Quiz Bowl - Topic 1

MIST Quiz Bowl

What are the United States and Canada experiencing in terms of politics?

They feel roiled by polarization.

What do some scholars claim about political polarization in America?

They claim that Americans are so polarized they are on the brink of civil war.

What do other polls suggest about political polarization?

They suggest that voters agree on many policies and that polarization is an illusion.

What are the two approaches philanthropists take towards polarization?

Some call for pluralism and civility, while others lean into activism, seeing polarization as a byproduct of change towards justice.

Why is it difficult to reduce politics to a simple left-right spectrum?

Because politics are complicated.

What do North American political parties typically disagree on?

How much the federal government should regulate the economy, how much power should be given to the federal versus state governments, and how much of a social safety net the government should provide.

What is the general association of left-wing policies?

The left is associated with socially liberal policies and economic policies that create a greater social safety net.

What is the general association of right-wing policies?

The right is associated with socially conservative policies and less regulation of the economy.

What is political polarization?

The movement of political views and actions away from the center and toward more extreme views and policies.

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

The Republican Party and the Democratic Party.

How were the two major U.S. parties different in the early 1990s compared to today?

The two parties had more similar policy agendas than they do today and there was more diversity of opinion within each party.

How have the Democratic and Republican parties shifted over the last 30 years?

The Democratic Party has moved left, while the Republican Party has moved right.

How does political polarization in the U.S. compare to other countries?

While political polarization is growing in other countries worldwide, it is more prevalent in the United States.

Despite Canada's stereotype of being the friendly neighbour, what political issue do they still experience?

They still experience bouts of polarization.

What are some of the longstanding divides in Canada?

English versus French; east against west; urban and rural; rich and poor; settler and Indigenous; Protestant and Catholic; and so on.

Did Canada's divides emerge recently?

No, they existed before COVID-19 and even before the internet.

Why is it not surprising that Canadians recognize polarization?

Because Canada has a history of long-standing divides.

According to pollster Ekos, what was the biggest fear among Canadians regarding the future?

Polarization was the biggest fear among Canadians.

According to public relations firm Edelman, what impact does political anxiety in Canada have?

It contributes to economic uncertainty.

What percent of Canada believe they will be better off in five years?

Only 28% believe they will be better off in five years, the lowest level ever recorded.

What percentage of Canadians trust the government, according to Edelman?

51% of Canadians trust the government.

What do scholars say about the complexity of polarization?

Polarization is complex, and scholars are still debating its contributing factors.

How many factors were highlighted as contributors to the rise in polarization and what are they?

Four factors are highlighted as contributors to polarization and they are election policies, in-group bias, demonizing difference, and media bubbles.

How have recent policy changes affected political donations?

They have given donors more power to influence which candidates get picked to run for office.

What effect have campaign finance reforms had on political donations?

They have made it easier for people to give large amounts of money to the candidate they support.

How does gerrymandering affect political districts?

It can lead to districts that are overwhelmingly populated by members of the same party.

How do gerrymandered districts contribute to polarization?

Gerrymandered districts often elect candidates who support policies that appeal more to the party base than those at the center of the political spectrum.

How do primary elections contribute to political polarization?

Primary elections can push political parties more toward the poles since candidates often must appeal to activists within their political party in order to win a primary.

What role do psychological factors play in political polarization?

They reinforce partisanship.

While we may like to think that people form their political opinions based on a rational evaluation of different policies, research shows what?

That cognitive biases, such as in-group bias, drive people to change their political opinions to match those of their group.

When we join a group, we are likely to develop what feelings towards who?

Positive feelings toward other group members and negative or distrustful feelings toward non-members.

In the North American party systems, people often have negative associations with members of the other political party. What impact does this have?

These negative feelings can make it difficult for people to have productive conversations about policy across political divides.

Once people identify as members of a political party, they often do what?

Switch their political opinions to match the positions of their chosen party. As a result, as political parties become more polarized, so do average voters.

When political candidates and the media demonize (or portray as evil) the opposing political party, they what?

Increase affective polarization and contribute to the impression that the other group is a threat.

The demonization of other groups is one factor that can lead to what?

Political violence and support for authoritarianism.

What percent of Americans would support "a leader who is willing to break some rules if that's what it takes to set things right."

38%

Researchers have also found that political polarization rises and falls in relationship to what?

Income inequality.

What further fuels divisions in our country?

The growing social and economic differences.

The public is also deeply divided about how far the US has progressed in what?

Addressing racial inequality and what needs to be done to improve racial equality.

There are gaps in how white people and people of color view progress toward racial equality, but what differences are even larger?

The partisan differences.

Many North Americans are exposed to partisan news in their social media feeds and often have…

…very few social media friends on the other end of the political spectrum.

What percent of Americans aged 18-29 say they are "very interested" in politics?

23%

Social media has been used as a tool to what?

Garner interest.

Online platforms such as YouTube use algorithms to what?

Expose viewers to increasingly extreme content, which can lead them to encounter fringe
political views without their realizing it.

Under the factor media bubbles, what has also deepened political divisions?

The 24-hour partisan news cycle on cable television and on the radio.

Spending time in a political echo chamber can make it easier for people to what?

