Deck 8: Campaigns and Elections

Question 1

It has been said that the Electoral College is a ticking time bomb of potential disaster. Discuss this statement with reference to the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections and other close elections in American political history.

Answer 1

The statement that the Electoral College is a ticking time bomb of potential disaster is a valid concern, especially when looking at the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections, as well as other close elections in American history.

In the 2000 election, the Electoral College system came under intense scrutiny when the popular vote winner, Al Gore, lost the presidency to George W. Bush, who won the Electoral College vote. This led to widespread debate about the fairness and effectiveness of the Electoral College, as it seemed to contradict the principle of majority rule.

Similarly, in the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes, but ultimately lost the presidency to Donald Trump, who secured the necessary Electoral College votes. This further fueled criticism of the Electoral College, as it once again resulted in the candidate with the most votes from the American people not winning the presidency.

Throughout American history, there have been several other close elections where the Electoral College has played a decisive role in determining the outcome. This has led to concerns about the potential for the system to produce controversial and divisive results, especially in an era of deep political polarization.

The Electoral College was originally established as a compromise between large and small states, but its flaws have become increasingly apparent in modern times. Critics argue that it can lead to the disenfranchisement of voters in states where the outcome is already predetermined, and can also create the potential for a candidate to win the presidency without securing the majority of the popular vote.

In conclusion, the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections, along with other close elections in American history, highlight the potential for the Electoral College to produce controversial and divisive outcomes. This has led to ongoing debates about the need for reform or abolition of the Electoral College in order to ensure that the presidency truly reflects the will of the American people.

Question 2

It has been said that the Electoral College creates a truly national election, because without it, candidates would ignore most states. Can we say that in some odd way, the Electoral College makes for more democratic presidential campaigns? Be sure to provide reasons why this might be so.

Answer 2

The argument that the Electoral College creates a truly national election and makes for more democratic presidential campaigns is a contentious one. On one hand, it can be argued that the Electoral College forces candidates to campaign in a wide range of states, including those with smaller populations, rather than focusing solely on the most populous states. This can be seen as a way of ensuring that the concerns and issues of a diverse range of states are taken into account during the election process, making it more democratic in nature.

Additionally, the Electoral College can also be seen as a way of preventing a purely majority-driven system, where candidates could potentially win the presidency by focusing solely on the most populous states and ignoring the concerns of smaller states. By requiring candidates to win a combination of states, including those with smaller populations, the Electoral College can be seen as a way of promoting a more balanced and inclusive approach to campaigning.

However, on the other hand, the Electoral College has been criticized for potentially disenfranchising voters in states that consistently vote for one party or the other, as candidates may ignore these states in favor of swing states. This can lead to a situation where the concerns of certain states are consistently overlooked, leading to a less democratic election process.

In conclusion, while the argument can be made that the Electoral College forces candidates to campaign in a wider range of states and prevents a purely majority-driven system, it also has its drawbacks in potentially disenfranchising voters in certain states. Whether or not the Electoral College truly makes for more democratic presidential campaigns is a matter of ongoing debate and interpretation.

Question 3

Recent Supreme Court decisions have effectively rendered all federal and state campaign finance laws unenforceable. Discuss this shift with reference to the 2016 elections.

Answer 3

The recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly the Citizens United v. FEC case in 2010 and the McCutcheon v. FEC case in 2014, have indeed had a significant impact on campaign finance laws at both the federal and state levels. These decisions have effectively loosened restrictions on campaign spending and contributions, leading to a shift in the way elections are funded and conducted.

In the 2016 elections, the influence of money in politics was more pronounced than ever before. Super PACs, which are independent political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose candidates, played a major role in shaping the electoral landscape. These organizations were able to raise millions of dollars from wealthy individuals, corporations, and unions, and then spend that money on advertising, voter outreach, and other campaign activities.

The loosening of campaign finance laws also allowed for an influx of "dark money" into the electoral process. Dark money refers to funds that are contributed to politically active organizations, such as 501(c)(4) social welfare groups, that are not required to disclose their donors. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the potential for undue influence and corruption in the political system.

Furthermore, the ability of wealthy individuals and special interest groups to contribute large sums of money to political candidates and causes has raised questions about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. Critics argue that the current campaign finance system gives an unfair advantage to the wealthy and well-connected, while undermining the principle of political equality.

In conclusion, the recent Supreme Court decisions have had a profound impact on the enforcement of campaign finance laws, leading to a significant shift in the way elections are funded and conducted. The 2016 elections serve as a prime example of the influence of money in politics and the challenges posed by the current campaign finance landscape. As such, the role of money in politics continues to be a contentious issue that warrants further examination and potential reform.

