Question 1

During the earliest years of the United States,who nominated the candidates for president?

Accepted Answer

A)  The incumbent president chose both candidates. 
B)  Members of the major political parties chose their own nominees. 
C)  Nominations were controlled by each party's congressional caucus. 
D)  Political machine bosses controlled the entire nominating process. 
E)  State legislatures selected one candidate from each party. 
A)  The incumbent president chose both candidates. 
B)  Members of the major political parties chose their own nominees. 
C)  Nominations were controlled by each party's congressional caucus. 
D)  Political machine bosses controlled the entire nominating process. 
E)  State legislatures selected one candidate from each party. C

Question 2

Presidential elections are a unique phenomenon in American politics.Describe these election campaigns.How has the nominating process changed over the course of American history? Explain the function of modern conventions.How has the role of political parties during presidential campaigns changed?

Accepted Answer

Presidential elections in the United States are indeed a unique phenomenon in American politics. These election campaigns are highly competitive and often draw significant attention from the media and the public. Candidates typically spend months, or even years, campaigning across the country, participating in debates, and engaging in various forms of outreach to voters.

The nominating process for presidential candidates has evolved significantly over the course of American history. In the early years of the nation, candidates were often chosen by party leaders in closed-door meetings. However, the process became more democratic with the introduction of primary elections and caucuses in the 20th century. This allowed for greater participation from the general public in selecting the party's nominee.

Modern conventions serve as a platform for the party to officially nominate their candidate for president and vice president. They also provide an opportunity for the party to showcase its platform and unify its members behind the chosen candidates. While conventions were once the primary means of selecting the party's nominee, they now primarily serve as a symbolic event, as the nominee is typically determined through the primary and caucus process.

The role of political parties during presidential campaigns has also changed over time. In the past, parties played a more dominant role in selecting and promoting their candidates. However, with the rise of independent expenditures and the influence of outside groups, candidates now have more autonomy and can rely on their own fundraising and campaign infrastructure. Additionally, the influence of social media and digital campaigning has allowed candidates to reach voters directly, reducing the reliance on traditional party support.

Overall, presidential campaigns and the nominating process have evolved significantly throughout American history, reflecting changes in technology, media, and the political landscape. Despite these changes, presidential elections continue to be a defining feature of American democracy.

Question 3

In order for a political party to select a candidate to run in the general election,it holds a

Accepted Answer

A)  primary election. 
B)  referendum. 
C)  midterm election. 
D)  franchise vote. 
E)  exploratory committee. 
A)  primary election. 
B)  referendum. 
C)  midterm election. 
D)  franchise vote. 
E)  exploratory committee. A

Question 4

Who is the incumbent?

Accepted Answer

A)  the current officeholder,running for re-election 
B)  the candidate who raises the most money during the campaign 
C)  the official candidate for a political party,running in the general elections 
D)  the label for whoever is leading in the polls on the day of the election 
E)  the name given to a candidate who is running against a current officeholder in an election 
A)  the current officeholder,running for re-election 
B)  the candidate who raises the most money during the campaign 
C)  the official candidate for a political party,running in the general elections 
D)  the label for whoever is leading in the polls on the day of the election 
E)  the name given to a candidate who is running against a current officeholder in an election

Question 5

The boundaries of legislative districts in the United States are to be redrawn every ______ years.

Accepted Answer

A)  two 
B)  four 
C)  six 
D)  ten 
E)  twelve 
A)  two 
B)  four 
C)  six 
D)  ten 
E)  twelve

Question 6

Which party has reserved slots at the national convention for elected superdelegates?

Accepted Answer

A)  the Republicans 
B)  the Democrats 
C)  the Greens 
D)  the Reform Party 
E)  the Independents 
A)  the Republicans 
B)  the Democrats 
C)  the Greens 
D)  the Reform Party 
E)  the Independents

Question 7

While traditional party conventions were ______,contemporary party conventions are ______.

Accepted Answer

A)  deliberative assemblies to determine nominations;simple ratifications of nominations that have already been determined 
B)  simple ratifications of nominations that had already been determined;deliberative assemblies to determine nominations 
C)  financed solely by the federal government;financed by interest groups,private donors,and corporations 
D)  financed by interest groups,private donors,and corporations;financed solely by the federal government 
E)  held on the year before the presidential election;held one week before the presidential election 
A)  deliberative assemblies to determine nominations;simple ratifications of nominations that have already been determined 
B)  simple ratifications of nominations that had already been determined;deliberative assemblies to determine nominations 
C)  financed solely by the federal government;financed by interest groups,private donors,and corporations 
D)  financed by interest groups,private donors,and corporations;financed solely by the federal government 
E)  held on the year before the presidential election;held one week before the presidential election

Question 8

A major factor in John Kennedy's 1960 presidential victory over Richard Nixon was

Accepted Answer

A)  the fact that,unlike Nixon,Kennedy had hired a professional political consultant. 
B)  that Kennedy had a much stronger performance than Nixon during televised debates. 
C)  Nixon's failure to develop infomercials. 
D)  Kennedy's aggressive use of push polls,especially in the Northeast. 
E)  Kennedy's strategic use of "soft money" and 527 committees. 
A)  the fact that,unlike Nixon,Kennedy had hired a professional political consultant. 
B)  that Kennedy had a much stronger performance than Nixon during televised debates. 
C)  Nixon's failure to develop infomercials. 
D)  Kennedy's aggressive use of push polls,especially in the Northeast. 
E)  Kennedy's strategic use of "soft money" and 527 committees.

