U3 US Gov Test

Why is voter participation in the United States low?

Factors include a complicated registration process, too many elections, and ID laws that make it harder for certain demographic groups to vote.

What type of primary allows members from both parties to participate?

Open primary

Differences between PACs and SuperPACs?

PACs give directly to candidate’s programs, while SuperPACs can spend unlimited amounts against candidates or for a general ideology, often in negative ways.

What constitutional right does campaign finance fall under?

The First Amendment - freedom of speech and freedom of association.

What should you first consider when examining an interest group’s website?

Consider the primary motive of the group’s mission and what bias it may generate, which can limit their neutrality.

What is a swing state?

A state where neither political party has a secure advantage in the presidential election outcome.

What is an independent?

Someone who does not align with a political party and focuses solely on issues.

Political ideologies held by Libertarians?

Civil liberties, non-interventionism, laissez-faire capitalism, and a limited size and scope of government.

What is a political party made up of?

People who hold similar or the same political and cultural beliefs.

How are third parties problematic in elections?

They can siphon votes from parties with similar beliefs, potentially affecting election outcomes.

Describe a two-party system.

A political system that is dominated by two parties, with smaller third parties having less representation.

Functions of political parties?

Running the government, dispensing patronage, providing stability, educating the public, involving people in politics, acting as government watchdogs, electing candidates, and developing and implementing policy.

Positive aspect of interest groups?

They can exert powerful pressure on decision makers.

What are lobbyists today?

Professionals who persuade an audience to take a stance on a specific issue.

Pressure applied by interest groups on the government?

Interest groups seek to promote a cause or issue and influence government to support or resolve it by forming an official group.

Demographic group more likely to support a Republican candidate?

Typically more white, male, educated, and religious than the general population.

Compare Republican and Democrat views on government.

Republicans prefer a more limited government, whereas Democrats advocate for a more proactive government to promote social nets and equality.

What affects how a voter selects a candidate?

Voter agreement with the candidate’s proposals for improvement while in office.

Ideologies of the Constitution Party?

Elimination of most federal taxes, opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, limiting immigration, making English the official language, and ending social programs.

Policies Republicans likely support?

Emphasis on individual rights.

What does the Green Party advocate for?

Environmental issues, foreign policy, civil rights, economics, education, criminal justice, political reforms, nonviolence, environmental sustainability, and universal healthcare, electoral reform, alternative energy.

At the national convention, who selects the presidential ticket?

The delegates.

Effect of declaring the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional?

Several states enacted voter ID laws requiring proof of identity to vote.

Who has the best chance of winning the presidency among political parties?

A moderate.

How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?

270.

How are electors assigned?

Electors are assigned based on the votes for presidential candidates.

Reason the Founding Fathers set up the Electoral College?

They did not trust that the average person could make informed decisions about candidates.

Negatives of the winner-take-all system in the Electoral College?

It excludes opportunities for other states to influence the outcome, rendering their votes insignificant.

Define 'hard money' and 'soft money'.

Hard money is contributions to specific candidates recorded from individuals or entities; soft money refers to unlimited spending that cannot directly promote a candidate.

What did Citizens United vs FEC accomplish?

It allowed corporations to donate to political campaigns under the premise that money equals free speech.

Explain all the steps on the road to the presidency starting with the caucus and primaries and ending with the electoral college meeting (written).

At the state level, parties choose between a caucus and a primary, though laws may limit that choice. A caucus involves discussion and debate, while a primary is a private vote. Candidates earn delegates based on results in these contests, a take all system. Delegates attend the national convention where they nominate the president and then the president nominates the VP. In the general election, the candidate who wins the most votes in a state usually receives all its electoral votes.