Deck 7: Political Parties

Question 1

Political parties in the United States are broad coalitions of different interests. How and why have these coalitions held together over the last thirty years? How have they shown signs of fracturing?

Answer 1

Political parties in the United States have held together over the last thirty years through a combination of shared ideology, strategic alliances, and the need for collective action to achieve political goals. Despite their differences, both the Democratic and Republican parties have managed to maintain their coalitions by finding common ground on key issues such as national security, economic policy, and social values. Additionally, party leaders have worked to bridge internal divisions and maintain a united front in order to present a cohesive and appealing platform to voters.

However, signs of fracturing within these coalitions have become increasingly apparent in recent years. The rise of populist movements within both parties has led to internal conflicts over issues such as trade, immigration, and the role of government. This has resulted in a growing divide between the establishment and grassroots factions within each party, leading to challenges in maintaining party unity. Additionally, the influence of special interest groups and the growing polarization of American politics have further strained the ability of parties to hold their coalitions together.

Overall, while political parties in the United States have managed to maintain their coalitions through various means, the signs of fracturing within these coalitions suggest that the traditional party structures may be facing significant challenges in the years to come. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be important for parties to adapt and find new ways to bridge internal divides in order to remain effective and relevant in a rapidly changing society.

Question 2

Will Rogers, the famous humorist of the 1930s, once said, "I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat." What might this statement mean in the context of how American political parties operate?

Answer 2

Will Rogers' quip, "I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat," is a humorous remark that reflects the perceived disorganization or lack of unity within the Democratic Party, especially as it might have been observed during the early 20th century. Rogers was known for his witty and satirical comments on politics and American life, and this statement is a classic example of his humor.

In the context of how American political parties operate, this statement could suggest several things:

1. **Diversity within the Party**: The Democratic Party has historically been a coalition of various interest groups, including labor unions, minority groups, progressives, and moderates. This diversity can sometimes make it difficult to present a unified front or to agree on a single platform or policy agenda, leading to the perception of disorganization.

2. **Internal Disagreements**: The statement might imply that Democrats, more so than their Republican counterparts, are prone to internal disagreements and debates. This can be seen as a strength, in that it allows for a wide range of views and robust discussion, but it can also be a weakness when it comes to presenting a cohesive message or strategy.

3. **Contrast with Republican Party**: At various points in history, the Republican Party has been perceived as more top-down in its organization, with a clearer hierarchy and a more unified message. Rogers' statement plays on this perception, humorously suggesting that the Democrats are the opposite.

4. **Self-Deprecating Humor**: The statement is also an example of self-deprecating humor, a common tactic in political discourse where a speaker acknowledges their own party's flaws in a light-hearted way. This can be an effective rhetorical tool to connect with audiences and to show a sense of humility and self-awareness.

5. **Critique of Party Politics**: More broadly, the statement could be interpreted as a critique of party politics in general, where the ideal of organized, principled political action is often undermined by the messy realities of competing interests, personalities, and the struggle for power within a party.

It's important to note that while Rogers' statement was made in the 1930s, the sentiment behind it can still resonate today. Political parties, including the Democrats, continue to grapple with the challenges of maintaining unity while accommodating a wide range of beliefs and priorities among their members.

Question 3

When running for president as an independent in 1968, Alabama governor George Wallace said, "There isn't a dime's worth of difference between the Republicans and Democrats." What was the context of his comments? To what issues might he have been referring? Was he correct then? Would he be correct now?

Answer 3

George Wallace's comments in 1968 were made in the context of a highly polarized political climate, with the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War causing deep divisions within the country. Wallace, a staunch segregationist, was running on a platform of states' rights and opposition to desegregation efforts. His comments about the lack of difference between the two major parties were likely referring to their perceived similarities in their approach to civil rights and the war.

In 1968, Wallace's statement could be seen as somewhat accurate, as both the Republican and Democratic parties were grappling with how to address these contentious issues. However, it is important to note that Wallace's perspective was heavily influenced by his own segregationist beliefs, and his comments should be viewed through that lens.