Question 9

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

A)  Federal law since 2002 requires that all states use the same type of voting equipment. 
B)  The Supreme Court has mandated that all voting machines provide a paper ballot. 
C)  Voting equipment varies from county to county throughout the United States. 
D)  Since 2000,all voting equipment has been required to use a butterfly ballot. 
E)  The Supreme Court has ruled that elections using electronic voting machines are unconstitutional. 
A)  Federal law since 2002 requires that all states use the same type of voting equipment. 
B)  The Supreme Court has mandated that all voting machines provide a paper ballot. 
C)  Voting equipment varies from county to county throughout the United States. 
D)  Since 2000,all voting equipment has been required to use a butterfly ballot. 
E)  The Supreme Court has ruled that elections using electronic voting machines are unconstitutional.

Question 10

Politicians attempt to "balance the ticket" with members of many important groups because

Accepted Answer

A)  interest groups frequently engage in direct lobbying to enhance diversity in campaigns. 
B)  affirmative action legislation from the 1960s requires proportional representation in all elections. 
C)  federal campaign finance laws provide higher spending limits for more "balanced" tickets. 
D)  voters tend to prefer candidates who are closer to themselves in terms of race,ethnicity,religion,gender,geography,and social background. 
E)  the Constitution requires at least minimal levels of representativeness in election campaigns. 
A)  interest groups frequently engage in direct lobbying to enhance diversity in campaigns. 
B)  affirmative action legislation from the 1960s requires proportional representation in all elections. 
C)  federal campaign finance laws provide higher spending limits for more "balanced" tickets. 
D)  voters tend to prefer candidates who are closer to themselves in terms of race,ethnicity,religion,gender,geography,and social background. 
E)  the Constitution requires at least minimal levels of representativeness in election campaigns.

Question 11

Primary elections were introduced by the ______ in order to weaken the power of party leaders.

Accepted Answer

A)  Democrats 
B)  Republicans 
C)  Whigs 
D)  Progressives 
E)  Federalists 
A)  Democrats 
B)  Republicans 
C)  Whigs 
D)  Progressives 
E)  Federalists

Question 12

Smaller and weaker parties are most likely to have electoral success under which system of elections?

Accepted Answer

A)  the proportional representation system 
B)  the majority system 
C)  the plurality system 
D)  the unitary system 
E)  the referendum system 
A)  the proportional representation system 
B)  the majority system 
C)  the plurality system 
D)  the unitary system 
E)  the referendum system

Question 13

When are national elections held in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A)  the first Tuesday of November every year 
B)  the first Tuesday of November every other year 
C)  the first Tuesday of November every three years 
D)  the first Tuesday of November every four years 
E)  the first Tuesday of November every five years 
A)  the first Tuesday of November every year 
B)  the first Tuesday of November every other year 
C)  the first Tuesday of November every three years 
D)  the first Tuesday of November every four years 
E)  the first Tuesday of November every five years

Question 14

When the Supreme Court announced the principle of "one person,one vote," what did it mean?

Accepted Answer

A)  Voters may only vote once in an election. 
B)  Within a state,electoral districts must have roughly equal populations. 
C)  No one could be denied suffrage on the basis of race or gender. 
D)  Voting was an individual right,not a group right. 
E)  Compulsory voting is constitutional. 
A)  Voters may only vote once in an election. 
B)  Within a state,electoral districts must have roughly equal populations. 
C)  No one could be denied suffrage on the basis of race or gender. 
D)  Voting was an individual right,not a group right. 
E)  Compulsory voting is constitutional.

Question 15

Before the post-World War II era,dark-horse candidates were most likely to arise at a national convention when

Accepted Answer

A)  deadlocks between major factions developed. 
B)  no other candidate wanted the nomination. 
C)  charismatic leaders dominated the proceedings. 
D)  economic conditions were extremely poor. 
E)  an incumbent president was running for re-election. 
A)  deadlocks between major factions developed. 
B)  no other candidate wanted the nomination. 
C)  charismatic leaders dominated the proceedings. 
D)  economic conditions were extremely poor. 
E)  an incumbent president was running for re-election.

Question 16

Which of the following is not covered by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?

Accepted Answer

A)  Individual contributions to 501c(4)and 527 committees. 
B)  Individual contributions to political action committees. 
C)  Individual contributions to a presidential candidate. 
D)  Individual contributions to a national political party. 
E)  Contributions to a candidate from labor unions and corporations. 
A)  Individual contributions to 501c(4)and 527 committees. 
B)  Individual contributions to political action committees. 
C)  Individual contributions to a presidential candidate. 
D)  Individual contributions to a national political party. 
E)  Contributions to a candidate from labor unions and corporations.

Question 17

Three types of factors,______,influence the decisions of voters at the polls.

