Question 1

Which of the following is an advantage of approval voting?

Accepted Answer

Approval voting allows voters to vote for all candidates they approve of, instead of just one, which reduces the perception of wasted votes. This encourages voters to vote for their preferred candidate, even if they believe that candidate may not win, and reduces the likelihood of strategic voting.

Question 2

Progressive reforms did which of the following to the political parties?

Accepted Answer

Progressive reforms aimed to decrease the power of political parties by introducing primary elections, campaign finance regulations and anti-corruption measures. These reforms reduced the influence of party bosses and the political machines they controlled, and increased the role of voters in selecting candidates.

Question 3

Which of the following favors two-party competition?

Accepted Answer

Single-member districts and a plurality (first-past-the-post) voting system favor two-party competition because they tend to produce winner-takes-all results, meaning that one candidate gets the majority of the votes and wins the seat. This system puts pressure on third-party candidates to join one of the two major parties to have a realistic chance of winning, thus reinforcing a two-party system.

Question 4

What changed in the demographics of the New Deal coalition after nearly four decades of political control?

Accepted Answer

The New Deal coalition saw a demographic shift during the Vietnam War era, where its traditional base of southern whites, union families, and lower to lower-middle income voters was replaced by minorities, academics, and upper-middle-class professionals.

Question 5

The heyday of local party machines occurred between what years?

Accepted Answer

The heyday of local party machines occurred between 1870-1920. This was a time of rapid urbanization and industrialization, which created a need for local political organizations to help people navigate the complex urban landscape and provide services such as jobs, housing, and social welfare. These party machines were characterized by their control over local government, patronage networks, and ability to turn out voters on Election Day.

Question 6

The official,though ambiguously written,party __________ is/are ratified by delegates and leaders at the national party convention every four years but given little serious attention.

Accepted Answer

The term "party platform" refers to the set of positions that a political party has on various issues, and these positions are ratified at the national party convention every four years. While the platform is an official document, it is often given little serious attention by the general public or even by party leaders. The other options (articles, constitution, procedure document, regulations code) do not accurately describe the party platform.

Question 7

National party conventions occur how frequently,and what purpose do they serve?

Accepted Answer

National party conventions occur every four years to select the party's presidential and vice presidential nominees. These conventions also serve as a platform for the party to showcase its platform and policies, as well as to rally party members and supporters behind their chosen candidates. State party conventions may occur more frequently, but they typically do not have the same level of significance as the national conventions.

Question 8

In comparison to major parties,which of the following is true of third parties?

Accepted Answer

Third parties rarely win many votes and have a difficult time competing with the resources and influence of the major parties. While some third parties have endured for a long time, their impact on elections is minimal. Third party candidates are not typically competitive in presidential, state, or congressional elections.

Question 9

How are third political parties usually significant?

Accepted Answer

Third parties are usually not successful in winning elections, but they can play a significant role in influencing the major parties' policies. By introducing new ideas or highlighting issues that major parties may have neglected, third parties push major parties to incorporate these ideas or address these issues. This makes third parties significant in shaping the overall political discourse and policy agenda of the country.

Question 10

What must precede a major-party realignment?

Accepted Answer

A major-party realignment typically occurs after a critical election, which is an election that brings about a sharp shift in the existing patterns of party loyalty. This shift is often driven by significant events or issues that cause voters to reevaluate their allegiance to their traditional party. Therefore, choice C, a critical election, must precede a major-party realignment.

Question 11

Awarding jobs in government based on party support and loyalty would be best characterized as __________.

Accepted Answer

Patronage is the practice of awarding jobs or political appointments based on party support and loyalty. It is often used as a tool by elected officials to reward their supporters and maintain power within their political party. This practice has been widely criticized for its potential for corruption and for favoring political connections over merit-based qualifications.

Question 12

The tripartite/three-legged stool model of party organization has three general components.Which one refers to the formal structure that sets rules for party operations and provides services for various party units and candidates?

Accepted Answer

The component that refers to the formal structure that sets rules for party operations and provides services for various party units and candidates is party as organization.

Question 13

Which of the following is a primary activity of political parties?

Accepted Answer

Seeking to gain office for their candidates is a primary activity of political parties. Political parties aim to win elections and gain political power to implement their policies and agendas. They do this by nominating candidates, campaigning for them, mobilizing voters, and financing their campaigns. Political parties compete against each other to win elections and form governments.

Question 14

Which of the following is true of voter ID requirements in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The states vary when it comes to voter ID laws. Some states have strict photo ID laws, while others have looser requirements or none at all. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that all states require a photo ID or that all states allow voting without a photo ID. Similarly, it is not accurate to say that most states have strict photo ID laws or that most states have ID laws but do not require photo IDs.

Question 15

Which of the following is true of research on the effects of unified government?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that when there is a unified government, important laws are easier to pass and there is a significant effect on enacting important laws. Additionally, there are reduced delays in legislative activity.

Question 16

The responsible party model implies that elected officials should be __________.

Accepted Answer

The responsible party model emphasizes that elected officials are accountable to their party and its platform. Therefore, elected officials should adhere to the party's principles and policies. This accountability ensures that voters know what the party stands for and can hold elected officials accountable for implementing these policies once in office.

Question 17

Which of these is an electoral "earthquake" where new issues emerge,new coalitions replace old ones,and the majority party is often displaced by the minority party?

Accepted Answer

A critical election is characterized by a major shift in the political landscape that occurs when significant groups of voters, particularly those who are often overlooked, such as immigrants or young people, mobilize around new issues and form new coalitions that replace the old ones. The party in power is often displaced by the opposition, and the result is a seismic shift in the political control of the country. This type of election represents an "earthquake" because it can transform the political landscape for years to come.

Question 18

Approval voting works by allowing voters to __________.

Accepted Answer

Approval voting allows voters to vote for any number of candidates they prefer, rather than just one. This allows for a more nuanced and accurate representation of voter preferences.

Question 19

After voter dealignment peaked in the mid-1980s,how did voting behavior change?

Accepted Answer

The answer of After voter dealignment peaked in the mid-1980s,how...

Question 20

According to Figure 11.3 in the text,which of the following is true of third party and independent candidates on U.S.House district ballots since 1992?

Accepted Answer

There have been more third party and independent candidates on U.S. House district ballots since 1992 compared to the past.

Quiz 11: Political Parties