7.3

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant outcome of the Supreme Court case McConnell v. Federal Election Commission?

It banned corporate donations to political campaigns.

It allowed unions to run advertisements without restrictions.

It upheld the restrictions on how candidates and parties could spend campaign contributions. (correct)

It removed all spending limits on campaign contributions.

What did the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission lead to?

Increased government oversight of campaign finance.

Imposition of strict limits on personal campaign contributions.

Removal of limits on corporate spending in elections. (correct)

Complete prohibition of super PACs.

What is a key restriction placed on super PACs by the Supreme Court ruling?

They are limited to a specified budget per election cycle.

They cannot raise any money from individuals.

They cannot contribute directly to a candidate's campaign. (correct)

They are required to coordinate with candidates on strategies.

In the 2020 election, which super PAC spent the most supporting conservative candidates?

Senate Leadership Fund Signup and view all the answers

How much did super PACs collectively spend during the 2020 election cycle?

$2.13 billion Signup and view all the answers

What can significantly help a candidate's campaign during the primaries?

Extreme positions or high charisma Signup and view all the answers

What essential activity do candidates focus on during the quiet period after the primaries?

Raising funds for the fall campaign Signup and view all the answers

When are party conventions typically held?

From June to September Signup and view all the answers

What is a major focus of local media during state-level conventions?

Reporting on speeches given by local party nominees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the timing of national conventions?

They are primarily covered by national media. Signup and view all the answers

What typically occurs on the final night of a national convention?

The presidential candidate gives their speech Signup and view all the answers

What significant change was made to the presidential Election Day in 1845?

It was changed to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason for scheduling Election Day in November?

To accommodate religious observances during the weekends. Signup and view all the answers

How were electors for the Electoral College determined?

They are elected by popular vote in their respective states. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the number of Electoral College votes change for some states?

It is recalculated every ten years based on the U.S. Census. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of electors in the Electoral College process?

They officially cast votes for the president after the election. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the number of Electoral College votes for Washington, DC?

It has as many electors as it would if it were a state. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the timing of Election Day shifted to November?

To coincide with harvest festivals. Signup and view all the answers

The constitutional process of electing a president includes which of the following steps?

The electors casting their votes in mid-December. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the visual considerations mentioned for candidates during debates?

Wearing shoes that increase height Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized as enhancing a candidate’s debate performance?

Delivering answers convincingly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common issue that can lead to a candidate's loss in a debate?

Delivering a humorous response Signup and view all the answers

What might change the outcome of a presidential campaign after debates?

Media portrayal of debate performances Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elections

Elections provide citizens with a way to participate in government without extensive personal effort. Voters must consider decisions carefully, as the electoral system allows them to choose party nominees and officeholders.

Deciding to Run

Running for office can range from collecting signatures for city elections to paying substantial fees for statewide positions. Candidates must meet specific state requirements concerning residency, voting status, and age.
Factors influencing a candidate's decision to run include competitors, family responsibilities, financial backing possibilities, and media scrutiny of personal details.

Candidacy Challenges

Candidates from minority parties may be discouraged in districts controlled by a single party, like Oklahoma.
Candidates are often those who have previously held office or are professionals (like lawyers) who can take time away from work to campaign and serve.

Demographics of Candidates

Candidates frequently differ from the general population, often being disproportionately white men with higher education levels.
Competitive vs. Open Seats: A competitive seat involves a challenger running against an incumbent; an open seat has no incumbent running for reelection.

Campaign Finance Laws

Historical campaign finance laws, starting with limitations on donations by government employees in 1867, evolved through various acts like the Tillman Act of 1907. These laws aim for transparency in campaign contributions.
The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) in 1971 sought to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. Further amendments in 1974 established the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for enforcement.
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 (McCain-Feingold Act) restricted contributions to political parties, prohibited coordination between candidates and PACs, and limited advertisements.
Court rulings have modified these laws, including rulings that affect spending restrictions on corporations. Limits on campaign contributions by individuals and organizations are determined and enforced.

Nomination Stage

States are responsible for structuring nomination processes, as federal guidelines are absent.
Primary elections are the most prevalent nomination method, where party members use ballots to select nominees.
Closed primaries limit voting to registered party members, while open primaries allow all voters to participate.
Top-two primaries involve an initial contest between all candidates, with the top two advancing to the general election.
Caucuses are alternative nomination methods, involving meetings of party members to formally select nominees.

Convention Season

A quiet period follows the nomination, after which candidates focus on fundraising for the general election. State and national conventions are often held during the summer or early fall.
Conventions involve platform discussions, speeches, and delegate voting. Major party conventions are highly publicized events.

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Description

This quiz explores the election process, the factors influencing individuals to run for office, and the challenges they face. It highlights the demographics of candidates and the complexities involved in participating in elections. Test your knowledge on these critical aspects of democratic engagement.

7.3

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