Question 4

How did the demographics of voter turnout in the 2016 elections affect their outcome? Why did the 2016 electorate look different from the 2012 electorate?

Question 5

Should elected officials always keep their campaign promises? Under what conditions and for what reasons should they break those promises?

Question 6

What is the most important factor in determining which candidate a person votes for? How might these factors differ from voter to voter?

Question 7

Primary elections often produce candidates who cannot win the general election. Why might this be the case? Be sure to discuss voter turnout in primaries. Who votes? Why might the electorate in a primary election look very different from the electorate in a general election?

Question 8

Does our current system of financing elections create a perception of corruption? Does the increased cost of elections make it impossible for candidates and officeholders to ignore the demands of wealthy donors, PACs, and corporations?

A) Raise such funds via the Internet
B) Stress particular issues
C) Attempt to have an impact on voter turnout
D) Express support for or against a specific candidate

Question 9

A critical part of the campaign process and one that should be worked out in the very early stages of a campaign is:

A) The campaign strategy and theme
B) How the candidate will respond to the opponent's views
C) An alignment with like-minded candidates
D) Preparation of the candidate's family

Question 10

A major consequence of the Federal Election Campaign Act was:

A) Taxes were levied on campaign contributions.
B) More financial accountability on the part of the candidates
C) The rise of political action committees (PACs)
D) Less financially fortunate candidates could run a larger campaign

Question 11

A presidential nomination season marked by the scheduling of most of the primaries early in the campaign year is called:

A) Open campaigning
B) Front-loading
C) End-loading
D) Delegate stacking

Question 12

A state's electoral votes can be calculated by:

A) Dividing the number of eligible voters that it has by ten
B) Counting the number of senators that it has
C) Counting the number of members that it has in its own legislature
D) Adding together the number of representatives and senators that it has

Question 13

A(n) ____ primary is one in which any qualified voter may register regardless of party affiliation.

A) partisan
B) nonpartisan
C) open
D) closed

Question 14

According to the myth of broken promises:

A) Candidates, once elected, often fail to keep their promises
B) Candidates try to keep their promises
C) Voters do not vote the way they promised they would
D) Campaign political debates are not an accurate indicator of candidate positions

Question 15

All of the following are prominent group characteristics of delegates to the Democratic National Convention EXCEPT:

A) African Americans
B) Protestants
C) Young
D) Union members

Question 16

An election in which voters can determine their party's candidate for office is called a:

A) Caucus
B) General election
C) Runoff election
D) Primary

Question 17

At present, the average congressional district encompasses about ____ people.

A) 150,000
B) 350,000
C) 700,000
D) 1 million

Question 18

Cable television has made it possible for political candidates to reach:

A) International audiences with their policy messages
B) National audiences more frequently in political debates
C) National audiences with more expensive advertising campaigns
D) Local audiences at lower cost

Question 19

Campaign contributions by corporations or unions spent on party-building activities are termed:

A) Soft-regulated contributions
B) Nonregulated contributions
C) Soft investments
D) Soft money

Question 20

Congress reduced barriers to minority voting by passing the:

A) 1953 Voting Rights Act
B) 1965 Voting Rights Act
C) Tenth Amendment
D) Twentieth Amendment

Question 21

George W. Bush had a minority of the popular vote but was elected to the presidency because of:

A) A recount of the eligible votes
B) His nominating party
C) A majority of the Electoral College vote
D) A glitch in the system

Question 22

How many incumbent presidents have not served second terms in office since the end of World War II?

A) Three
B) Four
C) Five
D) Six

Question 23

If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, you can be grateful for which amendment for giving you the right to vote?

A) Sixteenth
B) Twentieth
C) Twenty-Sixth
D) Twenty-Seventh

Question 24

In 1971, the ____ created a federal bureaucratic structure to monitor and set limits on campaign contributions by individuals as well as provide public financing for presidential campaigns.

A) Federal Communications Commission
B) Federal Election Campaign Act
C) Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act
D) McCain-Feingold Act

Question 25

In the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Court:

A) Allowed the plaintiff to bypass the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act altogether and directly give campaign contributions to all desirable candidates
B) Changed its previous decision on election advertising
C) Allowed the defendants to recover campaign spending costs
D) Struck down a part of the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act, thus allowing corporations and unions to spend money in support of candidates

Question 26

In a ____ primary, if no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a second vote is held to determine the outcome.

A) partisan
B) closed
C) runoff
D) duplicate

Question 27

In about ____ of the states, delegates to the national presidential conventions are chosen through the caucus/convention method.

A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 15%
D) 30%

Question 28

In addition to the requirements of being white and male, a very common requirement for voting in the original thirteen states was:

A) Being a natural-born citizen
B) Having good credit
C) Having a wife and children
D) Property ownership

Question 29

In modern political campaigns, ____ has/have recently emerged as a valuable tool in delivering information to the public.