In today's political landscape, the differences between the two major parties are more pronounced, particularly on issues such as civil rights, immigration, healthcare, and climate change. While there may still be some overlap in certain policy areas, it would be inaccurate to say that there is "not a dime's worth of difference" between the Republicans and Democrats in the same way that Wallace did in 1968.

Overall, while Wallace's comments may have reflected the political climate of his time, they do not accurately represent the current state of American politics. The differences between the two major parties are significant and continue to shape the national discourse on a wide range of issues.

Question 4

Would it be correct to say that political parties in the United States have generally represented a division between those who want more active government and those who want limited government?

Question 5

There have been so-called "third parties" in the United States for as long as there have been two major parties. Discuss the effect of third parties on presidential elections such as those in 2016, 2000, 1968, 1948, and 1912. What effect did third-party candidates have on those elections?

Question 6

While the U.S. Constitution says nothing about political parties, it is hard to imagine how American politics would work without them. As a thought experiment, consider how Congress might operate without political parties.

Question 7

Americans are dissatisfied with the two major parties, but the Democrats and Republicans generally monopolize electoral success. What factors account for this? Does the dominance of the two parties suggest a long-term problem for the legitimacy of American democracy?

Question 8

A political party platform is a:

A) Statement of party policy goals
B) Place for party meetings
C) Group of party bosses
D) Legal document describing party history

Question 9

At state and local levels of government, third parties are:

A) Prohibited by law
B) Replacing the two-party system
C) Active and successful
D) Less successful than at the national level

Question 10

At what level does a party organization typically find its greatest strength?

A) The regional level.
B) The congressional level
C) The grassroots level
D) The congressional district level

Question 11

Committee members of party organizations may be responsible for all of the following EXCEPT:

A) Recruiting candidates
B) Registering voters
C) Raising money
D) Meeting with opposing candidates to debate the issues

Question 12

Compared with most European democracies, the two major parties in the United States are:

A) Centralized
B) Monolithic
C) Hierarchical
D) Decentralized

Question 13

The task of defining the concept of a party, its responsibilities, and the laws that regulate it is left to:

A) Congress.
B) The individual states
C) City councils of each individual state
D) The party members themselves

Question 14

Despite the argument that Americans no longer care about political parties, polls show that:

A) Ticket splitting is in decline.
B) Fewer Americans are independents than ever before.
C) A majority of voters still identify with the two major parties.
D) Voter turnout has been increasing for thirty years.

Question 15

In a proportional representation electoral system,

A) A set proportion of the representatives must be from each district.
B) Representation is determined in proportion to population.
C) Representatives spend only part of their time in office.
D) Legislative seats are given in proportion to the percentage of votes received by each party.

Question 16

In order for a third-party presidential candidate to obtain federal funding, he or she must garner at least ____ of the popular vote.

A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 15%
D) 20%

Question 17

In recent years, bipartisanship came into play strongly following:

A) The 2016 elections
B) The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
C) The economic crisis of 2008
D) Immigration reform

Question 18

In the history of the United States, only one third party has developed into a national party, which is now called:

A) The Libertarian Party
B) The Democratic Party
C) The Whig Party
D) The Republican Party

Question 19

In two-thirds of cities with populations of more than 50,000, elections for local offices are.

A) proportional
B) nonpartisan
C) approval ballots
D) partisan

Question 20

Individual ties to parties have weakened over the last fifty years, yet ____ still exist in which supporters agree with the party's stand on most issues.

A) political machines
B) electoral coalitions
C) three strong party organizations
D) voting organizations

Question 21

Initial elections held to select candidates from one party to represent the party in the general election are called:

A) Predisclosure elections
B) Primaries
C) Candidate assessments
D) Choice voting conferences

Question 22

I t is not unusual for ____ to control a state's party organization.

