AP Review Chapter 7 Quiz
A whole host of questions await you in this AP Review Chapter 7 Quiz, as we test your recently acquired knowledge on various topics such as political parties and their influence, ticket-splitting, policy gridlock, local party organisation and much more. What can you tell us? Let’s find out.
- 1.
The influence of political parties has been declining for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
- A.
Candidates can share their views directly with the electorate through television.
- B.
Voters can nominate party candidates in primary elections.
- C.
Candidates largely fund their own campaigns or hire campaign firms.
- D.
The government has failed to enforce party membership among the electorate.
- E.
The electorate is becoming increasingly independent from party affiliation.
Correct Answer
D. The government has failed to enforce party membership among the electorate.Explanation
The correct answer is "the government has failed to enforce party membership among the electorate." This answer is the exception because it suggests that the decline in influence of political parties is not due to the government's failure to enforce party membership among the electorate. The other reasons provided - candidates sharing their views directly with the electorate through television, voters nominating party candidates in primary elections, candidates funding their own campaigns or hiring campaign firms, and the electorate becoming increasingly independent from party affiliation - all contribute to the decline in influence of political parties.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A two-party system differs from a multiparty system in that it
- A.
Encourages moderation in policy-making and discourages change.
- B.
Offers voters no choice among ideologies.
- C.
Usually includes a liberal and a conservative party.
- D.
Relies on popular elections to change the party in power.
- E.
Allows parties to choose their own leaders in the legislature.
Correct Answer
A. Encourages moderation in policy-making and discourages change.Explanation
A two-party system encourages moderation in policy-making and discourages change because it typically consists of two major parties that compete for power. In order to appeal to a broad range of voters, both parties tend to adopt more moderate positions and avoid extreme ideologies. This moderation helps to maintain stability and continuity in governance, as major policy changes are less likely to occur. Additionally, the two-party system often discourages change by making it difficult for smaller parties or independent candidates to gain significant influence or win elections.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following statements are generally true of third parties? I. Having a third-party president in the White House would threaten the political standing of the U.S. in the eyes of other nations. II. Third parties expand the political agenda by forcing the candidates of the two major parties to address the issues that it introduces into a campaign. III. Third parties rarely gain enough support in the electorate to win, in part because they tend to focus on narrow issues and have extreme views. IV. Any success that a third party achieves in an election is a measure of public discontent with the major political parties and their platforms.
- A.
I only.
- B.
III only.
- C.
II & III only.
- D.
I & IV only
- E.
II, III, and IV only.
Correct Answer
E. II, III, and IV only.Explanation
Statement I is not generally true of third parties. The presence of a third-party president in the White House would not necessarily threaten the political standing of the U.S. in the eyes of other nations. However, statements II, III, and IV are generally true of third parties. Third parties do expand the political agenda by forcing major party candidates to address the issues they introduce. They also tend to focus on narrow issues and have extreme views, which can make it difficult for them to gain enough support to win elections. Any success a third party achieves can be seen as a measure of public discontent with the major political parties.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Political parties play an important role in democracy because they
- A.
Give voters radically different choices of policy initiatives.
- B.
Offer politicians a distinct political identify.
- C.
Connect the public with policy-making institutions.
- D.
Contribute to a centralized federal government.
- E.
Influence policy in each of the three branches of government.
Correct Answer
C. Connect the public with policy-making institutions.Explanation
Political parties play an important role in democracy because they connect the public with policy-making institutions. Political parties serve as a bridge between the citizens and the government, allowing the public to participate in the political process by expressing their views, interests, and concerns. Parties organize and mobilize voters, provide information on candidates and policies, and help shape public opinion. They also facilitate the flow of ideas and feedback between the public and policy-making institutions, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following has led to ticket-splitting in recent elections?
- A.
Partisan dealignment
- B.
Open primaries
- C.
Party realignment
- D.
Patronage system
- E.
Closed primaries
Correct Answer
A. Partisan dealignmentExplanation
Partisan dealignment refers to a weakening of the strong loyalty towards a particular political party among voters. This has led to ticket-splitting in recent elections because voters are no longer strictly aligned with one party and are more willing to vote for candidates from different parties based on their individual merits. As a result, voters may choose to split their votes by selecting candidates from different parties for different positions, rather than voting solely along party lines. This trend of ticket-splitting has become more common as partisan loyalty has decreased and voters have become more independent in their decision-making.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The process through which parties nominate their candidate for the presidency is called
- A.
