions of political parties, their influence on public opinion, and the preferences of American voters. This quiz covers various aspects of political organization and individual political affiliations with a focus on UNF students' perspectives. Explore how parties shape election outcomes and public sentiment.

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