What type of electoral system does the United States support?; A) Two-party electoral system Explanation: The United States supports a two-party electoral system, which is reinforced by the plurality rules for determining election outcomes, where the winner is the candidate that gets more votes than any other candidate. Who did George Washington seem to side with, leading to the formation of the first political parties?; B) Alexander Hamilton Explanation: George Washington's apparent alignment with Alexander Hamilton, the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, led to the formation of the first political parties in the United States. What were the followers of Thomas Jefferson known as?; C) Democratic Republicans Explanation: Followers of Thomas Jefferson became known as Democratic Republicans, later shortened to Republicans, marking the beginning of the first two-party system in the United States. What event led to the elimination of the Federalists as a national political force?; D) The War of 1812 Explanation: The Federalists' lack of support for the War of 1812, which was sometimes called the second war for independence, led to their elimination as a national political force in the United States. What major realignment of the parties is associated with the election of 1860?; E) The next election, 1860, is sometimes called a critical election because it is associated with a major realignment of the parties Explanation: The election of 1860 is sometimes called a critical election because it is associated with a major realignment of the parties, which persisted throughout history, signifying a significant shift in the political landscape of the United States. Plurality Rules; Rules for determining election outcomes where the winner is the candidate that gets more votes than any other candidate. Two-Party Electoral System; A system in which two major political parties dominate the government by winning elections. Federalists; Supporters of a strong central government and the Constitution, led by Alexander Hamilton. Democratic Republicans; Supporters of states' rights and a strict interpretation of the Constitution, led by Thomas Jefferson. Election of 1824; Presidential election in which the Republicans put up five different candidates, leading to the split of Jefferson's old party. Second Party System; The political system that emerged after the split of Jefferson's old party, with supporters of states' rights joining the Democrats and advocates of national support for economic development becoming known as the Whigs. Whigs; Advocates of national support for economic development, part of the second party system. American Know Nothing Party; A political party that replaced the Whig party and quickly declined as a national force in politics. Republicans; A political party that emerged as a replacement for the American Know Nothing Party, taking their name from Jefferson's Democratic Republican Party. Democrats; One of the two major political parties that first competed against the Republicans in the election of 1856. Who won the presidential election from 1860 through 1884? A) George Washington B) Thomas Jefferson C) Abraham Lincoln D) John Adams E) James Madison; C) Abraham Lincoln Explanation: The Republican party won each presidential election from 1860 through 1884, with Abraham Lincoln emerging as the victor in the election of 1860. This period of consistent Republican victories reflects a significant political trend in the United States. What is the term used to describe a situation where the opposing party controls both houses of congress? A) Divided government B) Unified government C) Bipartisan government D) Federal government E) Centralized government; A) Divided government Explanation: When the opposing party controls both houses of congress, it is known as divided government. This situation can make it difficult for a president to accomplish their agenda, highlighting the impact of political dynamics on governance. Why does the U.S. democracy favor a two-party system? A) Because it allows for diverse representation B) Because it promotes political stability C) Because it discourages political participation D) Because it limits campaign finance E) Because it hinders legislative progress; B) Because a third party does not really have a serious chance of winning the election Explanation: The U.S. democracy favors a two-party system because a third party does not really have a serious chance of winning the election, leading most voters to support candidates from the two major parties. This preference for a two-party system reflects the structural and cultural dynamics of U.S. elections. What is the minimum requirement for a party to receive funding from the federal government? A) 2% of the vote annually and appear on 5 state ballots B) 5% of the vote annually and appear on 10 state ballots C) 10% of the vote annually and appear on 15 state ballots D) 3% of the vote annually and appear on 8 state ballots E) 7% of the vote annually and appear on 12 state ballots; B) 5% of the vote annually and appear on 10 state ballots Explanation: To receive funding from the federal government, a party must receive at least 5% of the vote annually and appear on a minimum of 10 state ballots, highlighting the criteria set for federal funding and the challenges faced by smaller parties. Why do candidates need a significant amount of money for campaigns? A) To buy votes legally B) To fund political action committees C) To support full-time political advisors and volunteers D) To invest in real estate E) To establish international relations; C) To support full-time political advisors and volunteers Explanation: Candidates need a significant amount of money for campaigns to support full-time political advisors, volunteers, campaign literature, advertisements, travel expenses, polling services, and other essential aspects of running a successful campaign. This reflects the financial demands and complexities of political campaigns. Mandate; A popular majority of