Public Opinion and Political Parties Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the most important agent of political socialization?

  • School
  • Peers
  • Media
  • Family (correct)

Which of these is NOT a method utilized to measure public opinion?

  • Experiments (correct)
  • Polls
  • Focus Groups
  • Surveys

Which of these concepts describes a situation where individuals support policies that are against their own economic interests?

  • Misplaced self-interest (correct)
  • Priming
  • Linked fate
  • Gender gap

Which of the following accurately contrasts the views of libertarians and socialists?

<p>Libertarians favor minimal government intervention, while socialists prioritize strong government control over the economy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a factor that influences political preferences?

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

What is the primary purpose of the 'Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971'?

<p>To regulate campaign contributions and expenditures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which voting system allows the candidate with the most votes to win, without requiring an absolute majority?

<p>Plurality electoral system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic typically pays attention to 'hard news' and is most often targeted by serious newspapers?

<p>Affluent and educated individuals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key provision of the 'Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002'?

<p>Restriction of individual donation amounts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of media conglomerates on the news industry?

<p>Consolidation of media ownership (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'equal time rule' in broadcasting?

<p>To require broadcasters to provide equal airtime to political candidates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 'prospective' voting from 'retrospective' voting?

<p>Prospective voting focuses on policies that will be implemented (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method of voter disenfranchisement was primarily used following the implementation of constitutional voting protections for African Americans?

<p>Imposition of literacy tests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'gerrymandering' primarily used for in the political process?

<p>To manipulate electoral district boundaries for partisan advantage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of interest group has a disproportionate amount of influence when examining PAC numbers?

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

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect a political party looks for when recruiting candidates?

<p>Previous experience in elected office (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common reason for the formation of minor parties?

<p>To secure high-level government positions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements BEST describes the "free-rider problem" in collective action?

<p>Individuals benefit from a group's efforts without contributing themselves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Madison, how are the problems of factions best controlled?

<p>By promoting compromise and consensus through a representative government (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group would be most likely discussed if one were to argue that there is a bias in interest group politics?

<p>Wealthy and powerful individuals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes Mancur Olson's challenge to the pluralist assumption in his book The Logic of Collective Action?

<p>He argued that individuals are motivated by self-interest and are unlikely to contribute to collective action unless they receive selective benefits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the "revolving door" in politics?

<p>The practice of politicians leaving government to work for interest groups and vice-versa (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Supreme Court rulings is NOT directly related to campaign finance laws?

<p>Roe v. Wade (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is NOT a function of a political party?

<p>Enacting specific legislation through legislative action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political views and beliefs. It's shaped by various factors, such as family, friends, education, and media.

Linked Fate

A concept that describes when individuals believe their fate is linked to that of their group, leading to increased political engagement and solidarity.

Political Ideology

The set of underlying orientations, ideas, and beliefs through which an individual understands and interprets politics. It's how individuals make sense of political issues and events.

Gender Gap

A systematic difference in political views between men and women. It can manifest in policy preferences, voting behavior, and party affiliation.

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Public Opinion Polls

A method used to measure public opinion by asking a sample of individuals to answer questions about their views. It's a common tool for understanding public preferences and trends.

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What is a political party?

Political parties are organizations seeking to win elections and control government. They aim to promote their ideologies, policies, and candidates. They play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape.

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What qualities do political parties look for in candidates?

Political parties often recruit candidates based on their ability to win elections, public image, experience, and alignment with party values and platforms. They seek candidates who are electable, credible, and represent the party's interests effectively.

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How do parties lower information costs for voters?

Political parties simplify the political process for voters. They provide platforms and candidates who represent different viewpoints, making it easier for voters to understand complex issues and make informed choices. This reduces the information overload and helps voters participate.

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What is a two-party system?

A two-party system refers to a political landscape where two dominant parties consistently hold a majority of the political power and control elections, leaving little space for third parties to gain significant influence.

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Define 'patronage'.

Patronage is the practice of rewarding political supporters with positions, favors, or other benefits in exchange for their loyalty and service. It can involve awarding government jobs, contracts, or other forms of access to those who support a particular party or politician.

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Define 'lobbying'.

Lobbying is the act of influencing government decision-making through direct communication with policymakers, aiming to shape legislation, policy, and regulations. Interest groups employ lobbyists to advocate for their interests and persuade officials to support their cause.

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Define 'revolving door' politics.

The 'revolving door' politics describes a situation where individuals move back and forth between government and private sector positions, particularly lobbying jobs. This can raise concerns about conflicts of interest and potential bias, as former government officials may use their knowledge to influence policy on behalf of private interests.

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What is the purpose of an interest group?

Interest groups are organized groups of individuals who share common goals and interests. They aim to influence government policy and decisions that affect their members, advocating for specific legislation, regulations, or policies.

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Explain the 'free-rider problem'.

The 'free-rider problem' occurs when individuals benefit from a collective good or service without contributing to its provision. This can make it difficult for groups to organize and sustain themselves, as individuals who are not directly contributing may still benefit from the group's efforts.

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Explain the 'prisoner's dilemma'.

The 'prisoner's dilemma' highlights the challenges of cooperation in situations where individuals are motivated to act in their own self-interest, even if it leads to a worse outcome for everyone involved. In the context of interest groups, it illustrates how competing interests can hinder collective action and obstruct the pursuit of shared goals.

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Plurality

A system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't have a majority. Think of it like a race where the one who crosses the finish line first wins, even if others are still running.

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Majority

A system where the candidate needs more than 50% of the votes to win. It's like a pie where one person needs more than half the slices to win.

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Proportional

A system where the percentage of votes a candidate receives determines the number of seats they get. Think of it like a pie where the size of your slice depends on how many votes you received.