A critical election.
- B.
A national convention.
- C.
An open primary.
- D.
A closed primary.
- E.
A national committee.
Correct Answer
B. A national convention.Explanation
The process through which parties nominate their candidate for the presidency is called a national convention. This is a gathering of party delegates from across the country, where they officially select their party's nominee for the presidency. The national convention is an important event in the election process, as it allows party members to come together, discuss the candidates, and ultimately decide on the most suitable nominee to represent the party in the general election.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Policy gridlock is most likely to occur when
- A.
A party wins a significant majority of the seats in Congress.
- B.
There is a third-party candidate in the presidential election.
- C.
A political party forms a coalition around a specific policy.
- D.
The president is of a different party from the majority party in Congress.
- E.
The same party wins the majority in both houses of Congress.
Correct Answer
D. The president is of a different party from the majority party in Congress.Explanation
Policy gridlock is most likely to occur when the president is of a different party from the majority party in Congress. This is because when the president and the majority party in Congress are from different parties, it becomes difficult to pass legislation and make policy decisions. The president may veto bills proposed by Congress, and there may be disagreements and conflicts between the executive and legislative branches. This can lead to a stalemate and gridlock in the policymaking process, making it challenging to implement new policies or make significant changes.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Local party organizations have little power because
- A.
Party machines no longer control large cities.
- B.
They must turn most of their resources over to state organizations
- C.
Most voters are not able to participate in politics at the local level.
- D.
The Constitution limits the scope of their activities.
- E.
Campaign finance reforms have prevented them from fundraising.
Correct Answer
A. Party machines no longer control large cities.Explanation
Local party organizations have little power because party machines no longer control large cities. In the past, party machines were powerful political organizations that dominated local politics and controlled the distribution of resources and patronage. However, with the decline of party machines, local party organizations have lost their ability to exert significant influence and control over large cities. This has resulted in a decrease in their power and resources, limiting their ability to participate effectively in local politics.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following statements accurately describe critical elections? I. Critical elections tend to occur only after significant political or social events. II. After a critical election, the existing minority party usually collapses and a new party forms. III. A critical election ensures that the existing majority party will maintain its position of power. IV. Critical elections usually signal the beginning of a new political era.
- A.
II only.
- B.
IV only.
- C.
I & IV only.
- D.
II & III only.
- E.
I, II, and IV only.
Correct Answer
C. I & IV only.Explanation
Critical elections are elections that mark a significant shift in the political landscape. Statement I accurately describes critical elections as they tend to occur after significant political or social events. Statement II is incorrect as a critical election does not necessarily lead to the collapse of the existing minority party and the formation of a new party. Statement III is incorrect as a critical election does not guarantee that the existing majority party will maintain its position of power. Statement IV accurately describes critical elections as they usually signal the beginning of a new political era. Therefore, the correct answer is I & IV only.Rate this question:
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- 10.
All of the following were political consequences of the Great Depression EXCEPT
- A.
The Democratic Party forged a new coalition.
- B.
The New Deal greatly expanded the scope of federal activities.
- C.
It defined the Democratic Party that still exists, for the most part, today.
- D.
It began a new party era of Democratic control of the federal government.
- E.
It initiated the current trend of divided government.
Correct Answer
E. It initiated the current trend of divided government.Explanation
The Great Depression had several political consequences, including the Democratic Party forging a new coalition, the New Deal expanding federal activities, and defining the Democratic Party that still exists today. Additionally, it began a new party era of Democratic control of the federal government. However, it did not initiate the current trend of divided government. This trend of divided government, where different political parties control the executive and legislative branches, has occurred more recently in American politics and is not directly linked to the Great Depression.Rate this question:
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- 11.
National party conventions were developed as a reform of
- A.
The electoral college.
- B.
Party caucuses.
- C.
Primary elections.
- D.
Direct elections.
- E.
Recall elections.
Correct Answer
B. Party caucuses.Explanation
National party conventions were developed as a reform of party caucuses. Party caucuses were the traditional method used by political parties to select their candidates for the presidency. However, they were often seen as undemocratic and controlled by party elites. In order to make the selection process more inclusive and transparent, national party conventions were introduced. These conventions allowed for a broader representation of party members and gave them a voice in the selection of the party's candidate. This reform aimed to make the nomination process more democratic and responsive to the will of the party members.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The federalist system goes a long way toward explaining why U.S. parties are ______________________ than their European counterparts.
