Chapter 7
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Questions and Answers

What is one requirement that potential candidates must meet to run for office?

  • They must belong to a political party.
  • They must have a college degree.
  • They must collect a certain number of signatures or pay a registration fee. (correct)
  • They must have prior political experience.

    • What often drives eligible candidates away from running for office?

  • The straightforward nature of collecting signatures.
  • The lack of media coverage.
  • The overwhelming public support.
  • The realities of the election process. (correct)

    • Which aspect is NOT a concern for potential candidates running for office?

  • Competitors in the election.
  • Public speaking skills. (correct)
  • Family obligations.
  • Financial backing.

    • In states with a supermajority, what may discourage candidates from the minority party from running?

    <p>Belief that they do not have a chance to win.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of media regarding potential candidates?

    <p>Their personal details and history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of office are candidates most likely to pursue first when running for office?

    <p>Local or state office.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor influences women's decision to run for office more than desire or ambition?

    <p>Family obligations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically must candidates consider before deciding to run for office?

    <p>Their personal circumstances and support systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Supreme Court's ruling on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?

    <p>Corporations were allowed unlimited spending in elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much can an individual contribute to a candidate per election?

    <p>$2,900</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of super PACs?

    <p>To raise and spend unlimited funds independently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a characteristic of closed primaries?

    <p>Only registered party members can vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the spending limit for a Political Action Committee (PAC) that contributes to multiple candidates?

    <p>$5,000 per candidate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'top-two primary' refer to?

    <p>A primary that allows the top two candidates to advance to the general election.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the total expenditure by super PACs alone in the 2020 election?

    <p>$2.13 billion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much can a national party committee receive from an individual contributor?

    <p>$36,500</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT typically a function of political parties during the nomination process?

    <p>Drafting legislation for candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant advantage of implementing limits on campaign contributions?

    <p>It creates a more equal playing field among candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the Supreme Court uphold the act’s restrictions on campaign contributions before later removing them?

    <p>2003</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main goal of nominating candidates through primaries?

    <p>To ensure legitimacy in candidate selection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which super PAC spent the highest amount in supporting candidates during the 2020 election?

    <p>Senate Leadership Fund</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes an open primary from a closed primary?

    <p>It allows all voters to choose a ballot regardless of party affiliation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the U.S. Congress was comprised of women in 2018?

    <p>27%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is often a reason why women delay entering politics?

    <p>Struggles with balancing campaigning and parenthood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a competitive seat in political races?

    <p>A race where a challenger runs against the incumbent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'war chests' in political campaigns?

    <p>Campaign accounts used for political donations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Tillman Act of 1907 prohibit?

    <p>Corporate contributions to federal candidates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant achievement occurred after the passage of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in 2002?

    <p>Restrictions on political party contributions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the statistics from 2014, what percentage of Congress members were reelected?

    <p>95%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common challenge faced by challengers in political races against incumbents?

    <p>Insufficient campaign funding and support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role was established by the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) of 1974?

    <p>Federal Election Commission (FEC)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the Federal Election Commission begin enforcing campaign finance laws?

    <p>1976</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act specifically ruled some provisions unconstitutional?

    <p>Buckley v. Valeo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are political action committees (PACs) defined?

    <p>Organizations that raise and spend money to influence politics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant impact of the 2018 midterm elections on women's representation in politics?

    <p>Record number of women elected to national office</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What proportion of state legislators were women as of the 117th Congress?

    <p>31%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has significantly increased in the number of politically inexperienced candidates running for national office?

    <p>High financial contributions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might fewer moderates become party nominees in current elections?

    <p>More extreme political beliefs of primary voters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do state-level conventions play during gubernatorial elections?

    <p>They focus on local candidate endorsements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically reserved for the final night of a national convention?

    <p>Speech by the presidential nominee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What often occurs prior to the formal announcement of a vice-presidential nominee?

    <p>Unexpected media reports</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'planks' refer to in the context of party conventions?

    <p>State-level concerns brought to conventions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which candidate received the Democratic nomination in 2020?

    <p>Joe Biden</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which election cycle did both major parties modify their conventions due to COVID-19?

    <p>2020</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of the modern nominating system compared to the era of party bosses?

    <p>Candidates need more financial resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable aspect of the primary campaign of President Donald Trump in 2016?

    <p>Fiery partisan rhetoric</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is generally clear by the time of the modern nominating convention?

    <p>The nominee for each party is already determined.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long do party conventions typically last?

