U5 AP GOV Test

Hailee Oppmann

What is rational choice voting?

Voting based on what is in the citizen's individual interest.

What does retrospective voting evaluate?

Whether a party or candidate should be reelected based on their past performance.

What is prospective voting?

Voting based on the potential future performance of a party or candidate.

What is party-line voting?

Voting for candidates from a single political party for all offices.

What role do political parties play in elections?

They influence election outcomes and legislative problems by uniting people with similar ideologies.

Are political parties mentioned in the Constitution?

No, they are not mentioned in the Constitution.

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

Democrats and Republicans.

What is a bi-partisan system?

A political system that is dominated by two major parties, making it difficult for more than two parties to gain significant traction.

What are the characteristics of political parties?

They act as intermediaries between government and people, consist of activist members and leadership, raise money, and develop party platforms.

What is the major purpose of political parties?

To get candidates elected.

How have primary elections affected political parties since 1960?

They have reduced the power of parties by requiring that the people choose candidates.

What are the three major subdivisions of modern political parties?

Party among the electorate, party in government, and party organization.

What function do political parties serve in recruiting candidates?

They find candidates to run in primaries.

How do political parties educate and mobilize voters?

Through advertisements, rallies, mailings, and targeting regions with strong support.

What role do political parties play in providing campaign funds?

They have dedicated committees that raise funds for campaigns and support candidates.

How do political parties organize government activity?

They organize leadership and committees along party lines in legislative bodies.

What is the role of the minority party in a two-party system?

To critique the majority party, serving as a loyal opposition.

How do political parties reduce conflict in society?

By promoting negotiation and compromise, encouraging accommodation between voters and policy.

What functions do local party committees perform?

They coordinate get-out-the-vote drives, canvassing, and distribution of leaflets, mostly made of volunteers.

What is the role of county committees in elections?

They coordinate local election efforts and monitor voting at polling places.

What do state committees do for political parties?

They raise money, provide volunteers, and support candidates for various offices.

What is the purpose of national party conventions?

To nominate presidential candidates and sponsor polls every four years.

What question is raised regarding the future of political parties?

Are parties in decline?

What trend has been observed regarding party power since 1968?

Parties are believed to be less powerful, with more Americans voting split ticket and no single party dominating government.

What is a coalition in the context of political parties?

A coalition is made up of multiple groups and individuals, and a larger coalition increases a candidate's chances of winning.

What are the ideological bases of the Democratic and Republican parties?

Democrats are generally liberal, while Republicans are conservative.

What is a key difference in spending priorities between Democrats and Republicans?

Democrats want to spend more on welfare programs, while Republicans prioritize defense spending.

What is party realignment?

Party realignment occurs when coalitions within parties split off, often signaled by critical elections, and can lead to a new party dominating politics.

What is dealignment in political parties?

Dealignment occurs when party members become disaffected and choose not to affiliate with any party, voting for candidates instead.

What are third parties and why do they form?

Third parties form to represent constituencies that feel disenfranchised by major parties, often around specific ideologies or issues.

What are some reasons third parties fail in elections?

They often lack name recognition, financial resources, and their platform issues may be absorbed by major parties.

What are interest groups?

Interest groups are organizations dedicated to specific political goals, lobbying for issues, educating voters, and mobilizing members.

What are the main categories of interest groups?

Economic groups, public interest groups, and government interest groups.

What tactics do interest groups use to influence government?

Direct lobbying, testifying before Congress, socializing, political donations, endorsements, court actions, grassroots campaigning, and propaganda.

What is the purpose of the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946?

To monitor lobbying activities by requiring lobbyists to register and disclose their activities and expenses.

What restrictions are placed on former government officials regarding lobbying?

Former officials must wait one year for House members and two years for senators before lobbying Congress, but can lobby the executive branch immediately.

What is the role of Political Action Committees (PACs)?

PACs are formed to raise campaign funds from members and employees, adhering to specific contribution restrictions.

What did the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 accomplish?

It regulated campaign finance, prohibited soft money donations to national parties, and limited corporate and union funding for issue ads close to elections.

What is the significance of the Citizens United v. FEC case?

It impacted campaign finance laws, particularly regarding the regulation of independent expenditures by corporations and unions.

What is the difference between a splinter party and a doctrinal party?

A splinter party forms around a specific issue or dissatisfaction with major parties, while a doctrinal party represents ideologies considered too radical by major parties.

What is grassroots campaigning?

Grassroots campaigning involves mobilizing members to contact legislators in support of specific programs or legislation.

What is the impact of lobbying on legislation?

Lobbyists provide information and arguments to legislators, influencing the legislative process and outcomes.

How do interest groups use endorsements?

Interest groups announce support for candidates to influence voter perceptions and outcomes.

What is the role of amicus curiae briefs in lobbying?

These briefs are submitted by interest groups in lawsuits to provide the court with additional perspectives and information.

What did the Supreme Court overturn regarding PAC funding?

The Supreme Court overturned BCRA limits on PAC funding for corporate independent expenditures.

What are the limits on PACs that donate to specific candidates?

PACs that donate to specific candidates must have limits on their contributors and donations.

What are super PACs?

Super PACs are unlimited PACs generally financed by wealthy donors, which can be difficult to locate.

What is the difference between hard money and soft money?

Hard money refers to regulated contributions to candidates, while soft money refers to unregulated, unlimited contributions to parties for activities.

What are the contribution limits for regular PACs to candidates?

Donations from single-candidate committees must be less than or equal to $2500, and $5000 for multi-candidate PACs.

What are 527 Groups?

