Question 1

What does it mean when political scientists say that political parties aggregate interests? Explain how this is important for democracy.

Accepted Answer

When political scientists say that political parties aggregate interests, they mean that parties bring together and represent the diverse interests and preferences of the population. This process involves identifying and prioritizing the various concerns and needs of different groups within society, and then developing policies and platforms that aim to address these interests.

This is important for democracy because it allows for the representation of a wide range of perspectives and ensures that the government is responsive to the needs of the people. By aggregating interests, political parties help to bridge the gap between citizens and the government, and provide a mechanism for individuals to have their voices heard in the political process.

Furthermore, the aggregation of interests by political parties helps to create a more cohesive and organized political system. Instead of having numerous fragmented groups vying for attention and influence, parties serve as a means of consolidating and channeling diverse interests into a more manageable and coherent set of policy priorities.

In this way, political parties play a crucial role in the functioning of a democracy by facilitating the representation and articulation of the interests of the population, and by helping to create a more effective and responsive government.

Question 2

Explain what electoral dealignment means.

Accepted Answer

Students' answers may vary.
Electoral dealignment is marked by the increase of ticket-splitting and an increase in self-identified independents, and the decrease of intensity of attachment to a political party and voter turnout.It indicates the weakening of the party system caused by growing popular indifference to the parties themselves.

Question 3

Explain what a critical (realigning)election is.

Accepted Answer

Students' answers may vary.
A critical or realigning election is an election that shapes entire electoral eras; it features increased voter turnout and a reshuffling of the social groups that support each party, resulting in the domination of one party in succeeding elections.

Question 4

Explain the key elements of the American party system.Where do third parties fit into this system?

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Question 5

What is party identification and how has it changed over time?

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Question 6

How many party regimes have there been in American history?

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Question 7

How has frontloading affected our presidential selection system?

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Question 8

Explain why the United States has a dominant two-party system.

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Question 9

How does the Electoral College system discourage third-party candidates?

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Question 10

What is the function of a responsible party?

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Question 11

How important is the national party convention in current American politics?

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Question 12

American political parties do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

American political parties organize citizens to vote in elections as part of their efforts to mobilize support and win elections. They engage in various activities to encourage voter turnout among their supporters.

Question 13

Using the 2004 and 2012 red-blue presidential election maps, explain what has happened in our political system.Is the Republican era over?

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Question 14

Explain the importance of gerrymandering.

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Question 15

What is the difference between single-member (winner-take-all)electoral system and proportional representation?

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Question 16

Explain what aggregate interests mean.

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Question 17

Describe and explain the pyramid of American party organization.Compare and contrast the Republican and Democratic organizations.

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Question 18

What were the differences between the system of 1896 and the New Deal Democratic coalition?

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Question 19

What is the importance of the party primary in the party organization?

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Question 20

Explain the role of think tanks in American politics.

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Quiz 8: US Parties Who Has a Voice