    <p>Four to five days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been an impact of increased media attention during nomination processes?

    <p>More extreme candidates gaining traction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do delegates play during the national party conventions?

    <p>They officially cast ballots and discuss state-level issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do political parties prefer closed primaries?

    <p>They exclude non-party members from participating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What constitutes a party platform?

    <p>A cohesive list of issues and concerns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of caucuses compared to primaries?

    <p>Caucuses allow for informal discussions among voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What usually happens after a candidate's convention?

    <p>The candidate often experiences a bump in popularity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant drawback of caucuses mentioned in the content?

    <p>They can be intimidating for less experienced voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which states are allowed to hold their presidential primaries or caucuses in January or February?

    <p>New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do candidates in general elections typically focus their campaigns?

    <p>By winning over independent voters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the national parties' response to states that held early primaries in 2008?

    <p>They reduced the number of delegates for Michigan and Florida.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable difference in campaign strategies during the 2020 election?

    <p>Trump avoided social distancing guidelines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are debates considered important in the general election?

    <p>They allow voters to see candidates under stress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a caucus characterized by?

    <p>Informal meetings of party members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Kennedy focus on during preparations for the 1960 debate?

    <p>Tone and body language</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do parties determine delegate allocation for national conventions?

    <p>According to the number of registered party voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a noteworthy characteristic of the Iowa Democratic Caucus?

    <p>Voters participate in preference groups and discussions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one recommendation Paul Begala gives to candidates for debates?

    <p>Prepare thoroughly and appear confident</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue does frontloading create for candidates in primaries?

    <p>Fewer candidates remain after early primaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor in how candidates are perceived in debates?

    <p>Their appearance and demeanor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might larger states feel frustrated with the timing of their primaries?

    <p>They must wait for their primaries while candidates drop out.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was notable about the 2016 election candidates' strategies?

    <p>Clinton targeted a Republican stronghold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following voting methods is mentioned as being used in caucuses?

    <p>Voice votes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can debates impact during an election campaign?

    <p>The overall tide of the campaign</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates the approaches of Trump and Biden during the pandemic?

    <p>Biden's events were conducted virtually.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the bonus delegates offered by Republicans in 1996?

    <p>To encourage participation in late primaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically a critical consideration for candidates when debating?

    <p>Maintaining a relaxed demeanor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the reduction of delegate count serve as for states that disobey national party guidelines?

    <p>Punishment for non-compliance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does media play after a debate?

    <p>They report winners and losers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common characteristic do caucuses share compared to primaries?

    <p>Reliance on community discussion among participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential benefit of the transparency offered by caucuses?

    <p>Direct observation of the election outcome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can occur if a candidate makes a mistake during a debate?

    <p>It may become a topic for media discussion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary election characterized by, as opposed to a general election?

    <p>More candidates competing for party nominations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered extremely important for candidates during the primary election?

    <p>Name recognition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy do candidates often use to gain visibility in primary elections?

    <p>Securing media coverage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the general election, candidates primarily focus on which type of voters?

    <p>Independent and undecided voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does media coverage play in primary elections for candidates?

    <p>It provides voters with quick and useful information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical focus of campaign ads during the primary elections?

    <p>Issue positions and name recognition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the challenges that newer candidates face in primary elections?

    <p>Proving themselves within a short timeframe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which strategic approach was used in Hillary Clinton's primary ad in 2008?

    <p>Holiday-themed personal appeal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What voting system is used in forty-eight states and the District of Columbia for presidential elections?

    <p>Winner-take-all system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of campaign ads in the general election?

    <p>To compare policy positions of candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two states divide their electoral votes instead of using the winner-take-all system?

    <p>Nebraska and Maine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do midterm elections typically have on the sitting president's party?

    <p>Loss of seats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do party-affiliated voters typically vote for their party's candidate?

    <p>Party loyalty motivates their voting behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What campaign strategy involves adapting to the changing demographics of voters?

    <p>Voter targeting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which candidate was known for massive name recognition in the 2016 primaries?

    <p>Hillary Clinton.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What led to the establishment of Election Day as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November?

    <p>The desire to accommodate farmers after the fall harvest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the fundraising amount reported by Ted Cruz by July 2015?

    <p>$14 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect makes primary elections more challenging for voters?

    <p>Voters face many candidates with various platforms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one benefit of media coverage for candidates in the primary elections?

    <p>It is often more cost-effective than campaign ads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the required majority of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?