A) the governor
B) political novices
C) small-town mayors
D) the party's largest contributor

Question 23

It is often said that there is no difference between Democrats and Republicans, but in reality:

A) Legislators from the two parties never cooperate.
B) There are no similarities in their party platforms.
C) Their positions on fundamental constitutional issues are totally different.
D) Each party attracts a different coalition of voter groups.

Question 24

Local political party organizations have become increasingly active in:

A) Raising funds for presidential elections
B) Recruiting candidates for national office
C) Assisting in community campaign activities
D) Helping national organizations with advertising

Question 25

One of the main differences between political party organizations in Great Britain, Germany, and the United States is that:

A) Foreign political organizations are more democratic in their views.
B) Political parties in the United States are organized in a more hierarchical manner.
C) Foreign party organizations are more restrictive with their citizens.
D) Political parties are more structurally decentralized in the United States.

Question 26

Political parties began in the United States:

A) In accordance with constitutional specifications
B) In response to the beliefs of the Founders
C) As a result of early political divisions and differences of opinion
D) Toward the end of the 1800s

Question 27

Political party dealignment means:

A) The failure of one party to control both the presidency and Congress
B) A major shift of public support from one party to the other
C) A decline and division of public support for all parties
D) That public opinion clearly rejects the majority party's platform

Question 28

Political scientists believe the two-party system in our government is primarily a result of:

A) Tension over losing control of Congress
B) Divisions of interest among the people
C) The need to divide all things and create sides
D) A response to U.S. fears of becoming like other nations

Question 29

Since the Constitution does not mention political parties, the laws that regulate parties are usually defined by the:

A) Senate.
B) President
C) House of Representatives.
D) States

Question 30

Many experts believe that ____are responsible for the two-party system in the United States.

A) congressional influences
B) the Founders
C) the rules that govern our electoral system
D) fears that the United States will become a monarchy

Question 31

The Republican Party became a major national party as a result of the issue of:

A) Taxation
B) Slavery
C) Foreign trade
D) Public welfare

Question 32

The idea behind the image of the party as a three-headed giant is that the major political parties in the United States are composed of:

A) Liberals, conservatives, and independents
B) Organizers, voters, and individuals who are elected or appointed to office under a party label
C) State, local, and national officials
D) Partisans, ideologues, and bipartisans

Question 33

The increased importance of primary elections has meant that:

A) The party-in-the-electorate is less important to elections now than in the past.
B) The party-in-the-electorate is more important to elections now than in the past.
C) The party-as-organization is more important to elections now than in the past.
D) Political parties are largely becoming irrelevant.

Question 34

The issue that most sharply divides Democrats and Republicans concerns

A) The division of classes in society
B) The purpose of public education
C) The separation of powers
D) The role of government

Question 35

The modern Democratic Party traces its roots back to:

A) George Washington
B) Thomas Jefferson
C) John Adams
D) Andrew Jackson

Question 36

The modern Republican Party traces its roots back to:

A) George Washington
B) Thomas Jefferson
C) John Quincy Adams
D) Abraham Lincoln

Question 37

The myth of party irrelevance holds that:

A) Political parties are unnecessary in American politics.
B) It is irrelevant that parties raise millions of dollars for political campaigns.
C) There are too many small parties that are irrelevant in American politics.
D) Parties can only survive so long as candidates are popular.

Question 38

The number of independents increased particularly among ____ voters in the 1960s and 1970s.

A) Catholic
B) older
C) middle-class
D) young

Question 39

The party-in-government includes:

A) Elected and appointed government officials
B) Everyone who votes for the party, not just elected officials
C) Volunteer party workers, not everyone who votes for the party
D) Volunteers and staff who are hired during the primary season.

