Civics In America Finals 9th

F it we ball

What is a political party?

A group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and influence policies.

What role do political parties play in American democracy?

Though not in the Constitution, parties play a key role in American democracy by electing candidates and influencing policies.

What are the main functions of political parties?

Electing candidates, educating the public, involving people in politics, operating the government, dispensing patronage, developing and implementing policy, serving as a government watchdog, and providing stability.

How do political parties educate the public?

By highlighting issues through platforms and media, helping voters choose based on ideology and affiliation.

What is the significance of party platforms?

Platforms outline the party's stance on issues like taxes, pollution, and energy.

What is meant by 'divided government'?

A situation where the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties.

What is patronage in the context of political parties?

Party loyalty is rewarded with jobs, contracts, or appointments, motivating involvement.

How do parties develop and implement policy?

After elections, parties turn platforms into laws and programs, shaping national policy.

What is the role of the minority party in government?

To monitor and criticize the majority party, encouraging accountability and presenting alternatives.

What are one-party systems?

Political systems where only one legal party exists, common in authoritarian regimes like China and North Korea.

What characterizes a two-party system?

A system where two main parties dominate, discouraging third-party success but adding stability.

What is a multi-party system?

A system used in many democracies where proportional representation allows many parties a voice, often leading to unstable coalitions.

What were the two main parties before the Civil War?

Federalists, who supported a strong central government, and Democratic-Republicans, who favored states' rights.

What major political shift occurred after the Civil War?

Republicans dominated nationally from 1860-1932, followed by Democrats taking control in 1932 and holding a majority for decades.

What are the types of third parties?

Single-Issue parties, Ideological parties, and Splinter parties.

How do third parties influence major parties?

They introduce new ideas and force major parties to adapt, as seen with women's suffrage and labor rights.

What challenges do third parties face?

Ballot access, funding issues, system barriers, limited media attention, and voter fear of wasting votes.

What is political ideology?

A set of beliefs about government, society, and values that shapes how people view policies and choose parties.

What defines liberal ideology?

A belief in a strong government role in health, education, and social services, prioritizing equality and personal freedoms.

What is the primary belief of conservative ideology regarding government involvement in the economy?

Limited government involvement in the economy, emphasizing personal responsibility over welfare.

What are the key values supported by conservative ideology?

Traditional family values and morality laws.

How do most people align their beliefs politically?

Many hold beliefs from both sides, such as being socially liberal but economically conservative.

Which political party is generally associated with liberal ideology?

Democrats.

Which political party is generally associated with conservative ideology?

Republicans.

What are the main components of the Republican platform?

Low taxes, limited regulation, private-sector solutions, opposition to abortion and cap-and-trade climate policy, support for fossil fuel development, and a reduced role for the UN.

What are the main components of the Democratic platform?

Strong government involvement in healthcare, housing, and the environment; support for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, clean energy; favoring military restraint and international cooperation.

What is the focus of the Green Party?

Environmental issues, nonviolence, and social justice.

What is the Libertarian Party's stance on government?

Minimal government involvement and opposition to most regulations.

What does the Constitution Party advocate for?

Ultra-conservative views, opposition to welfare and immigration.

What was the party identification breakdown in 2020?

33% Democrat, 29% Republican, 34% Independent.

What demographic trends are associated with Republicans and Democrats?

Republicans tend to be more white, male, and religious, while Democrats are more diverse, educated, and urban.

How does regional geography influence party identification in the U.S.?

The Northeast leans Democrat, the South and West lean Republican, and the Midwest is a mix.

What is party polarization?

The increasing ideological consistency and division between political parties.

What factors contribute to party polarization?

Competitive primaries, redistricting, media echo chambers, fewer moderates, and voter demand for ideological purity.

What proposals have been suggested to reduce polarization?

More voting opportunities, proportional representation, and support for third parties.

What impact did the 2009 Tea Party have on the Republican Party?

It shifted the party further to the right and contributed to increased polarization.

How are the Democratic and Republican parties organized?

They are structured into national, state, and local parties that operate independently but often cooperate.

What is the role of local parties in candidate selection?

Local parties choose candidates, share information, and may recommend appointments.

What is the process for nominating candidates in political parties?

Candidates are nominated through primaries, caucuses, conventions, or a mix, depending on the state.

What is required for candidates to appear on the ballot?

Candidates usually pay a small filing fee or collect signatures through a petition, often requiring about 3% of registered voters' signatures.

What is the function of caucuses in the candidate selection process?

Caucuses involve discussions among party members to elect leaders and select delegates for regional and state caucuses.

What role do state-level delegates play in the nomination process?

They choose statewide candidates and national convention delegates.

What is significant about Iowa in the presidential election process?

Iowa holds the first presidential caucus each election year, attracting heavy candidate campaigning for an early advantage.

How many states and territories used caucuses for delegate selection in 2020?

Four states and four territories.

What trend has been observed regarding the number of caucus states?

The number of caucus states has declined due to time demands and perceptions of being less democratic.

What is the function of local party organizations in nominating conventions?

They send representatives to county nominating conventions that select county candidates and delegates for state conventions.

What do state conventions do?

They choose candidates for statewide offices and delegates for the national convention.

What is the primary method for nominating candidates today?

The direct primary, where party members select candidates for the general election.

What is a closed primary?

A primary where only registered party members can vote.

