Question 1

In __________ political systems, coalition governments are common.

Accepted Answer

In multiparty political systems, it is common for no party to hold a majority of the seats in the legislature, leading to the necessity of forming coalitions in order to govern effectively. In majoritarian systems, a single party often holds a majority and does not need to form a coalition. In unified systems, there is typically only one major political party, and polarization refers to extreme ideological division rather than the formation of coalitions. Two-party systems have only two major political parties and also do not require coalition-building.

Question 2

How are national and state party organizations interrelated?

Accepted Answer

National and state party organizations are separate entities that are not part of a hierarchical structure or in charge of enforcing party rules. However, they often have ties in terms of ideologies, campaign money, and party rules set at the national convention. They are also expected to work together during elections to support the party's candidates at all levels.

Question 3

Which president forged the New Deal coalition?

Accepted Answer

Franklin Roosevelt forged the New Deal coalition, which consisted of labor unions, ethnic and racial minorities, Southern whites, farmers, and urban progressives. It was a diverse coalition united in the belief that the government should take an active role in promoting social welfare and regulating the economy.

Question 4

Polls concerning party identification might lead a political scientist trying to understand voter behavior to believe that the increase in the percentage of people claiming to be independent is because of what?

Accepted Answer

The increase in the percentage of people claiming to be independent is likely a result of the incivility and ineffectiveness in government due to intense partisanship. Many voters may be disenchanted with the current state of politics and choose not to align with a particular party. This is supported by studies and surveys that show voters citing polarization and gridlock as reasons for disengaging from the two major parties.

Question 5

The years 1860-1928 saw the ascendency of which party?

Accepted Answer

The years 1860-1928 saw the ascendency of the Republican Party, which was led by presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Herbert Hoover. The party was known for its support of strong central government, protectionism, and civil rights for African Americans.

Question 6

The presidential nominee need not adhere to either the letter or the spirit of the __________, although most nominees stay fairly close.

Accepted Answer

The party platform is a document that outlines a political party's core beliefs and policy positions. Although it is not mandatory for the nominee to adhere to the platform, it is expected that they will support most of the key aspects. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

Question 7

Ross Perot's Reform Party signified __________ of the party system.

Accepted Answer

The Reform Party, led by Ross Perot, was seen as a third-party movement that aimed to attract voters disenchanted with the two-party system. This signaled a dealignment, where voters were becoming less attached to the traditional two-party system and were looking for alternative options.

Question 8

How does the presidential primary system contribute to the intense partisanship of American politics today?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the presidential primary system contribute...

Question 9

Because the numbers of Americans who identify with the Democratic and Republican parties are closer than they have been for a long time, which of the following has become more important to candidates in recent elections?

Accepted Answer

With the closer numbers of party identification, candidates have to focus more on winning over independent voters who do not align firmly with either party. These independent leaners can swing elections, making their support crucial for candidates.

Question 10

Which of the following is one of the contributing factors to the increase in partisanship at all levels of government since the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

The explosion of advocacy groups that demand unity on issues has contributed to the increase in partisanship by pushing politicians towards more extreme positions and reducing the room for compromise.

Question 11

What major concern about minor parties was highlighted by the 2000 presidential election between Gore and Bush?

Accepted Answer

The major concern highlighted by the 2000 presidential election between Gore and Bush was the possibility of minor parties altering elections, particularly through vote splitting. The candidacy of Ralph Nader, running as the Green Party nominee, was blamed for siphoning enough votes away from Al Gore to swing key states in favor of George W. Bush, ultimately leading to Bush's victory despite Gore winning the popular vote. This highlighted the potential impact that minor parties can have on the outcome of elections, and raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the electoral process.

Question 12

What caused a large increase in the amount of Democratic-Republican cooperation in late 2001 and early 2002?

Accepted Answer

The shared threat of the 9/11 attacks created a sense of patriotism among Americans and a need for unity in response to the threat. This led to increased cooperation between Democrats and Republicans.

Question 13

Which of the following describes realignment?

Accepted Answer

Realignment refers to the process by which one party supplants another as the dominant party in a two-party system.

Question 14

What binds national and state parties?

Accepted Answer

While federal statutes and the U.S. Constitution do play a role in party politics, what ultimately binds national and state parties is their shared ideology and sentiments, as well as their ability to fundraise and campaign effectively. Party platforms and policy positions are informed by these shared beliefs and are expressed through campaigns and election strategies.

Question 15

Over which of the following do official party organizations have no control?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Over which of the following do official...

Question 16

Which of the following combine both social and economic dimensions and hold that the federal government should play a very small role in economic regulation and social justice?

Accepted Answer

Conservatives generally believe in smaller government and less economic and social regulation, emphasizing individual responsibility and free-market principles. This combines both social and economic dimensions, as government intervention in both areas is viewed as limiting individual freedom and hindering economic growth.

Question 17

The year 1968 in the United States brought the beginning of a new political era and __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The year 1968 in the United States...

Question 18

The __________ is the formal governing body of both major parties.

Accepted Answer

The national party convention is the formal governing body of both major political parties in the United States, where party members gather to nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates, adopt a party platform, and conduct party business.

Question 19

When political parties mobilize voters, bring issues to the public attention, educate the public on issues of interest to the party, and compete with each other by expanding the scope of conflict, what else do they accomplish?

Accepted Answer

Political parties play an essential role in promoting democracy by mobilizing voters, educating the public on issues, and competing with each other. This stimulates political interest among citizens and increases democratic participation, leading to a more engaged and informed electorate.

Question 20

How do voter attitudes serve as a barrier to minor parties in government?

Accepted Answer

Voter attitudes serve as a barrier to minor parties in government because Americans often believe that a vote for a minor party is a wasted vote. This sentiment is known as the "wasted vote" theory and has been widely spread among voters, making it difficult for minor parties to gain traction and support. As a result, many citizens choose to vote for the major parties because they see it as the only way to have a say in the political process.

Quiz 9: Political Parties