Question 40

The role of political parties in U.S. elections has changed because parties have:

A) Become irrelevant to voters' choices
B) Increased their control over local patronage
C) Lost control of local elections to PACs and professional consultants
D) Come to represent individuals not served by other organizations

Question 41

The role of the national party organizations is that of:

A) Organizing advertising campaigns for congressional members
B) Challenging voters to accept health care initiatives
C) Hiring political pollsters and informing voters of their choices
D) Organizing national conventions and supporting candidates for major office

Question 42

The trend in control of American national campaigns and elections has been toward:

A) Congressional-centered campaigns
B) Candidate-centered campaigns
C) Party-centered campaigns
D) State-centered campaigns

Question 43

The two-party system emerged in the:

A) 1820s
B) 1860s
C) 1880s
D) 1920s

Question 44

What is one disadvantage associated with a multiparty parliamentary system?

A) The potential inability to form a stable coalition
B) Opposing views within minority groups
C) Lack of a stable political platform
D) The tendency for a party to radically change positions in order to join the majority coalition

Question 45

When independents with leanings toward one party or the other are included, about ____ of the electorate identify to some degree with either the Democratic or the Republican party.

A) 50%
B) 60%
C) 70%
D) 80%

Question 46

When one party becomes dominant and controls both the White House and Congress, it is called a(n):

A) New congressional order
B) Party realignment
C) expanded Cabinet
D) One-themed government

Question 47

Which of the following BEST describes the structure of political parties in the United States?

A) Regulated
B) Centralized
C) Disorganized
D) Decentralized

Question 48

Which of the following BEST expresses the attitude of the Framers toward political parties?

A) Only two political parties should be allowed.
B) A multiparty system is best for a democracy.
C) Parties are divisive and undesirable.
D) Parties are a constitutional right.

Question 49

Who of the following must be a member of the party-as-organization?

A) A Republican member of Congress
B) People who vote in local elections
C) Members of a union political action committee
D) The chairperson of the county Democratic Party

Question 50

Which of the following statements about the national organizations of the major parties is true?

A) They have less power in presidential election years than at other times.
B) They have substantial power over all members of the party.
C) They determine which names will appear on the ballot for their party.
D) They play an important role in raising funds for the party.

Question 51

Which of the following voter combinations fits BEST into the Democratic Party coalition?

A) Jewish, urban laborer, over 50
B) White, upper-middle-class Protestant
C) Southern, well-educated suburbanite
D) Young, African American conservative

Question 52

In the context of this course, a precinct is:

A) A police department
B) The smallest local voting district
C) The chairperson of the state party organization
D) A committee of the national party organization

Question 53

Independents are individuals who tend to reject:

A) Government standards
B) Party labels
C) Groups of any kind
D) All political candidates

Question 54

In order to circumvent federal laws prohibiting various interest groups from donating money to political campaigns, groups have organized affiliated:

A) Group bypass committees
B) Party encounter organizations
C) Political action committees
D) Party affirmative action committees.

Question 55

In 2016, the largest group of voters identified themselves as:

A) Republicans
B) Democrats
C) Nonpolitical
D) Independents

Question 56

In 2016, surveys showed the most important issue for Democrats was

A) Terrorism
B) Trade
C) Defense spending
D) Energy policy

Question 57

Which president's election marked the beginning of a realignment?

A) Theodore Roosevelt
B) Woodrow Wilson
C) Franklin D. Roosevelt
D) John Kennedy

Question 58

Candidates running for office at the state level may receive all of the following types of support from their parties EXCEPT:

A) Fundraising
B) Research services
C) Polling behavior information
D) Legislative assistance

Question 59

Although independents feel strongly about the political parties in federal elections, evidence shows that:

A) They will usually vote for the Democratic candidate in state elections.
B) Republican candidates sway their voting in smaller elections.
C) They do not always maintain an independent stance in local and state elections.
D) They still refuse to vote along party lines in local elections.

