Exam 3 Review- The Executive Branch

A state might hold a primary instead of a caucus because a primary is ________.

faster and has higher turnout

If you wanted to prove the United States is suffering from low voter turnout, a calculation based on which population would yield the lowest voter turnout rate?

voting-age population

Voter turnout in the United States is ________ compared to other western democracies.

low

Which of the following makes it easy for a citizen to register to vote?

National Voter Registration Act

A referendum is not purely direct democracy because the ________.

government proposes something and the voters approve it

What is the most common form of political participation?

voting

What is the term for a voter choosing candidates from two different parties on the same ticket?

split-ticket voting

The idea of “one person, one vote” means that

each person’s voting power should be about equal to the voting power of each other person in a state.

The number of electoral votes each state receives

equals the number of representatives that each state has plus its two senators.

What is the difference between primary and general elections?

In primaries, candidates compete within the party; in general elections they compete against other parties.

Policy analysts seek ________.

evidence

The Constitution outlines ________ as the formal method for selecting the president.

the Electoral College

What is the best definition of a swing state?

a state that could flip to either side, red or blue

Which of the following citizens is most likely to run for office?

Jeffrey Lyons, a 40-year-old lawyer and father of one

The idea of “one person, one vote” means that

each person’s voting power should be about equal to the voting power of each other person in a state.

Which of the four issues is always a big factor in elections? 

Economy

Public policy ________.

requires multiple actors and branches to carry out

What is the most common form of political participation?

voting

Which of the following is a way George Washington expanded the power of the presidency?

He appointed the heads of various federal departments as his own advisors.

Individuals who do not affiliate with or do not consistently vote with one party are known as what?

independents

The president is elected

indirectly by electors.

Which of the following makes it easy for a citizen to register to vote?

National Voter Registration Act

The federal government requires pharmaceutical companies to meet strict safety standards before releasing drugs to consumers, with the goal of protecting public health.

Regulatory policy

Which of the following is the most likely voter?

An older woman with high education

Which of the following offices is generally considered to be the most influential member of the cabinet?

the Department of State

In order to serve as president of the United States today, a person must meet all of the following criteria except

receive the majority of the popular vote.

Why are approval ratings of the presidency less likely to fluctuate than a few decades ago?

Hyperpartisanship has led to a deeper gap between supporters and opponents of the President.

When President Trump selected the national party chair and campaigned for many Republicans running for office, he was acting in his capacity as

party leader.

How has the selection of senators differed from representatives?

Senators were originally selected by the state legislators, whereas the House was chosen by popular vote.

In which type of electoral system do voters select the party of their choice rather than an individual candidate?

proportional representation

If the President of the United States gives a televised interview together with the king of Jordan, the president is acting in his role as

head of state.

Public policy ________.

requires multiple actors and branches to carry out

A federal housing program provides guidelines to reduce homelessness but allows cities to choose whether to focus on shelters, rental assistance, or supportive services based on local conditions.

Bottom-up implementation

Which of the following is the only executive check on the judicial branch of government?

the power to appoint federal judges

Mandatory spending programs (excluding Social Security and Medicare) in the U.S. federal budget ________.

account for less than one-quarter of total federal spending

Even though they often fail to win important elections, third parties still contribute to American politics. How?

The larger parties may adopt their ideas to attract median voters.

Congress funds a new agricultural subsidy program using general tax revenue, but the direct financial benefits go primarily to a relatively small group of farmers.

Distributive policy

The government raises taxes specifically on high-income households to fund expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income residents, shifting resources between these groups.

Redistributive policy

________ is the division of voters into political camps at opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Polarization

At which level does the party organization conduct voter registration, distribute leaflets, and conduct get-out-the-vote events?

local

Which of the following best depicts the sequence of events related to the presidential election?

primary; national convention; election day; inauguration

What is a key difference between treaties and executive agreements?

Executive agreements are easier to undo.

Which factor is most likely to lead to the incumbency advantage for a candidate?

gerrymandering of the candidate’s district