527 Groups are tax-exempt organizations that promote political agendas but cannot advocate for or against specific candidates, and are not regulated by the FEC.

How often are federal elections held?

Federal elections are run every two years.

What is the incumbent advantage in elections?

Incumbents win approximately 90% of the time, with House incumbents having a greater advantage than senators.

What are the two phases of the election cycle?

The two phases are nominations and general elections.

What is a primary election?

A primary election is when parties choose candidates for the general election, often using various types like closed, open, or blanket primaries.

What is the significance of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary?

They are the first events in the primary season, setting the stage for the nomination process.

What is the role of superdelegates in the Democratic Party?

Superdelegates are elected party leaders who generally support the front-runner in the primaries.

What is the purpose of the McGovern-Fraser Commission?

The McGovern-Fraser Commission was created to promote diversity in the delegate pool for the Democratic Party.

What is the general election?

The general election is when voters decide who will hold office, held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November.

What are midterm elections?

Midterm elections are elections held between presidential elections.

What is required for candidates to receive federal matching funds?

Candidates must receive more than 10% of the votes in a primary to apply for federal matching funds.

What happens if a candidate fails to receive 10% of the vote in two consecutive primaries?

They lose eligibility for federal matching funds until they win more than 10% of the vote in another primary.

What is the impact of campaign finance reform on election spending?

Despite campaign finance reform, election spending has increased.

What is the public perception of the current campaign finance system?

Many believe the current campaign finance system corrupts government and is difficult to change.

What is the significance of 'testing the waters' in a campaign?

'Testing the waters' refers to candidates gauging public support before officially announcing their candidacy.

What types of candidates are usually pursued for major party nominations?

Candidates with government backgrounds, often with gubernatorial experience, are typically pursued for major party nominations.

What is the role of PACs in campaign financing?

PACs collect and distribute contributions to candidates and are subject to contribution limits.

What is the difference between issue advocacy and candidate advocacy?

Issue advocacy promotes specific issues without advocating for a candidate, while candidate advocacy directly supports a candidate's election.

What did Valeo (1976) determine about spending limits in elections?

Mandatory spending limits violate First Amendment rights to free expression.

How do early primaries influence candidates?

They provide a boost to winning campaigns through increased media exposure and fundraising opportunities.

What is front-loading in the context of primary elections?

States pushing forward primary election day to have more influence on which candidates win nominations.

What is the purpose of national conventions in political parties?

To confirm the nominee and unify the party, despite potential divisions caused by primaries.

What is a brokered convention?

A convention held when no candidate has received a majority of delegates, requiring the convention to decide the nominee.

What is the 'post-convention bump'?

An increase in approval ratings for candidates following their national convention.

What is the main difference between campaigning in primaries and general elections?

In primaries, candidates run against their own party members, while in general elections, they run against members of other parties.

How is the Electoral College structured?

Each state has electors equal to its number of senators and representatives, and the winner of the state wins all electors (winner-take-all system).

What factors influence voter turnout in elections?

Education level, age, perceived election outcomes, and legislation such as the National Voter Registration Act.

What is split-ticket voting?

Voting for a presidential candidate of one party and legislators of another, leading to divided government.

What are the three main purposes of policy making?

Solving social problems, countering threats, and pursuing objectives.

What is the issue-attention cycle in policy making?

The need for policy makers to act quickly before public interest wanes.

What is incrementalism in policy making?

A slow, step-by-step approach to making policy changes.

What are the steps in the policy making process?

Defining government role, agenda-setting, policy formulation and adoption, implementation, and evaluation.

What challenges exist in the policy making process?

Policy fragmentation, multiple policy-making centers, and influence from lobbyists.

What is the significance of economic policy in governance?

The economy is often the most important issue, with the president held accountable for its successes and failures.

What defines a mixed economy?

An economy that combines capitalist free-market systems with government and private industry roles.

What are some common economic problems that policies aim to address?

Supply of money, inflation/deflation, and interest rates.

What is the impact of media on elections?

Media provides daily campaign information, focusing on polls and shaping public perception of candidates.

How do campaign advertisements influence public perception?

They build a positive image of candidates and can use negative advertising against opponents.

What demographic factors do media analyze in election results?

Age, gender, race, income level, and region.

What is the role of the National Voter Registration Act (1993)?

To make voting easier by allowing registration at the same time as applying for a driver's license.

How do photo ID laws affect voter turnout?

They may decrease turnout by requiring voters to show a photo ID, which can be hard to obtain.

What is the effect of political drama during national conventions?

It can create excitement and media coverage, but the overall impact on general election results is often negative.

What is the significance of Super Tuesday in the primary election process?

Many states hold primaries on the same day, influencing candidate nominations significantly.

What do laissez-faire economists believe about government involvement in the economy?

They think that the government should never get involved in the economy.

What is the primary belief of Keynesian economics regarding government action?

The government can smooth out business cycles by influencing individuals' income and business spending.

What fiscal policy involves government action of raising or lowering taxes?

Fiscal policy refers to the government's actions that affect consumer spending through tax adjustments.

What is deficit spending?

Deficit spending refers to funds raised by borrowing rather than taxation.

What do supply-side economists believe about government spending and taxes?

They believe that the government should cut taxes and spending to stimulate production.

How does monetary policy control the economy?

Monetary policy controls the supply of money and credit through the actions of the Federal Reserve Board.

What happens when the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates?

Lowering interest rates increases the money supply, making borrowing cheaper and inflating the economy.

What is the role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in fiscal policy making?

The OMB initiates the budget process and writes the president's budget for submission to Congress.