the vote to govern, indicating strong public support for a candidate or party. Divided government; When the opposing party controls both houses of congress, making it difficult for the president to accomplish their agenda. Two-Party System; A political system dominated by two major parties, in this case, the Democrats and the Republicans. Minor Parties; Political parties with no real chance of winning even a single office, leading most voters to support candidates of the two major parties. Campaign Finance Laws; Laws written by the two major parties to favor themselves, including requirements for federal funding and appearance on state ballots. Political Action Committee (PAC); An organization formed to raise and contribute money to the campaigns of political candidates or parties. What was the purpose of the Tillman Act passed by Congress in 1907? A) To regulate the stock market B) To prohibit corporations from contributing money to federal election candidates C) To establish public financing for political campaigns D) To create the Federal Election Commission E) To allow unlimited corporate contributions to political campaigns; B) To prohibit corporations from contributing money to federal election candidates Explanation: The Tillman Act, passed in 1907, aimed to prohibit corporations from contributing money to candidates running in federal elections, marking an early effort to regulate campaign finance and limit corporate influence in politics. What was the main purpose of the Federal Elections Campaign Act (FICA) passed in 1971? A) To establish the Federal Election Commission B) To regulate the stock market C) To outline reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures by candidates D) To allow unlimited corporate contributions to political campaigns E) To create public financing for political campaigns; C) To outline reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures by candidates Explanation: The Federal Elections Campaign Act (FICA) passed in 1971 primarily focused on how candidates report all contributions and expenditures related to their campaigns, setting the groundwork for transparency in campaign finance. What was the significance of the amendment to the Federal Elections Campaign Act in 1974? A) It established the Tillman Act B) It prohibited corporations from contributing money to candidates C) It created the Federal Election Commission D) It allowed for the creation of Political Action Committees (PACs) E) It outlined reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures by candidates; D) It allowed for the creation of Political Action Committees (PACs) Explanation: The amendment to the Federal Elections Campaign Act in 1974 led to the creation of Political Action Committees (PACs), which are formed by interest groups to contribute to campaigns, representing a significant development in campaign finance regulation. What is the distinction between hard money and soft money in the context of campaign contributions? A) Hard money is given to party committees, while soft money is given directly to candidates B) Hard money is given directly to candidates, while soft money is given to party committees C) Hard money is given to PACs, while soft money is given to interest groups D) Hard money is given to candidates, while soft money is given to independent regulatory agencies E) Hard money is given to federal campaigns, while soft money is given to state campaigns; B) Hard money is given directly to candidates, while soft money is given to party committees Explanation: Hard money refers to contributions given directly to candidates, while soft money is given to party committees to be used more generally, highlighting the distinction in the way campaign contributions are allocated. What was the main purpose of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) passed in 2002? A) To establish public financing for political campaigns B) To create the Federal Election Commission C) To regulate the stock market D) To prohibit political parties' committees from raising or spending funds beyond federal limits E) To allow unlimited corporate contributions to political campaigns; D) To prohibit political parties' committees from raising or spending funds beyond federal limits Explanation: The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) aimed to control money's influence on political campaigns by prohibiting political parties' committees from raising or spending funds beyond federal limits, representing a significant effort to regulate campaign finance and limit the impact of money in politics. Tillman Act; Prohibited corporations from contributing money to candidates running in federal elections. Federal Elections Campaign Act (FECA); Outlines how candidates report all contributions and expenditures related to their campaigns. Federal Election Commission (FEC); An independent regulatory agency set up to oversee campaign financing and ensure candidates stay within legal limits. Political Action Committees (PACs); Formed by interest groups to contribute to campaigns by pulling funds and giving money to candidates. Hard money vs. soft money; Hard money is given directly to candidates, while soft money is given to party committees to be used more generally. Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA); Also known as McCain-Feingold, it prohibited political parties' committees from raising or spending funds beyond federal limits and required politicians to approve their political messages. First Amendment rights; Guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution, were discussed in relation to the challenges faced by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA). 