Question 60

According to the text, George Washington:

A) Was a strong advocate for the formation of political parties
B) Never addressed the question of political parties
C) Was responsible for forming the first political parties
D) Saw political parties as a negative influence on the political system

Question 61

In most European nations, parties tend to be:

A) Loose groups formed around broad ideas
B) Tightly knit coalitions with clear-cut positions
C) Highly decentralized
D) All of the above

Question 62

In the United States, political parties are instrumental in:

A) Organizing elections
B) Running the government
C) Bringing stability to the political system
D) All of the above

Question 63

Which of the following is NOT an example of the impact of party decentralization in the U.S. political system?

A) State parties can hold general elections on any day they choose.
B) State parties can choose candidates for office without the approval of the national party leadership.
C) Local parties can decide what issues they wish to emphasize, even if those issues run counter to the national party platform.
D) Local parties can choose candidates for office without the approval of the state party leadership.

Question 64

The party-as-organization is primarily responsible for:

A) Recruiting candidates
B) Generating advertising campaigns
C) Staging presidential debates
D) Staffing the offices of the White House after the election

Question 65

The party-in-electorate refers to:

A) Party members who recruit voters
B) People who staff polling places on Election Day
C) Anyone of voting age who identifies with a particular party
D) The members of the Electoral College who are bound to a particular party

Question 66

The party-in-government refers to:

A) Voters who pick a candidate based upon their party identification
B) Elected officials who have won running under a party label
C) The party structures in Congress
D) Members of the bureaucracy who get their positions through merit

Question 67

Over the past twenty-five years, more people have tended to identify themselves as ____ rather than ____.

A) Democrats; Republicans
B) Republicans; Democrats
C) Republicans; Independents
D) Democrats; Independents

Question 68

Which group is least likely to vote?

A) Democrats
B) Republicans
C) Libertarians
D) Independents

Question 69

According to the text, why are people who identify with parties more likely to vote compared to independents?

A) Party labels provide information cues.
B) Party members are generally better educated than independents.
C) Party members are generally wealthier than independents.
D) Independents are generally lazier than party members.

Question 70

Which of the following characteristics would NOT be typical of a Republican voter?

A) White
B) Protestant
C) Southern
D) African American

Question 71

Which of the following characteristics would NOT be typical of a Democratic voter?

A) African American
B) Jewish
C) Female
D) Upper class

Question 72

Which of the following would a Republican be least likely to support?

A) Reducing taxes
B) Shrinking the size of the federal government
C) Reducing government regulation of business
D) Reducing defense spending

Question 73

Which of the following would a Democrat be least likely to support?

A) Increasing social welfare programs
B) Increasing environmental regulations
C) Increasing government spending on education
D) Increasing defense spending

Question 74

Realigning elections are least likely to occur when:

A) A large number of new voters enter the electorate.
B) There is a major economic crisis.
C) There are major social issues dividing society.
D) Voters are generally content.

Question 75

When voters move away from one political party and start identifying themselves as independents, this is called a(n):

A) Nonpartisan realignment
B) Dealignment
C) Electoral realignment
D) Third-party realignment

Question 76

One of the primary reasons minor parties struggle to win elections is:

A) The winner-take-all electoral system
B) The Minor Party Suppression Act of 1876
C) Voters are unaware minor parties exist.
D) Proportional representation

Question 77

Which of the following is NOT a problem facing minor parties?

A) The winner-take-all electoral system
B) State laws that discriminate against smaller parties
C) Proportional representation in state legislatures
D) The dualist nature of American political interests

Question 78

When businesses get contracts in exchange for political donations or political support for a politician, this is:

A) A preferment
B) Illegal
C) Used as a method to recruit candidates
D) All of the above

Question 79

Patronage is when:

A) Party officials provide jobs to party loyalists.
B) Elected officials hire family members as staffers.
C) Party leaders take gifts to help them decide where the national convention should be located.
D) Governors pardon party loyalists of crimes such as corruption and bribery.

Question 80

In large cities, the level of the party organization between a precinct and the city as a whole is a(n):

A) County
B) Ward
C) Assembly district
D) Borough