A) mass mailings
B) social networking
C) virtual rallies
D) newspaper editorial support

Question 30

In recent American elections, social barriers to candidate nomination have:

A) Declined for women and African Americans
B) Increased for African Americans but declined for women
C) Remained as high as ever for both women and African Americans
D) Increased for women but declined for African Americans

Question 31

In regard to voting rights, the original Constitution:

A) Prohibited the states from setting voting qualifications
B) Left voting qualifications to the states
C) Limited voters to white males
D) Mandated that voters must first be qualified to vote

Question 32

In the modern American electoral system, a political caucus is a:

A) Party meeting to nominate candidates and elect delegates
B) General election to determine public officeholders
C) Public election to nominate party candidates
D) Meeting held just after the national convention

Question 33

Jack argues that American voters pay attention to the issues when they vote. Is he right?

A) No, the issues are too confusing for voters to follow
B) No, other factors are more important than issues
C) Yes, but issues are nowhere near as important as many other factors
D) Yes, issues are a factor in voters' choices

Question 34

Most state electors are chosen by:

A) The governor
B) State law
C) The state legislature
D) Congress

Question 35

New Hampshire is very influential in the election of presidents because:

A) It holds the first primary of the election year.
B) It holds the first caucus of the election year.
C) The nominating conventions are usually held in that state.
D) More money is contributed there than in any other state.

Question 36

One of the first televised programs in political history to have an impact on the voting public was the:

A) Legislative argument over the Cuban missile crisis
B) Kennedy-Nixon debate in 1960
C) Eisenhower campaign rally
D) Kennedy tour of the White House

Question 37

Retrospective voting refers to the way people vote on the basis of

A) A candidate's past record in office
B) Their vote in the last election
C) The issues that have always concerned them
D) How they think a candidate will perform

Question 38

Senator Jones has announced that she will not run for reelection. Therefore, the next election for her position will be a(n):

A) Convention caucus
B) Runoff primary
C) Closed race
D) Open race

Question 39

527 committees are ____ by the Federal Election Commission.

A) banned
B) strictly monitored
C) sponsored
D) not regulated

Question 40

Some people say that money buys elections. A more realistic statement would be that money:

A) Is necessary but not sufficient for victory
B) Doesn't count in American politics
C) Only buys television time, and that's not enough
D) Helps only the incumbent

Question 41

Televised debates between presidential candidates began with:

A) Truman and Dewey
B) Kennedy and Nixon
C) Carter and Ford
D) Reagan and Carter

Question 42

The 1970 extension of the Voting Rights Act required the use of:

A) Unmanned voting tables
B) License registration
C) Bilingual ballots
D) Literacy tests

Question 43

The Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002 limits individual contributions to national party committees to no more than:

A) $1,000 per year
B) $5,000 per year
C) $15,000 per year
D) $50,000 per year

Question 44

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act initially prohibited corporate, union, or trade associations from sponsoring candidate-targeted ads; however, this was later changed by:

A) House legislation
B) The Supreme Court
C) Certain lobbyists
D) PACs

Question 45

The Federal Election Campaign Act did not limit the amount of money spent on:

A) Local fundraising campaigns
B) A candidate's statewide campaign
C) Legislative support of a candidate
D) Congressional elections

Question 46

The federal government has assisted in the financing of presidential campaigns since:

A) 1945
B) 1968
C) 1976
D) 1984

Question 47

The money factor in political campaigns impacts more than just the election outcome, as it:

A) Can split party votes
B) Often deters many citizens from running for office
C) Addresses the need for more honest politicians
D) Sends the message to the public that the wealthy can bypass the law

Question 48

The most influential presidential caucus is the first one of the presidential election year and is traditionally held in:

A) Iowa
B) New York
C) New Hampshire
D) Florida

Question 49

The most recent major piece of legislation dealing with campaign finance reform was signed into law by President:

A) Bush
B) Clinton
C) Reagan
D) Ford

Question 50

The political ladder that candidates climb to achieve their goals was referred to by Schlesinger as a(n):

A) Ladder to heaven
B) Opportunity structure
C) Golden staircase
D) Opportunity staircase

Question 51

The presidential election of 2000 revealed an issue with the Electoral College system. That issue, which arose again in 2016, was that:

A) A third-party candidate was elected by the Electoral College
B) The Electoral College could not make a decision and left the election up to the states
C) Disloyal electors chose a president who hadn't been a candidate in the general election
D) The winner in the Electoral College was not the winner of the popular vote of the general election

Question 52

The reality behind the myth that candidates break their campaign promises is that politicians:

A) Don't even remember what they promised
B) Can't fulfill their promises even if they try
C) Try and often succeed in implementing promises
D) Rarely actually ever make promises