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

    What is the acronym EMILY in 'EMILY's List' stand for?

    <p>Early Money Is Like Yeast</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major political event occurred during the 2018 midterm elections?

    <p>Democratic control of the House after eight years of Republican control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are the number of Electoral College votes for each state determined?

    <p>Based on the total number of representatives and senators from that state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if there is a tie in the Electoral College votes?

    <p>The House of Representatives elects the president</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically affected by coattail effects during presidential election years?

    <p>Popularity of local candidates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which candidate indicated a possibility of being entirely self-funded during the election?

    <p>Donald Trump</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about electors is true?

    <p>Electors cannot be elected officials or work for the federal government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event demonstrated the issue of faithless electors in presidential elections?

    <p>Al Gore's electoral votes in 2000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of electoral strategy was mentioned about Nebraska regarding congressional districts?

    <p>District system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the presidential elections in the early years of the United States?

    <p>Restrictive voting rights limited to property-owning males</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT typically a reason that influences a voter's decision during elections?

    <p>Family income levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason for moving the Election Day to November?

    <p>Administrative efficiency in election processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily affected by early fundraising in a political campaign?

    <p>Candidate's viability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did Joe Biden win three electoral votes from Maine?

    <p>2020</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the effect of the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 on the House of Representatives?

    <p>It fixed the total number of representatives at 435</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following candidates reported the lowest fundraising amount by July 2015?

    <p>George Pataki</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which election did a significant personal incident lead to a controversial response from electors?

    <p>2016 presidential election</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do voters need to be aware of when casting their ballots during presidential elections?

    <p>The electoral process may not reflect popular vote outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT influence the representation each state has in the Electoral College?

    <p>The political affiliation of the state’s citizens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a similarity between the elections of 1800 and 1824?

    <p>Both were decided by the House of Representatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that influences pocketbook voting?

    <p>The voter's personal financial situation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which voting method relies heavily on a candidate's past actions when making a decision?

    <p>Retrospective voting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What main advantage do incumbents have over challengers that contributes to their high reelection rates?

    <p>Established campaign organizations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does gerrymandering affect electoral outcomes?

    <p>It solidifies party advantages in specific districts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which voting behavior requires the voter to make predictions about a candidate's future performance?

    <p>Prospective voting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does name recognition play in an incumbent's reelection prospects?

    <p>It increases the likelihood of voter familiarity and trust</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one likely result of the strategic voting behavior described?

    <p>Voters shifting to less preferred candidates to avoid undesirable outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect makes prospective voting particularly challenging for voters?

    <p>It requires evaluating conflicting information about candidates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of economic downturns, how do voters generally respond in their voting behavior?

    <p>They tend to reevaluate incumbent performance more critically</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reason for the incumbency advantage in local and congressional elections?

    <p>Challengers often lack name recognition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant impact of Johnson's campaign ad?

    <p>It was controversial and sparked media discussions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group often runs negative ads independently of candidates?

    <p>Shadow campaigns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do negative ads play in voter sentiment according to the content?

    <p>They can decrease voter turnout due to cynicism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did George W. Bush's campaign successfully increase voter turnout in Ohio during the 2004 election?

    <p>By organizing volunteer efforts to reach Republican voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the nature of campaign advertising from the 1828 presidential election onwards?

    <p>Campaigns often included personal attacks and negativity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which act required candidates to declare that they approved the content of their ads?

    <p>Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant characteristic of the ads used by Stevenson and Eisenhower in the early television era?

    <p>They lacked serious content and were more like jingles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the 'What Happens Now' ad by Joe Biden aim to highlight?

    <p>Biden's ability to manage crises effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do campaigns often create emotion-based negative ads?

    <p>To target less informed and independent voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of straight-ticket voting?

    <p>It minimizes ballot fatigue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did candidates begin to use the internet in their campaigns starting in 2000?

    <p>By creating websites to share information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do voters often simplify their decision-making process when choosing candidates?

    <p>By relying on their party affiliation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a unique feature of John Kennedy’s campaign ad?

    <p>It depicted a diverse population and showcased candidacy for all.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does social media play in modern political campaigns?

    <p>It provides a platform for direct interaction with supporters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did the super PACs employ in the 2020 elections?

    <p>To support candidates with over $2.3 billion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can candidates' physical characteristics influence voter decisions?

    <p>These traits can be perceived as indicators of competence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of news programming has emerged to combine entertainment and information?