527 committees; Named after a part of the internal revenue code, these committees grew in importance due to the limitations imposed by McCain-Feingold. They run advertisements about specific issues rather than attacking a candidate directly. Public financing; An effort to control presidential campaign costs, where candidates can qualify for public funding if they meet certain criteria, but there is a limit on how much public funding a candidate can receive. What significant change occurred as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling on Citizen United vs. The Federal Election Commission in 2010? A) Removal of term limits for candidates B) Removal of spending limits on corporations C) Introduction of public financing for campaigns D) Introduction of spending limits on corporations E) Removal of voting restrictions for corporations; B) Removal of spending limits on corporations Explanation: The Supreme Court's ruling on Citizen United vs. The Federal Election Commission in 2010 led to the removal of spending limits on corporations, allowing them to place unlimited money into super PACs and independent expenditure-only committees, which significantly impacted campaign finance laws and political parties. What is the primary function of super PACs and independent expenditure-only committees following the Citizens United court ruling? A) Directly contribute to a candidate's campaign B) Place limits on campaign spending C) Raise and spend unlimited money to support or attack a candidate D) Advocate for universal healthcare E) Promote bipartisanship; C) Raise and spend unlimited money to support or attack a candidate Explanation: Following the Citizens United court ruling, super PACs and independent expenditure-only committees can raise and spend as much money as they please to support or attack a candidate, including running advertisements and hosting events, which significantly impacts the political landscape and election campaigning. What is the general ideological leaning of the Republican Party? A) Left or liberal B) Pro-life and anti-abortion C) Supportive of universal healthcare D) Advocates for fiscal restraint E) Favors spending on social programs; B) Pro-life and anti-abortion Explanation: The Republican Party is generally more to the right, or conservative, and tends to oppose marriage rights for homosexuals while being pro-life, which means anti-abortion, reflecting its ideological stance and policy positions. What is the primary reason for the U.S. favoring a two-party system, as discussed in the text? A) To encourage the formation of multiple parties B) To ensure bipartisan cooperation C) To prevent gridlock in government D) To accommodate diverse political interests E) To discourage the presence of third-party candidates; E) To discourage the presence of third-party candidates Explanation: The U.S. favors a two-party system to discourage the formation of multiple parties, as it is designed to accommodate diverse political interests and prevent the dissension within the parties from leading to the formation of multiple parties, as discussed in the text. Citizens United vs. The Federal Election Commission; A 2010 Supreme Court ruling that led to the removal of spending limits on corporations, allowing them to place unlimited money into super PACs and independent expenditure-only committees. Super PACs; Independent expenditure-only committees that cannot contribute directly to a candidate or strategize with a candidate's campaign, but can raise and spend unlimited money to support or attack a candidate. Log Cabin Republicans; A group within the Republican Party that favors marriage rights for homosexuals. BlueDog Democrats; Democrats who advocate for fiscal restraint similar to Conservatives. Bipartisanship; The call for both parties to reach across party lines to cooperate and stop gridlock. Swing voters; Independents who can swing an election away from one candidate and in favor of another. Spoiler; A third party candidate who is believed to have caused the loss of another candidate in an election. Two-Party System; The U.S. political system that favors two major parties and makes it difficult for the formation of multiple parties. What is the meaning of 'plurality' in the context of Western democracies? A) More candidates than any other party B) More votes than any other candidate C) Equal votes for all candidates D) Fewer votes than any other candidate E) No votes for any candidate; B) More votes than any other candidate Explanation: In the context of Western democracies, 'plurality' refers to a candidate receiving more votes than any other candidate, which is a key concept in understanding the electoral system of these democracies. Under what model are legislative seats allocated to competing parties based on the total share of votes they receive in the election? A) Plurality system B) Proportional representation system C) Majority system D) Electoral college system E) Direct voting system; B) Proportional representation system Explanation: In the proportional representation system, legislative seats are allocated to competing parties based on the total share of votes they receive in the election, which is a fundamental aspect of this electoral model. What is the main argument for allowing voters to pick their preferred party and let the party select the individuals who serve in governments? A) It ensures personal leadership styles play a significant role B) It reduces the influence of the party on policy C) It allows for direct election of government officials D) It ensures individual candidates have more influence on policy E) It emphasizes the party's influence on policy; A) It ensures personal leadership styles play less of a role in the overall formation of policies Explanation: The main argument for this method is that it is ultimately the party and not the individual who will influence policy, reducing the impact of personal leadership styles on the overall formation of policies. What is the primary reason for the development of third parties in the U.S. political system? A) To challenge the existence of major parties B) To address concerns ignored by major parties C) To gain more power than major parties D) To create a two-party system E) To support the policies of major parties; B) To address concerns ignored by major parties Explanation: Third parties in the