- A.
More ideological
- B.
Less ideological
- C.
More aggressive
- D.
More centralized
- E.
More decentralized
Correct Answer
E. More decentralizedExplanation
The federalist system in the United States allows for power to be divided between the national government and the individual states. This decentralization of power means that political parties in the U.S. have more freedom and autonomy at the state level, leading to a more decentralized party system. In contrast, European countries often have more centralized political systems, with power concentrated at the national level. This centralization can result in parties that are more ideological and less decentralized compared to their U.S. counterparts.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Founders saw political parties as
- A.
An important aspect of democracy.
- B.
Effective only in raising money for campaigns.
- C.
Appropriate for a direct democracy but not for a republic.
- D.
A means communicating public opinion to the president.
- E.
Factions motivated by ambition and self-interest.
Correct Answer
E. Factions motivated by ambition and self-interest.Explanation
The Founders saw political parties as factions motivated by ambition and self-interest. This aligns with their belief that political parties would form based on individuals seeking power and advancing their own interests rather than working for the greater good of the nation. They feared that these factions would lead to divisiveness and hinder the functioning of a democratic system. Therefore, they considered political parties as a potential threat to the stability and effectiveness of democracy.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The most obvious result of ticket splitting is
- A.
Reform of political institutions.
- B.
Efficiency in government.
- C.
Machine style politics.
- D.
Party realignment.
- E.
Divided government.
Correct Answer
E. Divided government.Explanation
Ticket splitting refers to the practice of voters selecting candidates from different political parties in an election. The most obvious result of ticket splitting is a divided government. This means that different political parties control different branches of government, such as the executive and legislative branches. Divided government can lead to a more balanced and cautious approach to policymaking, as it requires negotiation and compromise between the parties. This can help prevent one party from having too much power and promote a more inclusive and diverse representation in the government.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The term superdelegate refers to
- A.
Elected officials and party leaders who are nor required to pledge themselves in advance to a presidential candidate.
- B.
Delegates representing special-interest caucuses.
- C.
Delegates-at-large who are chosen by a vote of the national party leadership.
- D.
Delegates chosen by primary elections and grassroot caucuses,
- E.
Delegates who received more than 80% of the vote in a caucus.
Correct Answer
A. Elected officials and party leaders who are nor required to pledge themselves in advance to a presidential candidate.Explanation
Superdelegates are elected officials and party leaders who are not required to pledge their support to a specific presidential candidate before the party's national convention. They have the freedom to support any candidate of their choice, regardless of the results of primary elections or caucuses. This allows them to have a significant influence on the nomination process and can potentially sway the outcome of the party's presidential nomination.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries are often considered the heyday of the
- A.
Sponsored party.
- B.
Political machine.
- C.
Ideological party.
- D.
Political action committee (PAC).
- E.
Legislative conferences.
Correct Answer
B. Political machine.Explanation
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, political machines were at their peak. These were organizations that controlled politics and government in urban areas, often through corrupt practices. They provided various services and favors to immigrants and the working class in exchange for their votes and loyalty. Political machines were known for their ability to mobilize voters and manipulate the political system to maintain their power. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider this period as the heyday of the political machine.Rate this question:
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- 17.
To win in a plurality system such as that in the U.S.. a candidate must
- A.
Exert considerable inside influence.
- B.
Win a runoff election.
- C.
Secure a majority of the votes.
- D.
Secure at least 70% of the vote.
- E.
Finish first.
Correct Answer
E. Finish first.Explanation
In a plurality system, the candidate who finishes first, regardless of the percentage of votes received, is declared the winner. This means that the candidate who receives the highest number of votes among all the candidates is the one who wins the election. It is not necessary for the candidate to secure a majority of the votes or win a runoff election. The focus is solely on finishing first in order to win in a plurality system.Rate this question:
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- 18.
An example of a protest party is the
- A.
Communist party.
- B.
Libertarian party.
- C.
American Independent party.
- D.
Populist party.
- E.
Bull Moose party.
Correct Answer
D. Populist party.Explanation
The Populist party is considered an example of a protest party because it emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the perceived corruption and inequality caused by industrialization and the concentration of wealth. The party aimed to represent the interests of farmers, laborers, and other marginalized groups, advocating for reforms such as government regulation of big businesses, income redistribution, and direct democracy. Its platform and rhetoric were centered around challenging the existing political and economic establishment, making it a protest party.Rate this question:
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- 19.
