Political Parties Quiz Rippee 1st
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- 1.
The “Contract with America” refers to
- A.
Republican promises for reform following the 1994 GOP takeover of the House
- B.
Democratic promises for reform following the 2006 takeover of the House
- C.
The brainchild of Dick Cheney and Newt Gingrich
- D.
An attempt on the part of Republicans to offer Americans a positive program for reshaping policy and reforming how Congress works
- E.
A, c, & d
Correct Answer
E. A, c, & dExplanation
The "Contract with America" refers to Republican promises for reform following the 1994 GOP takeover of the House. It was also the brainchild of Dick Cheney and Newt Gingrich. It was an attempt on the part of Republicans to offer Americans a positive program for reshaping policy and reforming how Congress works. Therefore, the correct answer includes options a, c, and d.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following do you need to do to become a Republican or Democrat?
- A.
Formally join the party
- B.
Prove that you’ve voted for the party
- C.
Add your name to a mailing list
- D.
Give money
- E.
All you need to do is believe that you belong to the party of your choice
Correct Answer
E. All you need to do is believe that you belong to the party of your choiceExplanation
To become a Republican or Democrat, all you need to do is believe that you belong to the party of your choice. There is no requirement to formally join the party, prove voting history, add your name to a mailing list, or give money. Belief in the party's principles and values is the main criterion for identifying oneself as a Republican or Democrat.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Almost all definitions of political parties have which of the following in common?
- A.
Parties have formal organizations
- B.
Parties have a mass following
- C.
Parties try to win elections
- D.
Parties are run by elites
- E.
Parties have limited policy agendas
Correct Answer
C. Parties try to win electionsExplanation
Political parties are defined by their primary goal of winning elections. This is a key characteristic shared by almost all definitions of political parties. Parties aim to gain power and influence by participating in electoral processes and securing seats in government. While other options like having formal organizations, a mass following, being run by elites, and having limited policy agendas may also be common features of political parties, the main commonality among them is their focus on winning elections.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The theory that seeks to explain political processes and outcomes as consequences of purposive behavior is called the
- A.
Rational-choice theory
- B.
Behaviorism
- C.
Means-ends theory
- D.
Cognitive theory
- E.
Goals theory
Correct Answer
A. Rational-choice theoryExplanation
The rational-choice theory is a theory that explains political processes and outcomes as a result of purposive behavior. This theory suggests that individuals and groups make decisions based on rational calculations of costs and benefits, with the goal of maximizing their own self-interest. It assumes that people are rational actors who weigh the potential outcomes of their actions and choose the option that will bring them the most benefit. By understanding the motivations and calculations of individuals and groups, the rational-choice theory seeks to explain political behavior and outcomes.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Ticket splitting refers to
- A.
Switching membership in political parties
- B.
The procedure used to conduct computerized, automated vote counting
- C.
Voting with one party in one presidential election, and another party in the next presidential election
- D.
Voting for one party for one office, and another party for other offices
- E.
Voting for a party other than the one you identify with
Correct Answer
D. Voting for one party for one office, and another party for other officesExplanation
Ticket splitting refers to the act of voting for candidates from different political parties for different offices in an election. This means that a voter may choose to vote for a candidate from one party for a specific office, such as president, and then vote for candidates from another party for other offices, such as senators or representatives. This practice allows individuals to express their preferences for different candidates and parties based on their own assessment of the candidates' qualifications and positions on various issues.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In blanket primaries,
- A.
Voters may choose on election day which party primary they want to participate in
- B.
Only voters who have registered in advance with the party can vote
- C.
Voters may vote for candidates from either party
- D.
Voters may vote for multiple candidates
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Voters may vote for candidates from either partyExplanation
In blanket primaries, voters have the option to vote for candidates from either party. Unlike closed primaries where voters are restricted to voting for candidates from their registered party, blanket primaries allow voters to freely choose candidates from any party. This system promotes inclusivity and gives voters more flexibility in expressing their preferences.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Closed primaries
- A.
Depress voter turnout
- B.
Encourage party loyalty
- C.
Discourage party loyalty
- D.
Cost less than open primaries
- E.
Have fewer undercounts
Correct Answer
B. Encourage party loyaltyExplanation
Closed primaries encourage party loyalty because they only allow registered members of a specific political party to participate in the primary election. This means that only individuals who are committed to a particular party can vote in the primary, which can strengthen party unity and cohesiveness. By excluding independent and crossover voters, closed primaries ensure that the party's most dedicated members have a greater influence in selecting the party's candidate. This can lead to a more unified and ideologically consistent party, as candidates are chosen by those who are most aligned with the party's values and goals.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Each party holds a national convention every
- A.