U.S. develop primarily to address concerns that are being ignored by the major parties, highlighting their role in representing issues that may not be adequately addressed by the dominant political entities. What type of third party galvanizes around monetary issues such as the coinage of silver? A) Economic protest party B) Issue party C) Ideological party D) Major party E) Fractional party; A) Economic protest party Explanation: Economic protest parties galvanize around monetary issues, such as the coinage of silver, and aim to address economic concerns through their political representation. Plurality; More votes than any other candidate. Proportional Representation; Legislative seats are allocated to competing parties based on the total share of votes they receive in the election. Third Parties; Political parties other than the two major parties (Democrats and Republicans) in the United States. Economic Protest Parties; Parties that galvanize around monetary issues, such as the coinage of silver. Socialist Party; Formed in 1901 and disbanded in 1972, emphasizing government-directed equalization of wealth and government control of industry. Communists; Advocate for the abolition of private property and are associated with the former Soviet Union. Libertarian Party; Believes in less government involvement in the day-to-day lives of individuals. Issue Parties; Political parties that tend to focus on one topic and their success is usually short-lived. What is an example of a splinter party mentioned in the text? A) The Democratic Party B) The Bull Moose Party C) The Prohibition Party D) The States' Rights Party E) The Dixiecrats; B) The Bull Moose Party Explanation: The formation of the Bull Moose Party is cited as an example of a splinter party in the text, as it splintered the Republican vote and impacted the presidency, ultimately benefiting the Democrat, Woodrow Wilson. What is the significance of the 18th Amendment ratified in 1919 and repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933? A) It led to the formation of the Prohibition Party B) It weakened political parties C) It resulted in the formation of the States' Rights Party D) It led to the formation of the Dixiecrats E) It impacted the presidency; B) It weakened political parties Explanation: The 18th Amendment and its subsequent repeal through the 21st Amendment is highlighted as an example of a Progressive Era reform that weakened political parties, showcasing the impact of this historical event on the political landscape. Who opposed Harry Truman's nomination for the Democratic Party in 1948 and formed the States' Rights Party? A) Woodrow Wilson B) Strom Thurmond C) Ross Perot D) George Washington E) Thomas Jefferson; B) Strom Thurmond Explanation: Strom Thurmond opposed Harry Truman's nomination for the Democratic Party in 1948 and formed the States' Rights Party, also known as the Dixiecrats, advocating for states' rights and the segregation of races. What was Ross Perot's platform when he ran as a third-party candidate for president in 1992? A) Pro-segregation policies B) Anti-incumbency stance C) Prohibition of alcohol D) Expansion of federal debt E) Support for gerrymandering; B) Anti-incumbency stance Explanation: Ross Perot ran on an anti-incumbency platform, promising to pay down the federal debt, garnering 19 million votes but not winning the election, highlighting the impact of third-party candidates and their platforms. What is the significance of incumbents in elections, as mentioned in the text? A) They have limited name recognition B) They are less likely to receive funding from interest groups C) They have franking privileges D) They have to build new organizations from the ground up E) They have less money in their war chests; C) They have franking privileges Explanation: Incumbents are noted to have franking privileges, which allow them a limited amount of free mail to communicate with voters in their district, providing them with an advantage in reaching and updating their constituents on key issues. Bull Moose Party; A splinter party that formed in 1912, led by Theodore Roosevelt, after he split from the Republican Party, weakening the Republican vote and handing the presidency to the Democrat, Woodrow Wilson. Prohibition Party; A party that supported the prohibition of alcohol and was an example of a fractional party that did not last very long. States' Rights Party (Dixiecrats); Formed in 1948 by Strom Thurmond in opposition to Harry Truman's nomination for the Democratic Party, advocating for states' rights and segregation of races. Incumbent; The current officeholder who holds the advantage in elections due to name recognition, voting records, media coverage, fundraising, franking privileges, and gerrymandering. Third-party candidate; A candidate who is not affiliated with the two major political parties (Republican or Democratic), such as Ross Perot who ran for president in 1992 on an anti-incumbency platform. Gerrymandering; The manipulation of district boundaries to benefit a particular party, often by creating districts that include a majority of Democratic or Republican voters. What did the Supreme Court declare unlawful in 1986? A) Gerrymandering B) Campaign finance laws C) Political advertising D) Voter registration E) Ballot counting methods; A) Gerrymandering Explanation: The Supreme Court declared the practice of gerrymandering unlawful in 1986, marking a significant legal decision that aimed to address the manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political advantage. What did the Supreme Court decline to get involved in in 2004? A) Campaign finance laws B) Voter registration C) Gerrymandering case D) Political advertising E) Ballot counting methods; C) Gerrymandering case Explanation: In 2004, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in a gerrymandering case, indicating a reluctance to address the issue through legal action, which has implications for the political landscape and electoral fairness. What took place after the 2010 census, based on sophisticated computer programs? A) Voter registration B) Gerrymandering C) Campaign finance laws D) Political advertising E) Ballot counting methods; B) Gerrymandering Explanation: After the 2010 census, gerrymandering took place based on sophisticated computer programs, highlighting the use of technology to manipulate electoral district boundaries for political advantage. According to Madison, what was the trick to regulate special interests or factions in any republic? A) Suppressing freedom of speech B) Limiting the number of political parties C) Regulating them D) Ignoring their influence E) Encouraging their dominance; C) Regulating them Explanation: According to Madison, the trick to regulate special interests or factions in any republic was to regulate them, as highlighted in the famous Federalist Number 10, emphasizing the need for governance and control over competing interests. How do interest groups differ from political parties? A) Interest groups focus on electing candidates of a particular party B) Political parties represent specific professions C) Interest groups do not function primarily to elect candidates of a particular party D) Political parties are more issue-specific E) Interest groups have broader coalitions than political parties; C) Interest groups do not function primarily to elect candidates of a particular party Explanation: Unlike political parties, interest groups do not function primarily to elect candidates of a particular party, highlighting a key distinction in their primary objectives and functions within the political landscape. Gerrymandering; The practice of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one party or class. Federalist Number 10; An essay written by James Madison in which he discussed the potential for factions in a republic and the need to regulate them. Interest Groups; Organizations that work to influence public policy in specific areas and are not primarily focused on electing candidates of a particular party. What was a notable result of the industrial revolution in relation to interest groups? A) Decrease in the number of interest groups B) Negligible impact on the number of interest groups C) Significant increase in the number of interest groups D) No change in the number of interest groups E) Disappearance of interest groups; C) Significant increase in the number of interest groups Explanation: The industrial revolution led to a notable increase in the number of interest groups, largely due to the social tensions and economic stress caused by factors such as pollution, difficult working conditions, and child labor. This resulted in the formation of numerous interest groups advocating for various causes. What is the role of lobbyists in relation to interest groups? A) Representing the interest before the government B) Organizing public interest groups C) Advocating for shorter working hours D) Promoting collective goods E) Funding major corporations; A) Representing the interest before the government Explanation: Lobbyists, who are formal members of organized interest groups, represent the interest before the government at the state or federal level. They aim to influence public policy through politicians and are required to register with the government in which they lobby. What is the primary reason politicians need to court interest groups? A) To gain public support B) To advocate for shorter working hours C) To promote collective goods D) To influence public policy E) To increase government budgets; A) To gain public support Explanation: Politicians need to court interest groups because most have money to spend or can mobilize their membership to vote for the politician when he is up for reelection. In return, interest groups want to influence public policy through politicians, highlighting the mutual benefit of their relationship. What distinguishes public interest groups from other interest groups? A) They represent major corporations B) They advocate for shorter working hours C) They promote tangible benefits for specific members D) They attempt to promote public or collective goods E) They focus on lobbying for government budgets; D) They attempt to promote public or collective goods Explanation: Public interest groups attempt to promote public or collective goods, which are benefits that can be tangible or intangible and help most or all citizens. This sets them apart from other interest groups that may represent specific members or corporations. What is a notable characteristic of the AARP as an interest group? A) It represents major corporations B) It lobbies for government budgets C) It aligns itself with a specific political party D) It promotes collective goods E) It is open to people of all ages; D) It promotes collective goods Explanation: The AARP, formerly known as the American Association for the Advancement of Retired People, promotes collective goods by lobbying on a variety of issues affecting the elderly, such as health care. However, its membership is limited to people over the age of 50, distinguishing it from political parties which are open to any eligible voter. Hackensack River; A river in New Jersey that has been affected by pollutants and development. Interest Groups; Organizations with much more limited membership than political parties, formed in larger numbers after the Civil War due to social tensions and economic stress. Child Labor; The common practice of employing children in factories during the industrial revolution, often resulting in difficult working conditions and injuries. Knights of Labor and American Federation of Labor; Major labor unions founded during the industrialization after the Civil War to advocate for workers' rights, shorter hours, and minimum wages. Lobbyists; Formal members of organized interest groups who represent the group's interests before the government and aim to influence public policy through politicians. Public Interest Groups; Groups that attempt to promote public or collective goods that benefit most or all citizens. Corporations and Lobbyists; Corporations hire inhouse and contract lobbyists to represent their interests and influence lawmakers. AARP (American Association for the Advancement of Retired People); A membership organization representing the interests of people over the age of 50, lobbying on issues affecting the elderly. Government Agencies and Lobbyists; Government agencies and municipalities hire lobbyists to maximize their share of budgets and are represented by legislative liaisons who present issues to decision makers. What is the primary goal of lobbyists?; A) To influence policy Explanation: The primary goal of lobbyists is almost always to influence policy, often using financial resources to do so. This influence can be exerted at both the state and federal levels, as well as in various government departments. What was the early law that governed how lobbyists allocate their resources and required registration?; C) 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act, also called the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act Explanation: The 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act, also known as the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, required lobbyists to clearly state who their clients were and what they were lobbying for. This act was later upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1954 case United States versus Harriss. What did the 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act require lobbyists to do?; D) Clearly state who their clients were and what they were lobbying for Explanation: The 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act, also known as the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, mandated that lobbyists provide clear information about their clients and the objectives of their lobbying efforts. What did the Supreme Court rule in the 1954 case United States versus Harriss?; B) The law only applied to the lobbying of congressmen, not other government officials Explanation: In the 1954 case United States versus Harriss, the Supreme Court ruled that the 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act applied to the lobbying of congressmen, but not to other government officials such as governors. What did the Lobbying Disclosure Act define a lobbyist as?; E) Anyone who spends more than 20% of his or her time lobbying government officials Explanation: The Lobbying Disclosure Act defined a lobbyist as anyone who spends more than 20% of his or her time lobbying government officials and is required to file reports detailing their clients and the bills on which they worked. Lobbying; The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials, typically legislators or members of regulatory agencies, on behalf of a group or organization. Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act; The 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act which required lobbyists to clearly state who their clients were and what they were lobbying for, and was challenged on the basis of violating the right to freedom of speech in the First Amendment. Lobbyist; A person who spends more than 20% of their time lobbying government officials and is required to report twice a year to file a report, listing clients and the bills on which they worked. Grassroots Lobbyist; A type of lobbyist who works to mobilize the general public to contact their elected representatives about a specific issue. Lobbying Disclosure Act; A law passed in 1995 which defined a lobbyist as anyone who spends more than 20% of their time lobbying government officials and is required to report twice a year to file a report, listing clients and the bills on which they worked. What is the purpose of the Lobbying Disclosure Act? A) To ban all expense paid trips for members of Congress B) To regulate the activities of grassroots lobbyists C) To restrict the amount of gifts members of Congress can accept D) To promote transparency in government activities E) To support the International City and County Management Association; D) To promote transparency in government activities Explanation: The purpose of the Lobbying Disclosure Act is to promote transparency in government activities, including the regulation of lobbying activities and the reporting of expenses, gifts, and donations, which is essential for maintaining ethical standards in governance. What restrictions were placed on members of Congress regarding gifts under the Lobbying Disclosure Act? A) They could not accept any gifts B) They could accept gifts up to 100 dollars in value C) They could accept gifts up to 50 dollars in value D) They could only accept non-monetary gifts E) They were not subject to any restrictions regarding gifts; C) They could accept gifts up to 50 dollars in value Explanation: Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, members of the House could not accept anything with monetary value, whereas Senators could accept gifts up to 50 dollars in value, reflecting the specific restrictions placed on gifts for members of Congress. What was the outcome of the scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff? A) He was acquitted of all charges B) He was sentenced to four years in prison C) He was released after serving half of his sentence D) He was fined for tax evasion E) He was promoted to a higher position in the Republican Party; B) He was sentenced to four years in prison Explanation: Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist with close ties to many in the Republican Party, was sentenced to four years in prison for tax evasion, fraud, and corruption of public officials, highlighting the consequences of his involvement in unethical activities. What is the primary goal of interest groups in influencing policy? A) To promote transparency in government activities B) To foster better management practices C) To monitor government activity D) To provide information to the public and lawmakers E) To support the United Nations Association; C) To monitor government