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Winner-Take-All

A system where the candidate with the most votes wins all the seats in a district. Think of it like a race where the winner takes all the prizes.

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Duverger's Law

The idea that a two-party system is more likely to emerge in a winner-take-all electoral system. Think of it as two teams competing in a race, making it harder for smaller teams to participate.

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Median-Voter Theorem

When a candidate has to choose a position on an issue based on where the majority of voters stand. Think of it like a politician trying to please most of the people in the crowd.

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Valence Issue

An issue where there is a clear best outcome for everyone, like cleaner air or a better economy. Think of it as everyone wanting the same goal.

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Spatial Issue

An issue where people have different preferred solutions. Think of it like a room with different opinions on how to organize things.

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Retrospective Voting

To vote for a candidate based on their past actions and performance. Think of it like voting for the candidate who did the best job in the past.

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Prospective Voting

To vote for a candidate based on their promises for the future. Think of it like voting for the candidate who promises to do the best job in the future.

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Study Notes

Public Opinion

  • Examine how preferences and beliefs impact public opinion, and the influences on each.
  • Define public opinion and the levels it can be measured.
  • Explain political socialization.
    • What factors influence this process?
    • Identify the most important factor.
  • Analyze whether political beliefs remain stable over time or are susceptible to change.
  • Contrast libertarian and socialist political views.
  • Discuss general policy stances of conservatives and liberals.
  • Analyze different methods for measuring public opinion.
    • Explain advantages and disadvantages of each method.
  • Define: gender gap, linked fate, misplaced self-interest
  • Explain framing and priming.

Political Parties

  • Identify the purpose and goals of political parties.
  • Explain how political parties are organized (centralized vs decentralized, committees, etc.).
  • Discuss aspects political parties seek when recruiting candidates.
  • Analyze how parties lower information costs for voters.
  • Identify demographics key to Republican and Democratic coalitions.
  • Explain if a nation has a two-party system.
  • Define 'patronage.'
  • Trace the evolution of the US two-party system.
  • Discuss why minor parties form and why they struggle to win.
  • Identify and explain the functions of political parties.

Interest Groups

  • Explain the role and purpose of interest groups.
  • Compare interest groups to political parties.
  • Discuss how Madison believed factions were controlled.
  • Break down arguments from pluralist and elite theories on interest groups.
  • Identify types of interests that spark group organization.
  • Explain the influence of interest groups, particularly PACs.
  • Explain how interest groups are funded. Discuss the free-rider problem and the prisoner's dilemma.
  • Discuss Mancur Olson's challenge to the pluralist assumption.
  • Identify and describe types of selective benefits.

Lobbying and Media

  • Define lobbying and "revolving door" politics.
  • Explain why and how interest groups lobby the executive branch.
  • Describe how interest groups use litigation and amicus briefs.
  • Define independent expenditures.
  • Analyze the importance of Supreme Court rulings (Buckley v. Valeo, Citizens United).
  • Breakdown provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act (1971) and its 1974 amendment.
  • Discuss the role of interest groups in the democratic process.
  • Identify the main source of political information for Americans.
  • Discuss whether national talk radio leans liberal or conservative.
  • Explain the impact of the internet and cable news on newspapers.
  • Analyze the relationship between government and media regarding ownership and regulation.
      • Define: blogs, citizen journalism, libel/slander, equal time rule, yellow journalism
    • Discuss the impact of the Telecommunications Act (1996)
    • Analyze Supreme Court rulings (New York Times v. Sullivan, New York Times v. United States)
    • Explain the role of the Associated Press
    • Detail what demographics focus on hard news.

Campaign Process and Elections

  • Identify 5 nomination methods.
  • State which nomination method is most common.
  • Differentiate between open and closed primaries.
  • Analyze differences between congressional and presidential elections.
  • Explain congressional incumbent advantages.
  • Explain the key provisions of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002).

Voting and Elections

  • Discuss methods of disenfranchisement of minority voters after the implementation of constitutional protections.
  • Examine how voter turnout rates differ.
  • Identify what was provided by each of the amendments 15th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 26th.
  • Explain how adverse selection and moral hazard affect citizens selecting representatives.
  • Describe how Australia and Brazil have higher voter turnout.
  • Explain voter registration requirements in the United States.
  • Identify the executive agency responsible for campaign finance laws.
  • Describe the purpose and effects of the Motor Voter Bill (1993). Explain split-ticket voting and its impact.

Electoral System

  • Explain how electoral votes per state are determined.
  • Compare & contrast plurality vs majority, winner-take-all vs proportional electoral systems.
  • Detail the basic argument of Duverger's law.
  • Discern the authority/powers behind recall, referendum, and initiatives.
  • Define and discuss gerrymandering.
  • Differentiate between retrospective and prospective voting.
  • Define valence and spatial issues.
  • Analyze the media-voter theorem.
  • Analyze Supreme Court rulings (Baker v. Carr, Reynolds v. Sims, Wesberry v. Sanders, Buckley v. Valeo, Reno v. Shaw, Shelby County v. Holder, Citizens United v. FEC).

Other Study Topics

  • Identify things that were established by legislative acts (Apportionment Act of 1911, Reapportionment Act of 1929).
  • Explain the difference between soft and hard money.
  • Explain the role/purpose of political action committees.
  • Understand the main questions and arguments of journal articles ("Revisiting the Relationship...", "Social Media...", "U.S. House...", "Unequal Participation...", "The Changing Politics...").

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US Government & Politics Exam II PDF

Description

This quiz explores the complex dynamics of public opinion, examining how beliefs and preferences shape political views. It also delves into the structure and function of political parties, analyzing their goals, organization, and candidate recruitment strategies.

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