Question 1

Advocates of the "top two" primary hoped it would result in the election of less partisan (or more moderate) officials who would be more amenable to compromise.

Accepted Answer

This is the main argument in favor of the top two primary system.

Question 2

In recent years, the percentage of California voters who register as Democrats or Republicans has

Accepted Answer

The percentage of California voters registering as Democrats or Republicans has declined, with more voters choosing to register without stating a party preference or with smaller parties.

Question 3

Which party has dominated voter registration in California since the 1930s?

Accepted Answer

Democrats have dominated voter registration in California since the 1930s. As of February 2021, 46.5% of registered voters in California identify as Democrats, while only 24% identify as Republicans.

Question 4

Which groups generally vote for candidates of the Democratic Party?

Accepted Answer

All of the groups listed (Latinos, residents of Los Angeles, and union members) generally vote for candidates of the Democratic Party.

Question 5

Because they express "the will of the people" in a democracy, the courts cannot overturn propositions approved by the voters.

Accepted Answer

While propositions approved by voters do express the will of the people, the courts do have the power to overturn them if they are found to be unconstitutional or in violation of existing laws. The judiciary serves as a check and balance in a democratic system.

Question 6

Most initiatives are approved by the voters.

Accepted Answer

Many initiatives are proposed, but not all are approved by voters. Approval depends on various factors including the nature of the initiative, public opinion, and the effectiveness of the campaign supporting it.

Question 7

Recall elections occur frequently in California state politics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Recall elections occur frequently in California state...

Question 8

Which groups usually vote for candidates of the Republican Party?

Accepted Answer

All of the above groups tend to vote for candidates of the Republican Party. White voters, especially white men, have traditionally been a key constituency for the Republican Party. Residents of inland and Central California tend to be more conservative and supportive of Republican policies. Older and more affluent voters also tend to align with the Republican Party's economic and social values.

Question 9

Only the people (voters), through petitions, can place propositions on the ballot in California.

Accepted Answer

In California, both the people (through initiative petitions) and the Legislature can place propositions on the ballot.

Question 10

Coastal California tends to vote Democratic while inland California tends to vote Republican.

Accepted Answer

This is generally true due to demographic and cultural differences between coastal and inland regions of California. However, there are exceptions and variations within each region, and political affiliations can shift over time.

Question 11

California's political parties have a history of strong control over candidates, policies, and fundraising.

Accepted Answer

California's political system is characterized by a more decentralized approach, with candidates often having significant independence in their campaigns and policies, partly due to the state's open primary system and diverse political landscape.

Question 12

Which of the following allows voters to approve or reject actions of the legislature?

Accepted Answer

Referendum allows voters to approve or reject actions of the legislature. Plebiscite is a direct vote on a specific issue, initiative is when citizens propose a new law, and recall is a process for removing an elected official from office.

Question 13

California's official political party organizations

Accepted Answer

While political parties in California do have a role in selecting candidates, their power is limited compared to other states. In California's primary system, any candidate who can gather enough signatures or pay a fee to get on the ballot can run and compete regardless of their party affiliation. Additionally, California has a "jungle primary" system where the top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. This weakens the power and influence of political parties in the candidate selection process.

Question 14

By which of the following means may the voters draft a new law?

Accepted Answer

The voters can draft a new law through the initiative process, which allows citizens to propose and submit a new law directly to the ballot for a vote. Canvassing involves going door-to-door to solicit support for a particular candidate or issue, referendum is a process by which a specific law already enacted by the state legislature is referred to the voters for final approval or rejection, and a constitutional amendment requires a more formal and complex process that involves meetings and actions taken by state legislatures.

Question 15

In a "top two" primary election,

Accepted Answer

In a "top two" primary election, voters can vote for candidates of any party on the ballot. This means that all candidates from all parties are listed on the same ballot, and voters are free to choose any candidate they like, regardless of party affiliation. The top two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary then advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

Question 16

The direct primary was introduced to California as a means of overcoming the railroad's grip on nominating candidates through party conventions.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The direct primary was introduced in California in 1909 as a progressive reform measure aimed at reducing the power of political parties and increasing the role of the people in the nominating process. This was seen as a way to counteract the influence of the railroad barons and other special interests who had long dominated the party conventions and controlled the selection of candidates.

Question 17

Cross-filing allowed candidates to run for more than one political office in the same election.

Accepted Answer

Cross-filing allowed candidates to run in more than one political party's primary for the same office, not for more than one political office in the same election.

Question 18

The large number of initiatives on California ballots is best explained by

Accepted Answer

The large number of initiatives on California ballots is primarily driven by the opportunism of special interests who place initiatives on the ballot to try and achieve changes that may benefit their interests.

Question 19

By which of the following means may the voters remove officeholders?

Accepted Answer

The process of recalling officeholders allows voters to remove elected officials from their position before their term is complete. This is done through a special election in which voters decide if the official should be removed and replaced with someone else. The other options listed (initiative, referendum, impeachment) do not specifically involve the removal of officeholders by the voters.

Question 20

Voter approval is required when the governor or legislature seek to issue bonds (borrowing money) to fund infrastructure or other projects.

Accepted Answer

Voter approval is typically required for issuing bonds because it involves borrowing money on behalf of the government, and taxpayers will ultimately be responsible for paying back the debt. This is why many states require a public vote before bonds can be issued.

Quiz 2: Political Parties and Direct Democracy