Question 1

Rory and Amelia are running against each other for a seat in the Senate. Rory's campaign calls voters under the guise of doing a poll and asks "would you be more or less likely to vote for Amelia for Senate if you knew that she took campaign funds from terrorists?" This is an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a push poll, which is a type of political campaign tactic disguised as a poll to sway voters by spreading negative or misleading information about an opposing candidate.

Question 2

How might a candidate's issue positions in the primaries differ from the general election?

Accepted Answer

During primaries, candidates need to appeal to their party's base voters who tend to be more ideologically extreme. In contrast, during the general election, candidates need to reach a broader audience, including swing voters, who may not hold such extreme views. Therefore, candidates may moderate their positions during the general election to appeal to a wider range of voters.

Question 3

A 527 organization can accept unlimited amounts of ________ but cannot use that money on behalf of a specific ________.

Accepted Answer

A 527 organization can accept unlimited amounts of soft money but cannot use it on behalf of a specific candidate.

Question 4

Lyndon Johnson's "Daisy Girl" was an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

The "Daisy Girl" advertisement was a notorious attack ad from 1964 which was designed to portray President Lyndon B. Johnson's opponent, Barry Goldwater, as a dangerous extremist who would lead the country into nuclear war. The ad featured a little girl picking petals from a daisy before a nuclear explosion, implying that Goldwater's election would lead to such a catastrophic event. It is widely regarded as one of the most effective negative ads in American political history.

Question 5

The amount of money raised during the 2012 election totaled more than:

Accepted Answer

The total amount of money raised during the 2012 election exceeded $6 billion, making it one of the most expensive elections in history at that time.

Question 6

A candidate's platform is important for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A candidate's platform is crucial for mobilizing supporters, gaining interest group endorsements, attracting campaign volunteers, and raising campaign funds. However, gaining ballot access is typically determined by legal requirements, such as petition signatures or filing fees, rather than a candidate's platform.

Question 7

What is the ground game?

Accepted Answer

The ground game refers to a campaign's effort to get out the vote on Election Day, often through grassroots organizing and voter outreach.

Question 8

In 2012, Mitt Romney said that if elected he would work to ensure no tax increases. President Barack Obama said that if he were reelected he would support marriage equality for same-sex couples. These are examples of the candidates':

Accepted Answer

These are examples of the candidates' platforms, which are their proposed plans and policies if they are elected.

Question 9

In an effort to raise doubts about their opponents, almost all candidates use ________ as a key part of their campaign strategy.

Accepted Answer

Opposition research involves gathering negative information about opponents in order to use it against them and raise doubts in the minds of voters. This is a common tactic used by political campaigns. Hard money and soft money refer to different types of campaign contributions, push polls are a type of polling used to manipulate or influence voters, and voting cues refer to signals to voters about which candidates or issues to support.

Question 10

Which of the following groups is most likely to run positive campaign advertisements?

Accepted Answer

Candidates are most likely to run positive campaign advertisements, as they want to promote themselves and their platform in a positive light to win over voters. Political parties, interest groups, political action committees, and 527 groups may also run positive ads, but they are more likely to emphasize their opponent's negative qualities than to promote their own candidate.

Question 11

Jaime votes for a Democrat for president but a Republican for Senate. This is an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

Jaime's vote for a Democrat for president and a Republican for Senate is an example of splitting a ticket. This means that Jaime is not just voting for one party consistently (straight ticket), but rather considering individual candidates and making a choice based on their qualifications or platforms.

Question 12

Who is responsible for regulating the financing of campaigns?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is responsible for regulating the financing of campaigns in the United States. The FEC administers and enforces the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), which sets limits on campaign contributions and expenditures, and requires disclosure of campaign finance information. While political action committees (PACs), political parties, and other organizations may play a role in campaign financing, the FEC is the primary regulatory body in this area. The Electoral Assistance Commission and Federal Communications Commission are not directly responsible for regulating campaign financing.

Question 13

What kind of campaign funds are subject to clear limits on how much can be raised but not on how much is spent?

Accepted Answer

Hard money refers to funds that are subject to clear limits on how much can be raised but not on how much is spent. These funds are raised and donated directly to a specific candidate's campaign and can only be used for certain purposes, such as advertising and administrative costs.

Question 14

What is the link between campaign donations and influence with elected officials?

Accepted Answer

While there is a perception that campaign donations can lead to buying votes, studies have shown that there is a weak correlation between donations and voting behavior. However, campaign donations can buy access to elected officials and an opportunity to voice concerns or advocate for a particular issue. This access can potentially lead to influence, but there are many factors that come into play in an elected official's decision-making process.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of being exposed to television advertising in political campaigns?

Accepted Answer

While television advertising can influence political opinions and decisions, it does not necessarily cause people to change their minds. Other factors, such as personal values and beliefs, may play a larger role in determining voting behavior.

Question 16

Which of the following is a limitation on soft money?

Accepted Answer

Soft money is subject to limitations and regulations, one of which is that it cannot be used to directly support or oppose a specific candidate in an election. However, it can be used to promote a political party or issue. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it states that soft money cannot be used to elect or defeat a specific candidate.

Question 17

Candidates who are behind in election polls often use ________ as a way to gain momentum and make the race competitive.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Candidates who are behind in election polls...

Question 18

What are independent expenditures?

Accepted Answer

Independent expenditures refer to money spent on political campaigns by individuals, corporations, or other organizations that are not controlled, directed, or approved by any candidate's campaign. They are often used to pay for advertising, but unlike contributions to campaigns, they can be made in unlimited amounts and without disclosure of the donor's identity. Candidates are not allowed to coordinate with groups making independent expenditures on their behalf.

Question 19

Jennifer wonders whether or not to vote because the chances of her vote being the decisive one is so small. What does Jennifer's consideration exemplify?

Accepted Answer

Jennifer's consideration exemplifies the paradox of voting, which questions the rationality of citizens voting in large-scale elections because their individual vote is unlikely to determine the outcome.

Question 20

The main way that American candidates reach the electorate is through:

Accepted Answer

Campaign ads are a primary method American candidates use to reach the electorate, allowing them to convey their messages broadly and effectively to a wide audience.

Quiz 9: Elections

Rory and Amelia are running against each other for a seat in the Senate. Rory's campaign calls voters under the guise of doing a poll and asks "would you be more or less likely to vote for Amelia for Senate if you knew that she took campaign funds from terrorists?" This is an example of a(n) :