Political Systems and Public Opinion Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What best represents the trend of party polarization over the last three decades?

  • Each congressional party has become more homogeneous, and the distance between parties has increased. (correct)
  • There is no significant change in party polarization.
  • Both parties have become more diverse and inclusive.
  • The parties have become more united in their ideological beliefs.

How can a law pass without the president signing it?

  • A â…” vote from both Houses. (correct)
  • A simple majority in both Houses.
  • Approval by the Supreme Court.
  • A nationwide referendum.

What is the primary function of whips in Congress?

  • To represent minority party interests.
  • To persuade party members to support the party's priorities. (correct)
  • To oversee the budgetary process.
  • To draft legislation.

Which of the following concepts involves one candidate supporting others?

<p>Logrolling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best illustrates the negative impact of concurrent powers?

<p>They create confusion over which jurisdiction applies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for Congress to have more wealth and be elite in society?

<p>Members are less connected to the public's needs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option is NOT typically a reason Congress allows the influence of interest groups?

<p>Interest groups push Congress to isolate themselves from external opinions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of descriptive representation?

<p>A representative sharing the same heritage and culture as their constituents. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of representatives in the House of Representatives and the Senate combined?

<p>535 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which financial aid type is characterized by providing the least discretion to the recipient on how funds are used?

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

Which term best describes a group's effort to influence legislation by unifying individuals with similar interests?

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

What phenomenon does 'narrowcasting' refer to in news media?

<p>Focusing on specific demographic audiences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'packing' refer to in the context of political strategy?

<p>Grouping opponents together to minimize their electoral strength (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Articles of Confederation is incorrect?

<p>It provided a framework for strong federal government. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What outcome did the Citizens United ruling have regarding corporate political expenditures?

<p>It ended restrictions on corporate political spending. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best illustrates James Madison's warning regarding factions in Federalist No. 10?

<p>The emergence of polarized political groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of having concurrent powers in a federal system of government?

<p>Citizens and interest groups seeking policy change can choose from multiple access points. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of concurrent powers?

<p>The federal government provides 25% of funding for highways while states provide 75%. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The provision in the Constitution that allows Congress to make laws necessary for executing its powers is known as what?

<p>The Elastic Clause (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason Federalists opposed a Bill of Rights?

<p>They thought the federal powers were implied and unnecessary to list. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept represented by the statement 'The Congress shall have Power... To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper...' is known as?

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

What does the oversights of various banking agencies during the 2008-2009 recession suggest?

<p>Failure of oversight (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a ‘caucus’ in the context of Congress?

<p>A group of members who share interests or characteristics to promote those interests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Edmund Burke define legislators regarding their role in policy-making?

<p>As trustees who use their judgment for the people’s interests (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments, where both levels can exercise authority over the same area in the same territory. This creates multiple avenues for citizens to access policy-making.

Elastic Clause

The idea that Congress can create laws that are 'necessary and proper' to carry out its enumerated powers, even if those powers are not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government with two levels of authority, federal and state, which share power but have distinct areas of responsibility.

Pork Barrel

The practice of Congress approving funding for projects in individual districts or states for the benefit of their constituents, often regardless of the project's overall merit.

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Conference Committee

A temporary committee formed to resolve differences in versions of a bill passed by the House and Senate before it can be sent to the President for approval.

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Caucus

A group of members of Congress that share a common interest or characteristic, aiming to promote issues related to their shared concern.

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Trustee Model

The concept of legislators acting as independent decision-makers, using their best judgment to make policy in the best interests of their constituents, even if it goes against their constituents' wishes.

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Substantive Representation

A type of representation where legislators advocate for the interests and values of their constituents, even if those views are not explicitly expressed or demanded.

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Frontloading

The tendency for states to hold their primaries earlier in the election year to gain more influence and media attention.

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Delegate Model

A model of representation where elected officials act as delegates, directly reflecting the views of their constituents.

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Block Grant

A type of federal grant that provides funding to states with minimal restrictions on how the money is spent.

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Libertarian

A political philosophy favoring limited government intervention in both social and economic matters.