Accepted Answer

A)  wealth,education,and issues 
B)  advertising,partisan loyalty,and personality 
C)  partisan loyalty,issues,and the characteristics of candidates 
D)  advertising,debates,and issues 
E)  honesty,partisan loyalty,and wealth 
A)  wealth,education,and issues 
B)  advertising,partisan loyalty,and personality 
C)  partisan loyalty,issues,and the characteristics of candidates 
D)  advertising,debates,and issues 
E)  honesty,partisan loyalty,and wealth

Question 18

Describe the role of money in campaigns.Some questions to consider: How is money regulated? What kind of constitutional protections do campaign donations and spending receive? How has the federal government tried to limit spending? What has been the influence of soft money?

Accepted Answer

The role of money in campaigns is signif

Question 19

During midterm elections,voters are voting for

Accepted Answer

A)  federal judges. 
B)  members of Congress. 
C)  the president. 
D)  the secretary of state. 
E)  national-level referendums. 
A)  federal judges. 
B)  members of Congress. 
C)  the president. 
D)  the secretary of state. 
E)  national-level referendums.

Question 20

The term soft money refers to

Accepted Answer

A)  personal wealth that a candidate uses. 
B)  money donated to a party to sponsor party building and voter registration. 
C)  donations to a challenger. 
D)  donations of time and supplies. 
E)  donations to an incumbent who is running for re-election. 
A)  personal wealth that a candidate uses. 
B)  money donated to a party to sponsor party building and voter registration. 
C)  donations to a challenger. 
D)  donations of time and supplies. 
E)  donations to an incumbent who is running for re-election.

During the earliest years of the United States,who nominated the candidates for president?

Presidential elections are a unique phenomenon in American politics.Describe these election campaigns.How has the nominating process changed over the course of American history? Explain the function of modern conventions.How has the role of political parties during presidential campaigns changed?

In order for a political party to select a candidate to run in the general election,it holds a

Who is the incumbent?

The boundaries of legislative districts in the United States are to be redrawn every ______ years.

Which party has reserved slots at the national convention for elected superdelegates?

While traditional party conventions were ,contemporary party conventions are .

A major factor in John Kennedy's 1960 presidential victory over Richard Nixon was

Which of the following statements is true?

Politicians attempt to "balance the ticket" with members of many important groups because

Primary elections were introduced by the ______ in order to weaken the power of party leaders.

Smaller and weaker parties are most likely to have electoral success under which system of elections?

When are national elections held in the United States?

When the Supreme Court announced the principle of "one person,one vote," what did it mean?

Before the post-World War II era,dark-horse candidates were most likely to arise at a national convention when

Which of the following is not covered by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?

Three types of factors,______,influence the decisions of voters at the polls.

Describe the role of money in campaigns.Some questions to consider: How is money regulated? What kind of constitutional protections do campaign donations and spending receive? How has the federal government tried to limit spending? What has been the influence of soft money?

During midterm elections,voters are voting for

The term soft money refers to

American Political Culture

The Founding and the Constitution

Federalism

Civil Liberties

Civil Rights

Public Opinion

The Media

Political Participation and Voting

Political Parties

Groups and Interests

Congress

The Presidency

Bureaucracy in a Democracy

The Federal Courts

Government and the Economy

Social Policy

Foreign Policy and Democracy

Filters

Exam 10: Campaigns and Elections

During the earliest years of the United States,who nominated the candidates for president?

Presidential elections are a unique phenomenon in American politics.Describe these election campaigns.How has the nominating process changed over the course of American history? Explain the function of modern conventions.How has the role of political parties during presidential campaigns changed?

In order for a political party to select a candidate to run in the general election,it holds a

Who is the incumbent?

The boundaries of legislative districts in the United States are to be redrawn every ______ years.

Which party has reserved slots at the national convention for elected superdelegates?

While traditional party conventions were ______,contemporary party conventions are ______.

A major factor in John Kennedy's 1960 presidential victory over Richard Nixon was

Which of the following statements is true?

Politicians attempt to "balance the ticket" with members of many important groups because

Primary elections were introduced by the ______ in order to weaken the power of party leaders.

Smaller and weaker parties are most likely to have electoral success under which system of elections?

When are national elections held in the United States?

When the Supreme Court announced the principle of "one person,one vote," what did it mean?

Before the post-World War II era,dark-horse candidates were most likely to arise at a national convention when

Which of the following is not covered by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?

Three types of factors,______,influence the decisions of voters at the polls.

Describe the role of money in campaigns.Some questions to consider: How is money regulated? What kind of constitutional protections do campaign donations and spending receive? How has the federal government tried to limit spending? What has been the influence of soft money?

During midterm elections,voters are voting for

The term soft money refers to

American Political Culture

The Founding and the Constitution

Federalism

Civil Liberties

Civil Rights

Public Opinion

The Media

Political Participation and Voting

Political Parties

Groups and Interests

Congress

The Presidency

Bureaucracy in a Democracy

The Federal Courts

Government and the Economy

Social Policy

Foreign Policy and Democracy

Filters

While traditional party conventions were ,contemporary party conventions are .