American Government Chapter 9, Political Parties
- 1.
American political parties have become weaker as...
- A.
A. labels in the mind of voter
- B.
B. a set of political leaders who try to organize and control government
- C.
C. organization that recruit candidates
- D.
D. all of the above
- E.
E. none of the above
Correct Answer
E. E. none of the aboveExplanation
The question asks about the reasons for the weakening of American political parties. However, none of the options provided in the question accurately explain the reasons for this weakening. Therefore, the correct answer is "none of the above" as none of the options provided are correct explanations for the weakening of American political parties.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Thomas Jefferson considered his Republican party to be
- A.
A. secret monarchists
- B.
B. a federalism broker
- C.
C. anti federalist
- D.
D. a temporary arrangement
- E.
E. a permanent organizarion
Correct Answer
D. D. a temporary arrangementExplanation
Thomas Jefferson considered his Republican party to be a temporary arrangement because he believed that political parties were inherently divisive and would eventually lead to the downfall of democracy. He saw them as a necessary evil to counterbalance the Federalist party and protect the principles of republicanism. Jefferson envisioned a society where political parties would eventually dissolve, allowing for a more unified and harmonious government. Therefore, he viewed his own party as a temporary solution to the political challenges of the time.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In 1831 the ____ party held the first American party convention
- A.
Anti-Masonic
- B.
Free Soil
- C.
Greenback
- D.
Whig
- E.
Know-Nothing
Correct Answer
A. Anti-MasonicExplanation
The correct answer is Anti-Masonic. In 1831, the Anti-Masonic party held the first American party convention. The Anti-Masonic party was formed in opposition to the secretive and allegedly corrupt practices of the Freemasons. They held their convention in Philadelphia, where they nominated William Wirt as their presidential candidate. This convention marked a significant moment in American political history as it was the first time a political party held a national convention to nominate a candidate for president.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Mugwumps were
- A.
A political branch of American Legion
- B.
A faction of the Republican party
- C.
The forerunners of the KKK
- D.
An activist Indian tribe
- E.
Louisiana tobacco farmers who held land near the coast
Correct Answer
B. A faction of the Republican partyExplanation
The Mugwumps were a faction of the Republican party. They were a group of reform-minded Republicans who broke away from their party in the late 19th century. The Mugwumps were known for their opposition to political corruption and their support for civil service reform. They were often critical of their own party and were willing to support Democratic candidates if they believed they were more aligned with their reformist ideals. The term "Mugwump" became synonymous with independent or nonpartisan political behavior.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Even if you question the validity of the idea of a critical election, its pretty clear that
- A.
Ronald Reagan's election in 1980 signaled a realignment
- B.
Reagan's election in 1984 signaled a realignment
- C.
The South is becoming more supportive of Democrats
- D.
The South is becoming more supportive of Republicans
- E.
Parties are gaining strength
Correct Answer
D. The South is becoming more supportive of RepublicansExplanation
The correct answer is "the South is becoming more supportive of Republicans." This is evident from the statement that Reagan's election in 1980 and 1984 signaled a realignment, which implies a shift in support towards Republicans. Additionally, the idea of a critical election is mentioned, suggesting a significant change in party support. Since the other options do not align with these indicators, the answer "the South is becoming more supportive of Republicans" is the most logical choice.Rate this question:
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- 6.
As a result of changes made by the parties in the 1960s and 1970s, the Democrats have become more__________ and the Republican Party has become more__________.
- A.
A. libertarian.... liberal
- B.
B. factionalized... bureaucratized
- C.
C. unified... people-oriented
- D.
D. traditional... modern
- E.
E. organized... popular
Correct Answer
B. B. factionalized... bureaucratizedExplanation
In the 1960s and 1970s, the parties underwent changes that led to the Democrats becoming more factionalized, meaning that different groups within the party became more distinct and had their own agendas and priorities. On the other hand, the Republican Party became more bureaucratized, indicating that it became more organized and structured, with a greater emphasis on rules and procedures. This suggests that the Democrats became more fragmented and divided, while the Republicans became more centralized and focused on administrative processes.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Almost all elections in the United States are based on
- A.
A. the plurality system
- B.
B. the majority system
- C.
C. proportional representation
- D.
D. retention and recall
- E.
E. a combination of systems
Correct Answer
A. A. the plurality systemExplanation
The correct answer is a. the plurality system. In the United States, most elections follow the plurality system, which means that the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority or not. This system is also known as the "first-past-the-post" system. It is commonly used in single-member district elections, such as those for the President, members of Congress, and state governors. In this system, voters choose one candidate, and the candidate with the highest number of votes, even if it is not a majority, is declared the winner.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following statements concerning party competition in the United States is correct.
- A.
A. The parties are truly competitive in a large majority of the states.
- B.
B. One party enjoys an advantage in perhaps two-thirds of congressional districts
- C.
C. One party enjoys a substantial advantage in at least half of the states
- D.
D. All of the major regions of the country are less competitive than once was the case
- E.