Develop negative feelings toward members of the other political party.

Candidates for office now often rely on social media to meet a certain demographic online, as opposed to through mainstream media. What was the example for the United Sates of America?

In the 2024 United States Presidential election, President Donald Trump was a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience for an entire episode to appeal to a largely male demographic.
Alternatively, presidential candidate Kamala Harris's team created a TikTok account coined "Kamala HQ" where they posted memes, edits, and sounds to appeal to young voters.

Candidates for office now often rely on social media to meet a certain demographic online, as opposed to through mainstream media. What was the example for Canada?

In Canada, Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet SIngh often turns to social media to join in on viral trends and sounds young people may relate to. Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre can be found posting clips of him debating other politicians on X on policies that his party advocates for.

Political polarization in the U.S. has been escalating for decades, fueled by what?

A combination of structural, cultural, and ideological factors.

One significant cause of the escalation of political polarization un the US is?

Partisan sorting.

Urban area predominantly support what policies?

Democratic policies.

Rural regions lean heavily towards what policies?

Republican policies.

What is partisan sorting?

Where political affiliation aligns closely with specific social and cultural identities.

How does geography impact political polarization in the U.S.?

Urban areas lean Democratic, while rural areas lean Republican, creating divisions.

What economic factor contributes to polarization?

Economic inequality.

What percentage of Americans believe the opposing party is a threat?

72% of Americans.

What percentage of Democrats and Republicans view the other party as 'evil'?

45% of Democrats and 43% of Republicans.

What is the public's level of trust in government institutions?

It is at an all-time low.

What percentage of Americans trust the federal government most of the time?

Only 20%.

What is a primary driver of polarization in the U.S.?

Social media.

How do social media platforms contribute to polarization?

They amplify divisive content through engagement-driven algorithms.

What percentage of Americans encounter misinformation weekly?

59%.

How can media literacy education help with polarization?

It teaches individuals to critically evaluate news sources, reducing misinformation.

How can civic engagement help combat polarization?

It brings people of different political backgrounds together on shared issues.

What electoral reforms could help reduce polarization?

Ranked-choice voting and eliminating gerrymandering.

Why is cross-partisan dialogue important?

It reduces hostility and fosters mutual understanding.

What is one factor that contributes to political polarization?

Economic inequality.

How has the wealth gap changed since the 1980s?

It has widened significantly, causing middle- and working-class Americans to feel increasingly alienated.

How does the economic divide reflect partisan political differences?

Republicans support lower taxes and smaller government, while Democrats advocate for wealth redistribution and expanded social programs.

What other factor has played a critical role in polarization?

The media landscape.

What type of news outlets did Americans mostly consume during the mid-20th century?

Non-partisan outlets like ABC, CBS, and NBC.

What has caused the fragmentation of news audiences today?

The rise of partisan cable news and online platforms.

What happens when Americans consume media that aligns with their beliefs?

It creates echo chambers that reinforce biases and deepen divisions.

What has further amplified political polarization?

The rise of identity politics.

What types of issues have become flashpoints in politics?

Race, gender, and immigration.

How are debates on topics like critical race theory and transgender rights usually framed?

In zero-sum terms that leave little room for compromise.

How does political polarization in Canada compare to that in the U.S.?

It is less severe but growing.

What is a key source of political polarization in Canada?

Regional divides.

Which provinces often feel alienated from federal policies in Canada?

Alberta and Saskatchewan.

How do federal environmental policies affect Alberta's oil sands industry?

They are seen as undermining provincial interests.

What is another factor contributing to polarization in Canada?

The rise of populist movements.

How have leaders like Maxime Bernier contributed to polarization?

By promoting anti-immigration rhetoric and opposing COVID-19 restrictions.

What impact have Canadian populist movements had on politics?

They have introduced a new level of ideological division.

What aspects of Canadian identity are becoming contentious?

Immigration and multiculturalism.

How do views on immigration vary in Canada?

Most support it, but a growing minority sees it as a threat to economic stability or cultural identity.

What did the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests highlight in Canada?

The growing polarization in Canadian society.

How is political polarization described in the U.S.?

It is deeply personal.

What percentage of Americans believe the opposing party is a threat to the country’s well-being?

72%.

What percentage of Democrats and Republicans view the other party as 'evil'?

45% of Democrats and 43% of Republicans.

What has extreme partisanship done to personal relationships in the U.S.?

It has caused politics to invade them.

What do many Americans avoid due to political polarization?

Discussions with family or friends who have opposing views.

What is the current level of trust in U.S. government institutions?

It is at an all-time low.

What percentage of Americans trust the federal government to do the right thing most of the time?

20%.

What percentage of Americans believe the media prioritizes its own agenda over informing the public?

60%.

How is the Supreme Court increasingly viewed today?

Through a partisan lens.

How are Canadians feeling about their political system?

They are becoming increasingly skeptical.

What percentage of Canadians and Americans say democracy is the best form of government?

75% of Canadians and 60% of Americans.

According to a 2021 survey, what percentage of Canadians feel unrepresented by the federal government?

40%.

What fuels mistrust in the Canadian federal government?

Regional grievances like Western alienation.

Who do many Western Canadians feel the federal government prioritizes?

Ontario and Quebec.