National convention delegates,compared to their respective party members, tend to be
- A.
More liberal if they are Democrats, more conservative if they are Republicans.
- B.
More liberal regardless of party.
- C.
More conservative regardless of party.
- D.
More conservative if they are Democrats, more liberal if they are Republicans.
- E.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. More liberal if they are Democrats, more conservative if they are Republicans.Explanation
National convention delegates tend to reflect the views and values of their respective party members. Democrats, who are more likely to be liberal, will choose delegates who align with their liberal values. Therefore, national convention delegates tend to be more liberal if they are Democrats. On the other hand, Republicans, who are more likely to be conservative, will choose delegates who align with their conservative values. Therefore, national convention delegates tend to be more conservative if they are Republicans.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Political parties were seen as factions motivated by ambition and self-interest in the eyes of
- A.
The Founders.
- B.
Early 20th century reformers.
- C.
Most voters in the 1980s.
- D.
Nations around the world.
- E.
The leaders of the Confederacy.
Correct Answer
A. The Founders.Explanation
The correct answer is the Founders. This is because the question is asking who saw political parties as factions motivated by ambition and self-interest. The Founders of the United States, who were involved in the writing and creation of the Constitution, held this view of political parties. They believed that political parties could potentially divide the nation and prioritize their own interests over the common good.Rate this question:
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- 21.
National party conventions were developed as a reform of
- A.
The electoral college.
- B.
Party caucuses.
- C.
Primary elections.
- D.
Direct elections.
- E.
Recall elections.
Correct Answer
B. Party caucuses.Explanation
National party conventions were developed as a reform of party caucuses. Party caucuses were the traditional method for selecting presidential candidates, but they were seen as undemocratic and prone to corruption. National party conventions were introduced as a more transparent and inclusive process, allowing a wider range of party members to have a say in selecting the party's nominee. Conventions also provided a platform for party leaders to discuss and shape the party's platform and policies. Overall, national party conventions aimed to make the candidate selection process more democratic and representative of party members' interests.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The progressives developed as a reform movement within the
- A.
Republican party.
- B.
Mugwumps.
- C.
Democratic party.
- D.
Whig party.
- E.
Democratic-Republican party.
Correct Answer
A. Republican party.Explanation
The progressives were a reform movement that emerged within the Republican party. They sought to address social and political issues such as corruption, inequality, and monopolies. Led by figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Robert La Follette, the progressives aimed to promote social justice and improve the lives of ordinary Americans. They advocated for government intervention and regulation to address these problems. By working within the Republican party, the progressives hoped to bring about change from within the existing political system.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Procedures such as the initiative and the referendum arose as efforts to give
- A.
Congress a way of controlling the president.
- B.
Citizens a direct say in making laws.
- C.
Courts a system for prosecuting election fraud.
- D.
Governors more power in relation to legislatures.
- E.
Party regulars a say in nominating candidates.
Correct Answer
B. Citizens a direct say in making laws.Explanation
The procedures of the initiative and the referendum were created to provide citizens with a direct role in the law-making process. These mechanisms allow citizens to propose and vote on legislation, bypassing the traditional legislative process. By giving citizens the power to directly participate in making laws, the initiative and referendum provide a means for democratic decision-making and ensure that the voice of the people is heard in the legislative process.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The three clearest cases of critical or realigning elections seem to be
- A.
1800, 1828, and 1876.
- B.
1828, 1876, and 1896.
- C.
1876, 1896, and 1932.
- D.
1860, 1896, and 1932
- E.
1932, 1968, and 1984
Correct Answer
D. 1860, 1896, and 1932 -
- 25.
The best evidence suggests
- A.
Electoral realignments are an inevitable aspect of American politics.
- B.
An electoral realignment will certainly take place in the next 10 or 15 years.
- C.
Parties are dealigning, not realigning.
- D.
Realignment will occur once again if economic issues are prominent in presidential elections.
- E.
Declining voter turnout increases the possibility of critical or realigning elections.
Correct Answer
C. Parties are dealigning, not realigning.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that electoral realignments are not happening, but rather parties are dealigning. This means that the traditional alignments and loyalties of political parties are breaking down, and voters are becoming less attached to one party or the other. This explanation implies that there is a shift happening in American politics, but it is not a complete realignment of the political landscape. Instead, it is a process of parties losing their traditional bases of support and voters becoming more independent in their political affiliations.Rate this question:
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