E. b and c
Correct Answer
E. E. b and cExplanation
The correct answer, e. b and c, states that one party enjoys an advantage in perhaps two-thirds of congressional districts and also enjoys a substantial advantage in at least half of the states. This implies that party competition in the United States is not evenly balanced and that one party has a significant advantage in terms of representation at both the state and congressional district levels.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Free Soil and Know-Nothing parties are examples of
- A.
A. factional parties
- B.
B. backlash parties
- C.
C. ideological parties
- D.
D. economic protest parties
- E.
E. one-issue parties
Correct Answer
E. E. one-issue partiesExplanation
The Free Soil and Know-Nothing parties were both focused on a single issue. The Free Soil Party was primarily concerned with opposing the expansion of slavery into new territories, while the Know-Nothing Party was focused on anti-immigrant sentiment. These parties did not have a broad ideological platform or a range of policy positions, but rather centered their campaigns around a specific issue. Therefore, they can be classified as one-issue parties.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A political machine is a party organization that recruits its members by the use of:
- A.
A. lofty ideals and admirable goals.
- B.
B. ideological sympathy.
- C.
C. community ties.
- D.
D. tangible incentives.
- E.
E. socialization.
Correct Answer
D. D. tangible incentives.Explanation
A political machine is a party organization that recruits its members by offering tangible incentives. This means that they motivate individuals to join their organization by providing them with material benefits or rewards. These incentives could include things like jobs, favors, money, or other resources that can be directly experienced or obtained. By offering tangible incentives, political machines are able to attract and retain members who are motivated by personal gain or self-interest. This strategy helps them build a strong and loyal support base, which is essential for their political success.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The party platform is developed
- A.
A. by the nominee's campaign staff
- B.
B. by the chair of the national committee
- C.
C. at the national convention by the platform committee
- D.
D. through questionnaires sent to registered members of the party
- E.
By members of the party's Senate and House campaign commitees
Correct Answer
C. C. at the national convention by the platform committeeExplanation
The correct answer is c. at the national convention by the platform committee. The party platform is developed at the national convention by the platform committee. This committee is responsible for drafting and finalizing the party's official stance on various political issues. The platform committee consists of representatives from different factions within the party and they work together to create a document that reflects the party's values, goals, and policy positions. This process allows for input and debate from party members and ensures that the platform represents the collective voice of the party.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Pary realignment occurs when
- A.
A. a majority of the voters register as independents
- B.
B. there is a shift in voter support from one party to another
- C.
C. there is a change in which party controls one or both houses of Congress
- D.
D. the president is from one party but the Congress is in the hands of another
- E.
E. a third party determines the outcome of the election
Correct Answer
B. B. there is a shift in voter support from one party to anotherExplanation
Party realignment occurs when there is a shift in voter support from one party to another. This means that a significant number of voters change their allegiance and start supporting a different political party. This shift can be caused by various factors such as changes in political ideologies, major events or crises, or the emergence of new political issues. Party realignment can have a significant impact on the political landscape and can lead to long-term changes in the balance of power between political parties.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of he following is NOT a function of a political party?
- A.
A. to select candidates for office
- B.
B. to inform voters about issues
- C.
C. to run political campaigns
- D.
D. to raise money for candidates
- E.
E. to determine qualifications for office holders
Correct Answer
E. E. to determine qualifications for office holdersExplanation
Political parties do not have the authority or responsibility to determine qualifications for office holders. This task is typically carried out by government bodies such as election commissions or constitutional requirements. Political parties primarily focus on selecting candidates for office, informing voters about issues, running political campaigns, and raising money for candidates.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The most successful third parties
- A.
A. represent a particular region of the country
- B.
B. have strong ties to an ideological position
- C.
C. break off from one of the two major parties
- D.
D. focus on a single issue
- E.
E. support a particular group
Correct Answer
C. C. break off from one of the two major partiesExplanation
Successful third parties often emerge when a group of individuals within one of the two major parties become dissatisfied with the party's direction or policies and decide to form their own party. By breaking off from one of the major parties, these third parties are able to present alternative options to voters and offer a different perspective on important issues. This breakaway allows them to attract supporters who may feel disillusioned with the major parties and are looking for alternative choices.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Those who argue that political parties are declining in importance point to I. a decline in voter turnout II. candidate-run campaigns III. increase in ticket splitting IV. increase in the cost of running for office
- A.
A. I only
- B.
B. I and II only
- C.
C. I, II, III only
- D.
D. II and III only
- E.
E. II, III, IV only
Correct Answer
D. D. II and III onlyExplanation
Political parties are argued to be declining in importance because of candidate-run campaigns and an increase in ticket splitting. Candidate-run campaigns suggest that individual candidates are becoming more influential and are able to run successful campaigns without relying heavily on party support. This can weaken the influence and relevance of political parties. The increase in ticket splitting, where voters choose candidates from different parties for different positions, also suggests a decline in party loyalty and the diminishing importance of parties in shaping voter behavior.Rate this question:
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Oct 21, 2011Quiz Created by
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