Question 53

The text suggests advertising is probably effective at:

A) Balancing out any potential advantage incumbents have with respect to name recognition
B) Influencing the outcome of Senate races in particular
C) Changing the minds of an opponent's supporters
D) Encouraging a candidate's supporters to go to the polls

Question 54

The text suggests that the average competitive Senate race costs more than:

A) $500,000
B) $1 million
C) $3 million
D) $10 million

Question 55

The traditional campaign manager has frequently been replaced in modern, high-visibility campaigns by:

A) Local political recruiters
B) Family members and trusted friends
C) Professional political consultants
D) Local precinct captains

Question 56

The word caucus means:

A) "Delegate"
B) "Nominate"
C) "Select"
D) "Meeting"

Question 57

The year 2012 was significant because it was the first year that a single candidate, Barack Obama, raised and spent more than:

A) $100 million
B) $500 million
C) $1 billion
D) $3.5 billion

Question 58

Under the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002, soft money contributions to national parties are:

A) Not addressed
B) Limited to $25,000 per election year
C) Unlimited
D) Banned

Question 59

Until the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which of the following groups was not allowed to vote?

A) Individuals between the ages of 18 and 21
B) Immigrants
C) Women over the age of 20
D) African American males

Question 60

Voters who base their choice for a candidate on the past performance of either the candidate or the party to which he or she belongs are said to be:

A) Parallel voting
B) Party identification voting
C) Platform identification voting
D) Retrospective voting

Question 61

In 1789, ____ of the population was eligible to vote.

A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 20%
D) 33%

Question 62

Which of the following is true of group voting patterns in American elections?

A) Men are more likely to vote than women
B) Young people are more likely to vote than older people
C) Minorities are more likely to vote than white people
D) Better-educated people are more likely to vote than poorly educated people

Question 63

Which of the following statements is correct?

A) Men vote at a much higher rate than women
B) Men vote at a slightly higher rate than women
C) Women vote at a much higher rate than men
D) Women vote at a slightly higher rate than men

Question 64

Which president obtained office despite the fact that he had less of the popular vote than his opponent?

A) Bill Clinton
B) Barack Obama
C) George W. Bush
D) Jimmy Carter

Question 65

Who selects the president if no candidate receives a majority of the electoral vote?

A) The Senate
B) The Supreme Court
C) The House of Representatives
D) None of the above

Question 66

Who selects the vice president if no candidate receives a majority of the electoral vote?

A) The Senate
B) The Supreme Court
C) The House of Representatives
D) None of the above

Question 67

There are approximately _____ elections across the United States every four years.

A) 10,000
B) 50,000
C) 250,000
D) 500,000

Question 68

What percentage of the population believes that public officials do not care much about what the average American thinks?

A) 33%
B) 50%
C) 66%
D) 80%

Question 69

What percentage of the population believes that the government in Washington can be trusted only some of the time or never?

A) 33%
B) 50%
C) 66%
D) 80%

Question 70

According to the text, what motivates people to run for office?

A) Public service
B) Personal ambition
C) Policy goals
D) All of the above

Question 71

Until the Progressive era, most party nominations were decided by:

A) Closed meetings run by party leaders
B) Elections run by registered party members
C) Open primaries
D) Lottery

Question 72

A primary in which only registered members of a party can vote is called a(n):

A) Caucus
B) Open primary
C) Closed primary
D) Jungle primary

Question 73

A primary in which any registered voter can participate is called a(n):

A) Caucus
B) Open primary
C) Closed primary
D) Jungle primary

Question 74

When states move their primaries earlier in the campaign to gain influence, this practice is:

A) Illegal
B) Called front-loading
C) Electoral evolution
D) A violation of party regulations

Question 75

Front-loading gives an advantage to:

A) Democrats
B) Republicans
C) Underdogs
D) Early front-runners

Question 76

Superdelegates are:

A) Prominent party leaders who are automatically designated as delegates
B) Delegates who lead their state contingents
C) The delegates who officially nominate the presidential candidates
D) The term used to describe the members of the news media who cover the national conventions

Question 77

In 2016, total spending for all presidential and congressional campaigns was slightly more than:

A) $2 billion
B) $4 billion
C) $6 billion
D) $10 billion

Question 78

In 2016, total spending by political action committees was:

A) $500 million
B) $1 billion
C) $1.5 billion
D) $3 billion

Question 79

The six-member group set up to administer and enforce federal campaign regulations is the:

A) House Committee on Election Activities
B) Federal Election Commission
C) Election Oversight Board
D) Government Accountability Board

Question 80

In 2016, which presidential candidate accepted public funding?

A) Donald Trump
B) Hillary Clinton
C) Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton
D) Neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton