Question 1

In California,the two parties are very competitive when it comes to elections;that is,in most districts there is a roughly equal chance for a candidate of either party to win.

Accepted Answer

California is known for its strong Democratic lean in statewide and national elections, with many districts being solidly Democratic or Republican, reducing competitiveness in many areas.

Question 2

Thanks to the Top-Two primary,moderates from both political parties now dominate the legislature,and party polarization has almost been eliminated.

Accepted Answer

The statement is too optimistic and extreme. While the Top-Two primary may have helped reduce party polarization in certain cases, it has not completely eliminated it. Additionally, it is debatable whether or not moderates from both parties now dominate the legislature.

Question 3

As of 2017,there were about 20% more Democrats than Republicans (by party registration)in California.

Accepted Answer

According to the California Secretary of State's voter registration report from February 10, 2017, there were approximately 8.4 million registered Democrats and 6.9 million registered Republicans in California, making it about 20% more Democrats than Republicans.

Question 4

It will be impossible for two Democrats to run against each other in the general election under the new open primary election system.

Accepted Answer

It is possible for two Democrats to run against each other in the general election under the new open primary election system. In an open primary, all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, run on one ballot and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. Therefore, it is possible for two Democrats to be the top two vote-getters in the primary and run against each other in the general election.

Question 5

California is the only state that entrusts redistricting to a citizens' commission.

Accepted Answer

Several states, not just California, use citizens' commissions for redistricting to create more impartial and fair electoral maps, aiming to reduce gerrymandering.

Question 6

According to a (2017)poll by the PPIC,a large majority of Californians are strongly associated with one of the two major political parties,Republican or Democratic.

Accepted Answer

Most Californians identify as independents or with no party preference, rather than being strongly associated with the Republican or Democratic parties.

Question 7

Elections involving judges are nonpartisan,meaning that a judicial candidate's party affiliation is not indicated on the ballot as it would be for other statewide elected officials.

Accepted Answer

Judicial elections are nonpartisan, so a candidate's party affiliation is not listed on the ballot.

Question 8

Both the Democratic and Republican state political party organizations have virtually no control over California elections,because the national party organizations,the DNC and RNC,dominate politics so thoroughly.

Accepted Answer

While the national party organizations certainly have some influence over California elections, the state political party organizations still play a significant role in shaping the political landscape and supporting candidates at the state and local level. This includes endorsing candidates, providing funding and resources, and setting party platform and strategy.

Question 9

Democrats dominate state government today because of gerrymandering which unfairly favors their political party as well as Democratic incumbents.

Accepted Answer

Gerrymandering is a practice used by both Democratic and Republican parties to draw electoral district boundaries in a way that favors their own political interests. The dominance of a particular party in state government can be attributed to a variety of factors including demographic changes, voter preferences, and political strategies, not solely to gerrymandering.

Question 10

To qualify a new political party in California,no more than 100 signatures need to be gathered during the process.

Accepted Answer

To qualify a new political party in California, at least 10,000 registered voters need to sign a petition supporting the party.

Question 11

More than half of all voters cast their ballots by mail in 2016.

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, approximately 33 million voters cast their ballots by mail in the 2016 presidential election, which accounts for over a quarter of all votes cast.

Question 12

In California,a person can register to vote online through the Secretary of State's website.

Accepted Answer

In California, a person can register to vote online through the Secretary of State's website.

Question 13

California is a Democratic stronghold,but is weakly partisan overall.

Accepted Answer

While California is known for being a Democratic stronghold, it is not highly partisan overall. There are significant populations of both Republicans and independents throughout the state.

Question 14

When it comes to spending money on campaigns,only California residents may spend money to elect or defeat California candidates who are running for office.

Accepted Answer

In the United States, there are no laws that restrict campaign contributions solely to residents of the state where a candidate is running. Individuals and entities from outside the state can also contribute to campaigns, subject to federal and state regulations.

Question 15

On average,open seat elections are far costlier than races where incumbents are defending their seats.

Accepted Answer

Open seat elections tend to attract more candidates and interest groups, leading to more spending on campaign ads, staff, and other expenses. Incumbents have the advantage of name recognition and a pre-existing support base, which can help them spend less money on their campaigns.

Question 16

Special elections are not on the rise because of term limits;there have always been many special elections because legislators periodically leave due to death,incarceration,resignation to take higher-paid positions,and so forth.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Special elections are not on the rise...

Question 17

Based on party registration,no political party has absolute majority status in California;that is,no party can claim over 50% of registered voters.

Accepted Answer

This is true as of the latest voter registration data from the California Secretary of State's office in February 2021. The breakdown is 46.5% Democratic, 24.1% Republican, and 24.0% No Party Preference/Other.

Question 18

California is one of several states to have signed onto the "national popular vote" law,meaning that its (presidential)electoral college votes will go to the winner of the popular vote rather than the state vote (when enough states sign onto the plan,which probably will not go into effect until 2020).

Accepted Answer

California has signed onto the "national popular vote" law, which means its electoral college votes will go to the winner of the popular vote. This will only go into effect when enough states sign onto the plan, which may not happen until 2020.

Question 19

California legislators draw their own district boundaries,as is the case in the majority of states.

Accepted Answer

In California, district boundaries are drawn by an independent commission, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, not by legislators themselves. This was established to create fairer and more impartial districts.

Question 20

By law,out-of-state individuals and special interests may not donate to state or local candidates in California.

Accepted Answer

Out-of-state individuals and special interests may donate to state or local candidates in California, but there are certain limits and disclosure requirements in place.

Quiz 9: Political Parties,elections,and Campaigns