activity Explanation: The primary goal of interest groups in influencing policy is to monitor government activity, ensuring that the actions of government bodies and officials are transparent and accountable, which is crucial for maintaining ethical governance. What additional function do interest groups serve aside from influencing policy? A) Providing financial support to political candidates B) Fostering better management practices in local government C) Promoting international cooperation through the United Nations D) Providing information to the public and lawmakers E) Organizing social events for government officials; D) Providing information to the public and lawmakers Explanation: In addition to influencing policy, interest groups also serve the function of providing information to the public and lawmakers, acting as an information base for policymakers and contributing to the transparency and accountability of government activities. Grassroots lobbyists; Lobbying done by professionals, concerned citizens, or not-for-profit organizations like churches, for example. Lobbying Disclosure Act; Legislation that puts restrictions on how much members of Congress can accept as gifts and requires lobbyists to report what was spent on dinners and parties in which people would make donations to candidates. Jack Abramoff; A lobbyist with close ties to many in the Republican Party who was involved in a scandal where he paid for 85 members of Congress to vacation in the U.S.-owned Mariana Islands in the Pacific, among other corrupt activities. Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold); Legislation that added greater restrictions on lobbyists and required them to report what was spent on dinners and parties in which people would make donations to candidates. Interest Groups; Organizations that monitor government activity, push for more transparency by government bodies and officials, provide information to the public and lawmakers, and serve as a means of political participation for members. What method was used to choose candidates before the 1960's and 1970's? A) Direct election by voters B) Secret deals in smoke-filled back rooms C) Public debates and discussions D) Random selection by party officials E) Open voting by all party members; B) Secret deals in smoke-filled back rooms Explanation: Before the 1960's and 1970's, candidates were chosen by party officials in secret deals, in smoke-filled back rooms, highlighting the lack of transparency and democratic process in candidate selection. Who tried to put an end to the secret treaties between nations with his 14 points? A) George Washington B) Woodrow Wilson C) Benjamin Franklin D) King Louis the 16th E) Thomas Jefferson; B) Woodrow Wilson Explanation: Woodrow Wilson attempted to put an end to the secret treaties between nations with his 14 points, reflecting his efforts to promote transparency and diplomacy in international relations. Where was the Versailles Treaty, which was negotiated to end war, debated and signed? A) Palace of Westminster B) Palace of Versailles C) Buckingham Palace D) Windsor Castle E) Chateau de Chambord; B) Palace of Versailles Explanation: The Versailles Treaty, negotiated to end war, was debated and signed in the stunning Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, underscoring its historical significance in shaping international relations. What type of primaries allow party members to vote only for members of their own party? A) Closed primaries B) Open primaries C) Runoff primaries D) National primaries E) Proportional primaries; A) Closed primaries Explanation: Some states have closed primaries, which means that party members can vote only for members of their own party, highlighting the exclusivity of the voting process within the party. What voting method do some states like Iowa have instead of primaries? A) General elections B) Referendums C) Caucuses D) Runoff elections E) National conventions; C) Caucuses Explanation: Some states like Iowa have caucuses instead of primaries, where locals select delegates to county meetings and the delegates back a particular candidate, showcasing an alternative method for candidate selection. Primary Election; An election held to choose a political party's candidate for a public office. Party Officials; Members of a political party who have the authority to make decisions and select candidates on behalf of the party. Closed Primaries; Primary elections in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote for the party's candidates. Open Primaries; Primary elections in which voters can choose to vote for a candidate from any political party, regardless of their own party affiliation. Presumptive Nominee; A candidate who is expected to be the official nominee of their party, but has not yet been formally nominated. Caucuses; Local meetings where party members select delegates to back a particular candidate, who will then represent them at a higher level. Australian Secret Ballot; A voting method where people cast their votes privately, following the model first introduced in Australia in the 1800s. What is the term for the pieces of paper that led to miscounts in voting, as mentioned in the text? A) Hanging threads B) Dangling chads C) Swinging ballots D) Loose papers E) Drifting ballots; B) Dangling chads Explanation: The text refers to 'hanging chads' as the pieces of paper that led to miscounts in voting, highlighting the issue of incomplete punches on the ballots. What voting system is mentioned as being used in the jurisdiction described in the text? A) Electronic voting B) Paper ballot voting C) Voice voting D) Online chat voting E) Mail-in voting; A) Electronic voting Explanation: The text mentions the use of paper-free electronic voting in the jurisdiction, where voters can press a button next to the candidate's name and a computer records the vote, indicating the use of electronic voting system. What potential issue is raised regarding internet voting in the text? A) Lack of convenience B) Difficulty in