Question 1

Which of the following best describes why the Federal Emergency Management Agency failed during Hurricane Katrina?

Accepted Answer

The head of FEMA during Hurricane Katrina, Michael Brown, was a political appointee with limited experience in emergency management, which contributed to the agency's inadequate response.

Question 2

Which of the following would most likely be viewed differently by various members of the Democratic Party depending on whether they fell into the liberal or centrist camp?

Accepted Answer

Affirmative action, which refers to policies that favor historically marginalized groups in areas such as employment and education, is often a divisive issue within the Democratic Party. Liberal Democrats tend to support affirmative action as a means of addressing systemic discrimination, while centrist Democrats may view it as a form of reverse discrimination that is unnecessary or even counterproductive. The other options, such as civil rights, equal pay, and education, are generally viewed as important issues by both liberal and centrist Democrats with some differences in policy solutions. The war on drugs, while also a contentious issue, is not typically viewed as a defining dividing line within the party.

Question 3

People do not choose a party because they identify with its views and approve of its candidates for elected office; rather, party identification shapes people's views about issues and their selection of candidates for elected office.

Accepted Answer

Party identification is often based on long-standing ties to a political party, whether through family or community affiliations. This can influence a person's political beliefs and opinions, and subsequently affect their selection of candidates for elected office. In other words, party identification can shape people's views on issues and affect their voting behavior, rather than the other way around.

Question 4

A __________ results after fissures develop in each party's coalition, which begins to fracture after new issues appear, dividing the electorate. Each party forms a new coalition-one that endures for years.

Accepted Answer

A realignment occurs when there is a significant shift in the traditional voting patterns and coalition alignments, leading to the formation of new coalitions. This typically happens after a period of dealignment, where voters become disenchanted with the existing parties and new issues arise that change the political landscape. Realignment results in enduring changes in the party system, with the new coalitions lasting for years to come.

Question 5

To be a member of the Republican Party or the Democratic Party or to be an independent is, in reality, a matter of __________.

Accepted Answer

Being a member of a political party is largely a matter of identifying with and aligning oneself with the political beliefs and values of that party. While attending meetings, doing volunteer work, and supporting candidates are often associated with party membership, they are not necessary to consider oneself a member of a party. Organizational membership is also not a defining factor, as one can hold membership in an organization without necessarily aligning with all of its political views.

Question 6

State and local party organizations may nominate __________.

Accepted Answer

State and local party organizations have the freedom to nominate whomever they choose, without approval from the national committee. This allows for more local control and input in the selection of candidates.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes how political parties help to keep elected officials responsive to citizens' needs?

Accepted Answer

Political parties allow voters to hold office holders accountable in a collective fashion. Parties provide a platform for voters to organize and support candidates who reflect their interests and beliefs. When those candidates are elected, they are expected to represent the views of their constituents, as funnelled through their party. This means that if they fail to meet those expectations, the party as a whole may suffer and lose elections in the future. Therefore, parties incentivize officials to be responsive to citizens' needs.

Question 8

Which demographic group currently identifies most closely with the Democratic Party?

Accepted Answer

African Americans have been one of the most reliable and consistent voting blocs for the Democratic Party, with the majority identifying as Democrats in polls and election results.

Question 9

Although Democrats and Republicans often appoint party activists and financial contributors to agencies in the executive branch in return for their support, they do so only when the appointees are qualified for the positions.

Accepted Answer

While party activists and financial contributors may often be appointed to agencies in the executive branch as a form of political patronage, it is not always the case that these appointees are qualified for the positions they are given.

Question 10

Why were Republicans able to pass so many laws after they came to power in 2001 in spite of their small majorities in Congress?

Accepted Answer

The Republicans were able to pass many laws despite their small majorities because they acted with party unity, discipline, and control of the legislative agenda. They were able to focus on priority issues and effectively push through their programs, despite opposition from Democrats.

Question 11

Why don't political parties take stronger policy positions and make them into law?

Accepted Answer

Political parties cannot enforce strict adherence to their platforms among elected officials, who may have diverse constituencies and personal beliefs.

Question 12

The percentage of people claiming to be independent has increased from a percentage in the low 20s during the 1960s to approximately 34 percent today.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true.

Question 13

Which of the following would be most likely to tolerate a government shutdown to achieve their goals?

Accepted Answer

Tea Party Republicans are known for their willingness to engage in political brinkmanship, including threatening government shutdowns, in order to achieve their policy goals.

Question 14

Why does the United States have a two-party system?

Accepted Answer

The two-party system in the United States developed in the struggle between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. This was not a deliberate decision made by the Framers, nor was it a compromise between different systems. The development of the two-party system was a result of political conflict and competition between different ideologies and interests.

Question 15

Dealignment is associated with the end of the __________.

Accepted Answer

Dealignment is often associated with the decline of the New Deal coalition, which was a coalition of voters that supported the Democratic Party's policies during the Great Depression and World War II. The New Deal coalition included a diverse group of voters, including labor unions, racial minorities, and urban voters. However, the coalition began to fragment in the 1960s due to changes in social and economic conditions, leading to a realignment of voting patterns in the United States.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the key issue that led to serious disagreements between the president and Congress and resulted in damage to America's credit rating because of worries about the dysfunctional qualities of the governing process?

Accepted Answer

The national debt was the key issue that led to serious disagreements between the President and Congress and resulted in damage to America's credit rating because of worries about the dysfunctional qualities of the governing process. The inability of the government to reach a consensus on how to address the growing national debt during the debt ceiling debates of 2011 raised concerns among credit ratings agencies about the government's ability to manage its finances, contributing to the downgrade of America's credit rating.

Question 17

What is the main effect the rise in advocacy groups in recent years has had on political parties and their candidates?

Accepted Answer

The rise in advocacy groups has pushed political parties and their candidates into more ideological and partisan directions. Advocacy groups have become more vocal and influential in shaping political decision-making, and as a result, political parties have felt pressure to align themselves more strongly with certain positions and policies to win over the support of these groups and their members. This has led to greater polarization and ideological rigidity in the political landscape.

Question 18

What important power do national party committees wield?

Accepted Answer

National party committees have significant power over the direction of campaign media and fundraising. They are responsible for coordinating party efforts and resources for elections at every level, which includes allocating resources to specific candidates, deciding which states and districts to prioritize, and creating and disseminating party messaging. This can greatly influence the success of candidates and the party's overall performance in elections.

Question 19

Which statement best describes what E. E. Schattschneider meant by the claim that "political parties created democracy"?

Accepted Answer

Schattschneider believed that political parties create democracy by mobilizing majorities to take over government, which is the essence of democracy. He argued that without strong organized parties to put forward candidates, the democratic process would not work effectively. By mobilizing voters and providing a clear choice of platforms, political parties create a competitive electoral environment that ensures that those who win elections enjoy a democratic mandate.

Question 20

When can a party change its platform?

Accepted Answer

A party can typically change its platform during the national party convention, which is held every four years during the presidential election cycle. This is when the party comes together to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates, and to adopt its platform, which outlines its policy positions and priorities. While parties can theoretically change their platforms at other times as well, such as between election cycles or in the wake of major political events, the national convention is typically the most significant opportunity for such changes to occur.

Quiz 9: Political Parties