Six years
- B.
Two years
- C.
Three years
- D.
Year
- E.
Four years
Correct Answer
E. Four yearsExplanation
National conventions are typically held by political parties to nominate their candidates for the presidential election. These conventions serve as a platform for party members to come together, discuss their party's platform, and rally support for their chosen candidate. Holding these conventions every four years aligns with the timing of the presidential election cycle in many countries, where elections are held every four years. This allows parties to select their candidates and campaign for the upcoming election.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The supreme power within each of the parties is
- A.
The state party organizations
- B.
The president
- C.
The Supreme Party Court
- D.
The national convention
- E.
The national committee
Correct Answer
D. The national conventionExplanation
The national convention is the correct answer because it is the highest authority within a political party. It is where party members come together to make important decisions, such as selecting the party's presidential nominee and setting the party's platform. The national convention represents the collective voice of the party members and holds significant power in shaping the party's direction and policies. The state party organizations, the president, the Supreme Party Court, and the national committee may have influence within the party, but the ultimate power lies with the national convention.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In general, what are the ingredient(s) of a critical election?
- A.
Existing fissures in political party cause coalitions to begin to fracture
- B.
New issues appear and divide the electorate in new ways
- C.
Parties form new, enduring coalitions
- D.
All of the above
- E.
Both a and b
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
A critical election typically involves multiple factors. First, existing divisions within political parties start to become more pronounced, leading to the breakdown of coalitions. Second, new issues emerge that divide the electorate in different ways, causing a shift in voter alignments. Lastly, parties begin to form new and lasting coalitions in response to these changes. Therefore, all of the given options (a, b, and c) are ingredients of a critical election.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Party realignments in the United States
- A.
Occur when a party makes dramatic changes in its positions on issues
- B.
Involve the death of one party and the birth of a brand new one
- C.
Are slight adjustments of political allegiance among voters in at least one region of the country
- D.
Happen after most presidential elections, and occasionally in-between
- E.
Are rare events in the United States, usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma, in which one party's majority domination is replaced with another's
Correct Answer
E. Are rare events in the United States, usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma, in which one party's majority domination is replaced with another'sExplanation
Party realignments in the United States are rare events that occur when one party's majority domination is replaced with another's. These realignments are usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma. During these events, there are significant changes in the political landscape and the dominant party's positions on issues may undergo dramatic changes. Party realignments can happen after most presidential elections, but they can also occur in-between elections. These realignments are not just slight adjustments of political allegiance among voters in one region, but rather, they have a nationwide impact.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The first American political party evolved
- A.
From the supporters of George Washington's first campaign for president
- B.
Out of Thomas Jefferson's efforts to get the Declaration of Independence adopted
- C.
Out of public disgust over the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, leading to calls to solve conflicts through peaceful party competition
- D.
During the Constitutional Convention
- E.
Out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank
Correct Answer
E. Out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bankExplanation
The first American political party evolved out of Alexander Hamilton's efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank. This suggests that Hamilton's push for a national bank was a significant catalyst for the formation of a political party.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Republicans lost the election of 1932 primarily due to
- A.
The nomination of a popular war hero by the Democrats
- B.
Hitler's election as chancellor of Germany and the Republicans' failure to prevent it.
- C.
Rising political and economic instability in Europe
- D.
The failure of the Republicans to hold onto the support of urban industrialists
- E.
President Herbert Hoover's handling of the Depression
Correct Answer
E. President Herbert Hoover's handling of the DepressionExplanation
President Herbert Hoover's handling of the Depression was the primary reason why the Republicans lost the election of 1932. Hoover's policies and actions during the economic crisis were widely seen as ineffective and inadequate, leading to widespread suffering and discontent among the American people. The Democrats capitalized on this dissatisfaction by offering a new approach to the economic crisis, promising relief and recovery. This, combined with Hoover's inability to address the needs of the American people, ultimately led to the Republicans' defeat in the election.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following is TRUE about most third-party campaigns in American history?
- A.
They almost never win office
- B.
They occasionally succeed
- C.
They usually become major political parties over time
- D.
They have been most successful at promoting party dealignment
- E.
They frequently are successful
Correct Answer
A. They almost never win officeExplanation
Most third-party campaigns in American history almost never win office. This means that these campaigns, which are not affiliated with the two major political parties, have a very low success rate in terms of actually winning elections and securing positions of power. While they may occasionally succeed or have some level of success in promoting party dealignment (the weakening of party loyalty), the statement that they usually become major political parties over time is not supported by the information given.Rate this question:
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Jul 13, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 03, 2012Quiz Created by
Arippee
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