What is an open primary?

A primary where all voters can participate but can only vote in one party's primary.

What is a Top-Two Primary?

A primary system where all candidates appear on one ballot, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election.

How do states control election laws regarding primaries?

States control the laws, and primaries are held like general elections at polling places.

What is typically required to win a primary election?

Most states require only a plurality to win.

What happens if no majority is reached in a primary election?

Some states hold runoff primaries.

What offices do primaries select candidates for?

Primaries select candidates for governor, Congress, state, and most local offices.

What variations exist in presidential primaries?

Rules vary by state and party, with different procedures and dates even within the same state.

What is the difference between binding and nonbinding primaries?

Binding primaries require delegates to vote according to primary results, while nonbinding primaries only indicate voter preference.

How can delegate allocation occur in presidential primaries?

It can be winner-take-all or proportional representation based on votes.

What allocation method do Democrats and Republicans typically use?

Democrats use proportional representation; Republicans use both winner-take-all and proportional systems.

What are some criticisms of presidential primaries?

The primary season is long and costly, with low voter turnout and early winners gaining media attention, making it harder for trailing candidates.

What effect do early primary winners have on the election process?

They gain major media attention, branding other candidates as 'losers,' which can hinder fundraising for trailing candidates.

Why have many candidates dropped out before most voters have cast ballots?

Due to the pressure from early primary results and the need to raise funds quickly.

What strategy have states employed to increase voter influence in primaries?

Many states have moved their primaries or caucuses earlier in the calendar.

What is the purpose of political conventions held by major parties?

To select a presidential and vice-presidential ticket for the November general election.

How often are major party conventions held?

Every four years in July or August.

Who do delegates represent at the conventions?

Delegates represent the 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

What significant change occurred in the format of conventions in 2020?

Democrats held a remote convention while Republicans had limited in-person events due to COVID-19.

What is the role of the keynote address at the convention?

To energize and unite the party.

What are the four standing committees approved by delegates at the convention?

Rules and Order of Business, Credentials, Permanent Organization, Platform and Resolutions.

What is the function of the platform committee?

To write the party's platform, outlining principles, beliefs, and positions on vital issues.

What are individual positions within the party platform called?

Planks.

What can happen if planks in the platform are controversial?

They can divide delegates and damage party unity.

What is required for a candidate to win the presidential nomination at the convention?

A majority of delegate votes.

What happens if no candidate receives a majority of votes during the roll call?

More roll calls are held until one candidate drops out or delegates switch votes.

What is a 'balanced ticket' in the context of selecting a vice-presidential candidate?

A running mate chosen to offer contrasting qualities to attract broader support.

Give an example of a balanced ticket from a past election.

In 1960, JFK (Massachusetts) chose Lyndon B. Johnson (Texas) for geographic and experience balance.

What do acceptance speeches by presidential and vice-presidential candidates aim to achieve?

To unite the party, criticize the opposition, set the campaign's theme, and appeal to the national audience.

What landmark legislation was passed in 1965 to end voting discrimination?

The Voting Rights Act.

What was the significance of the 24th Amendment passed in 1964?

It banned poll taxes in federal elections.

What was one of the early victories for voting rights before the Voting Rights Act?

The 24th Amendment, which banned poll taxes.

How did the Voting Rights Act reshape American politics?

It combined with amendments and court rulings to end voting discrimination and enhance civil liberties.

What was a major achievement of the civil rights movement related to voting?

The passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

What is the impact of staggered primaries on the convention process?

They help party leaders plan the convention and unite the party by providing early clarity on the nominee.

What role does the vice-presidential candidate play in the convention?

The vice-presidential candidate is nominated and typically confirmed automatically at the convention.

What was a notable plank in the 1980 Republican platform?

A plank opposing the Equal Rights Amendment, despite controversy.

What did the Virginia Board of Elections ban in 1966?

Poll taxes in state elections.

What challenges did African Americans face despite legal wins?

Literacy tests, intimidation, and discriminatory registration systems.

What is one key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It allowed the federal government to register voters in discriminatory states.

What role did poll watchers play according to the Voting Rights Act?

They were sent to monitor elections where voter suppression was common.

What major shift did the Voting Rights Act mark in federal-state power dynamics?

Direct intervention by the federal government in state elections.

What amendments expanded the Voting Rights Act in 1970, 1975, and 1982?

They expanded protections, abolished literacy tests nationwide, and mandated bilingual ballots.

What was the impact of the Voting Rights Act on African American voter registration from 1960 to 2020?

It surged from 29% in the South in 1960 to over 69% nationally in 2020.

How many African Americans were elected shortly after the Voting Rights Act?

Over 1,000 African Americans were elected shortly after the Act.

What was the purpose of the 2006 reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act?

To extend the Act for 25 more years with near-unanimous bipartisan support.

What evidence of ongoing discrimination did Congress review for the Voting Rights Act?

Thousands of pages showing persistent racial disparities.

What are the two vote dilution tactics used in gerrymandering?

Cracking and packing.

What is the primary purpose of interest groups?

To serve as a link between citizens and government, helping people voice their needs and influence policy.

What are government interest groups composed of?

Public officials or government workers.

What is an example of an ideological interest group?

Americans for Democratic Action (liberal) or American Conservative Union (conservative).

What do faith-based interest groups advocate for?

They advocate based on religious values.