ensuring privacy C) High cost of implementation D) Limited accessibility E) Slow tabulation of results; B) Difficulty in ensuring privacy Explanation: The text highlights the concern that internet voting may be difficult to ensure privacy, which is a right guaranteed in the First Amendment, indicating a potential issue with this voting method. When is the US general election day for federal public officials set by law? A) First Tuesday in October B) First Tuesday in November C) Second Tuesday in November D) Last Tuesday in November E) First Monday in November; B) First Tuesday in November Explanation: The text specifies that the US general election day for federal public officials is set by law for the first Tuesday after a Monday in November, providing a clear indication of the scheduled election day. What are elections that include candidates running for Senator every six years or Representative every two years called? A) Presidential elections B) General elections C) Midterm elections D) Primary elections E) Special elections; C) Midterm elections Explanation: The text mentions that elections including candidates running for Senator every six years or Representative every two years are referred to as midterm elections, providing a specific term for these types of elections. Hanging Chads; Pieces of paper that are not completely punched through on a punch card ballot, leading to miscounts. Electronic Voting; A voting method where voters can press a button next to the candidate's name and a computer records the vote. Internet Voting; A voting method being considered for its convenience, but with concerns about ensuring privacy as guaranteed in the First Amendment. Absentee Ballot; A method for registered voters, such as students or members of the armed forces, to vote when they are not in their voting districts on election day. Election Day; The US general election day for federal public officials, set by law for the first Tuesday after a Monday in November. Midterm Elections; Elections in which the President is not up for election, including candidates running for Senator every six years, or Representative every two years. Electoral College; A system where the President is elected indirectly, with actual votes cast by the Electoral College, and each state's votes in the Electoral College. Faithless Elector; An elector who votes for a candidate other than the one they are pledged to, although this has never changed the result of an election. House of Representatives; The body that decides the outcome in the event that a single candidate does not get a majority of Electoral Votes. How many times has the winner of the popular vote not won the Electoral College vote in a Presidential election? A) Once B) Twice C) Three times D) Four times E) Five times; E) Five times Explanation: The text mentions five instances in total when the winner of the popular vote did not win the Electoral College vote, including the elections of 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016, making it a rare but significant occurrence in U.S. presidential history. In which election did Rutherford B. Hayes win the presidency despite losing the popular vote? A) 1824 B) 1876 C) 1888 D) 2000 E) 2016; B) 1876 Explanation: Rutherford B. Hayes won the election by a margin of just one Electoral College vote, despite losing the popular vote to Samuel J. Tilden, marking a unique and historically significant event in the U.S. presidential elections. Who won the presidency in 1888 despite losing the popular vote? A) Rutherford B. Hayes B) Samuel J. Tilden C) Benjamin Harrison D) Grover Cleveland E) George W. Bush; C) Benjamin Harrison Explanation: Benjamin Harrison received 233 Electoral Votes to Grover Cleveland's 168, winning the presidency, despite losing the popular vote by more than 90,000 votes, highlighting a unique aspect of the U.S. electoral system. Who was declared the winner of the 2000 general election despite not winning the popular vote? A) Rutherford B. Hayes B) Samuel J. Tilden C) Benjamin Harrison D) Grover Cleveland E) George W. Bush; E) George W. Bush Explanation: In 2000, George W. Bush was declared the winner of the general election and became the 43rd President, despite not winning the popular vote, a significant and rare occurrence in U.S. presidential history. Who garnered about 540,000 more votes than George W. Bush in the 2000 election? A) Rutherford B. Hayes B) Samuel J. Tilden C) Benjamin Harrison D) Grover Cleveland E) Al Gore; E) Al Gore Explanation: Al Gore holds the distinction of garnering about 540,000 more votes than George W. Bush in the 2000 election, despite not winning the presidency, highlighting the unique nature of the U.S. electoral system. Andrew Jackson; The 7th President of the United States, known for his role in the expansion of voting rights and the removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands. Presidential elections; The process by which the President of the United States is elected, involving the Electoral College and popular vote. Popular vote; The total number of votes cast for a candidate by the general public in a presidential election. Electoral College vote; The process by which the President of the United States is formally elected, with each state having a number of electors equal to the total of its Senators and Representatives in Congress. Rutherford B. Hayes; The 19th President of the United States who won the election by a margin of just one Electoral College vote, despite losing the popular vote to Samuel J. Tilden. Benjamin Harrison; The 23rd President of the United States who received 233 Electoral Votes to Grover Cleveland's 168, winning the presidency despite losing the popular vote by more than 90,000 votes. George W. Bush; The 43rd President of the United States who was declared the winner of the general election in 2000, despite not winning the popular vote. Al Gore; The candidate who garnered about 540,000 more votes than George W. Bush in the 2000 presidential election, but did not win the presidency.