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Iron Triangle

A theory that explains the close relationship between government agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees, often leading to mutual benefits.

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Gerrymandering

The practice of redrawing electoral district boundaries to give one party an unfair advantage.

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Narrowcasting

The practice of targeting specific audiences with news content, often leading to polarization and echo chambers.

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Disruptive Bias in the Electoral College

The disproportionate representation of less populous states in the Electoral College, potentially giving them more influence in presidential elections.

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Party Polarization

The tendency for political parties in Congress to become more internally homogeneous and ideologically distant from each other.

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Whips

Members of Congress who act as liaisons between party leadership and rank-and-file members, encouraging support for party priorities.

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Trustee Model of Representation

A representative who votes based on their own judgment and beliefs, even if it goes against the wishes of their constituents.

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Delegate Model of Representation

A representative who acts in accordance with the expressed wishes of their constituents, regardless of their personal beliefs.

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Logrolling

A practice where members of Congress trade votes on legislation to benefit each other's interests.

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Necessary and Proper Clause

The power of Congress to make laws that are 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its enumerated powers.

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Checks and Balances

The principle that power in the government is divided among different branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

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Study Notes

Political Cartoon Analysis

  • Political cartoon depicts grandma watching TV and criticizing the public's influence on media.
  • Questions about blame for public influence on media are raised.

Congressional Structure

  • House of Representatives has 435 members.
  • Senate has 100 members.
  • Framers debated term limits for House members.
  • Delegate model of representation is mentioned.

Political Party Strategy

  • Frontloading in primaries is discussed.
  • Parties raise funds and encourage candidates to gain endorsements earlier in the primary season.
  • Libertarian views and beliefs are briefly examined.

Public Opinion and Knowledge

  • Poll data reveals public knowledge on the Declaration of Independence (25-33% with 4% error margin)
  • Discussion on financial aid (block grants) and government discretion in allocating funding.

State and Federal Government Relations

  • State governments receive federal funding but often disagree with federal regulations on how funds are spent.
  • Cartoon depicts this tension.

Articles of Confederation

  • Congress's power in relation to states under the Articles of Confederation is discussed.
  • Reference to "Iron Triangle".

Political Polarization and Factions

  • James Madison's concerns about factions are mentioned.
  • Political polarization and the rising of factions related to issues of social and economic nature are discussed.
  • Discussion on political polarization in the US government.
  • Discussion of Citizens United ruling and its relation to PACs and corporate political expenditure is presented.

Interest Groups and Political Processes

  • Interest groups, their influence on legislative processes, and news reporting.
  • Role of "narrowcasting" in targeted media coverage.

Electoral College

  • Overrepresentation of less populous states in the Electoral College.
  • Economic downturn and government spending cuts are presented as topics related to political stances.
  • Discussions of political strategies such as "packing".

Federal System and Powers

  • Federal involvement in highway funding and sources of funding.
  • Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) is discussed.
  • States' rights are highlighted as having differing views with the federal government regarding funding.
  • Reasons for and against a Bill of Rights are presented.
  • Discusses oversight in government and corruption cases related to financial supervision.
  • Government funding and its impact on jobs and revenue are identified.
  • Role of committees in legislation is explored.

Political Representation and Concepts

  • Discussion of "trustee" and "logrolling" in Congress.
  • Electoral process overview, with an emphasis on how laws can pass without presidential approval.
  • Checks and balances in government are examined.
  • McCulloch v. Maryland Supreme Court case discussed.
  • Discussion on various political concepts like gerrymandering, filibuster, and constituents' representation.
  • Political parties and the trend of growing homogeneity amongst the parties in Congress is highlighted.

Public Opinion and Political Changes

  • Constituents' ability to influence government policy is analyzed and reasons for influence/ lack thereof are explored.
  • Influence of interest groups, and political representation based on culture and heritage.
  • Polarisation, and homogenization across the parties in Congress.
  • Pluralist representation in US society.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the crucial aspects of political structures and public opinion. This quiz covers congressional representation, political party strategies, and the relationship between state and federal governments. Delve into how public understanding influences policy and governance.

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