    <p>Soft news or infotainment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a method used by volunteers in the 2004 Bush campaign?

    <p>Door-to-door campaigning to rally Republican voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential issue with straight-ticket voting in states that include non-partisan positions?

    <p>Non-partisan positions may go unvoted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might voters be influenced by a candidate's race or gender?

    <p>Voters often prefer candidates who resemble them racially or culturally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause ballot fatigue among voters?

    <p>Having to make decisions on many candidates without interest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does party-line voting relate to rational behavior in elections?

    <p>It allows voters to streamline their decision process based on shared ideologies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of the advertisement created for Mary McCormack's sister during the election?

    <p>It reminded voters to consider non-partisan positions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do social media platforms monitor political content?

    <p>By checking and deleting accounts spreading misinformation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of single-issue voters?

    <p>They usually disregard other political issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which candidates faced demographic challenges in their campaigns in 2008?

    <p>Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama based on their backgrounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable change in the 2020 election regarding candidates?

    <p>Numerous diverse candidates ran for the Democratic nomination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do online platforms help facilitate discussions about political issues?

    <p>By allowing users to share memes and political jabs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Election Process Stages

    • Voters participate in selecting party nominees and officeholders, though not every stage applies to all citizens
    • Presidential elections are often seen as choosing between two undesirable options
    • Candidates must meet state-specific requirements (residency, voting status, age)
    • Many potential candidates are dissuaded from running by factors including competitors, family obligations, and funding prospects

    Candidate Considerations

    • Candidates often start with local or state offices before seeking higher positions
    • Women often wait longer to enter politics, due to family obligations
    • Women face difficulties balancing campaigning with family responsibilities
    • Incumbents are highly likely to win reelection
    • Candidates with money in their war chests—incumbents and those seeking higher offices—are harder to defeat

    Campaign Finance

    • Campaign finance has risen drastically over time
    • The amount raised in the 2020 presidential election cycle was $5.7 billion; $8.7 billion for congressional candidates
    • Funding by political action committees (~$2.7 billion) is tracked by the FEC
    • Campaign finance laws have evolved through various federal acts (1867, 1896, 1907, 1971, 1974, 2002)

    Nomination Stage

    • Selection of candidates for national office is determined by political parties
    • States implement different nomination methods (primaries and caucuses)
    • Closed primaries allow only registered party members to vote
    • Open primaries allow all voters to participate
    • Top-two primaries or jungle primaries pit all candidates against each other, regardless of party, to determine the top two for the general election

    Caucuses

    • Caucuses are meetings of party members to select nominees
    • Caucuses are less expensive than primaries
    • The Iowa Democratic Caucus is noted for its animated nature
    • Fewer parties and politicians attend caucuses, compared to primaries

    Primary and Caucus Timing

    • National parties often influence primary and caucus dates
    • Frontloading refers to scheduling primaries and caucuses earlier in the election season
    • National parties can manipulate delegate counts to discourage early elections

    Nomination Process

    • Candidates who raise more money, gain media attention, and garner voter support are more likely to become the nominee
    • The modern system has led to an increase of less experienced candidates in elections

    Convention Stage

    • Conventions happen between June to September for state- and national-level elections
    • Conventions involve platform discussion, planning, and speeches, usually held over several days
    • Conventions are major media events for presidential candidates.

    General Elections

    • General elections focus on the two major party candidates and a few minor party candidates
    • The goal is to reach independent and undecided voters
    • Debates are a significant element of the general election period

    Voter Decision Making

    • Voters use various shortcuts for decision-making
    • Party identification and straight-ticket voting are common shortcuts
    • Voter decisions are influenced by physical characteristics (attractiveness), gender, and race
    • Issues and economic conditions also influence voters

    Incumbency Advantage

    • Incumbents win re-election at significantly higher rates
    • Incumbency arises due to name recognition, voting records, and campaign resources
    • Gerrymandering can create an electoral advantage for incumbents

    Electoral College

    • The Electoral College selects the president
    • States grant electoral votes based on their congressional representation
    • The candidate who receives the majority of electoral votes wins the presidency

    Midterm Elections

    • Midterm elections elect members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senators
    • The president's party often experiences a decrease in popularity during midterm elections

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    Description

    This quiz explores the various factors that influence potential candidates' decisions to run for public office. It covers requirements, discouragements, and considerations that candidates must face in the political landscape. Test your knowledge on the dynamics of political candidacy and the media's role in shaping perceptions.

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