Question 1

In what sense do parties help to maintain government legitimacy?
A)They facilitate compromise rather than conflict.
B)They add stability and order to the organization of government.
C)They aggregate diverse interests into larger,more manageable groups.
D)They give citizens a way to communicate their needs to the government.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

The Republican Party became more coherently conservative under the leadership of __________.
A)Dwight D.Eisenhower
B)Gerald Ford
C)Richard Nixon
D)Ronald Reagan

Accepted Answer

Ronald Reagan is widely credited with transforming the Republican Party into a more coherently conservative political force during his presidency in the 1980s. He championed conservative values such as smaller government, lower taxes, and a strong national defense, and his policies and rhetoric helped solidify conservative ideology within the party.

Question 3

In democratic societies,large political parties are typically__________.
A)based on a complex ideology
B)run by charismatic individuals
C)supported by single-issue voters
D)coalitions of distinct interest groups

Accepted Answer

In democratic societies, large political parties are typically coalitions of distinct interest groups, representing various segments of society with different political priorities and policy preferences. These interest groups often have shared values and goals, but may also have competing interests, and the party must balance these competing interests to remain viable and successful. This is why parties often have internal factions and debates about policy positions and strategies.

Question 4

Which statement describes the relationship among elected officials,their constituents,and political parties?
A)PACs and constituents,when compared to party leaders,hold little sway over elected officials' policies.
B)Elected officials hold themselves more accountable to PACs and constituents than to political parties.
C)Elected officials generally keep promises made to party leaders and ignore those made to constituents,ensuring their "frontrunner" status in upcoming primaries.
D)Political parties maintain strict control over elected officials due to direct campaign contributions,regardless of the interests of constituents.

Accepted Answer

Elected officials are ultimately accountable to their constituents, as they rely on their support to be re-elected. However, political parties can also exert influence over elected officials, particularly in terms of fundraising and providing support for their campaigns. PACs can also have an impact on elected officials, but their influence is generally more limited than that of political parties or constituents. Overall, elected officials need to balance the demands and interests of their constituents with the expectations and support of their party.

Question 5

Under which of these systems is party discipline likely to be highest?
A)a system in which the population is highly polarized along ideological lines
B)a highly centralized system in which candidate selection is in the hands of party leaders
C)a decentralized system in which candidate selection is in the hands of local party organizations
D)a system where candidate selection is partly in the hands of party leaders and partly in the hands of local organizations

Accepted Answer

In a highly centralized system where candidate selection is in the hands of party leaders, there is likely to be a strong sense of party discipline as the party leaders have a significant amount of control over the candidates that are selected and therefore the behavior of the elected officials.

Question 6

Which of these is true about the party system in the United States?
A)Politicians are more loyal to party leaders than ever before.
B)Most Americans support one or another of the third parties.
C)It is rare for individuals to change their party identification.
D)Many voters are registered with more than one political party.

Accepted Answer

While party loyalty has certainly increased among politicians, it is still possible for individuals to change their party identification. This is evidenced by the fact that there are independent voters and individuals who switch between parties. It is also not accurate to say that most Americans support third parties, as the two major parties still dominate American politics. Lastly, it is not common for voters to be registered with more than one political party, as most states require voters to declare a party affiliation in order to vote in primaries.

Question 7

A strong party system is likely to produce __________.
A)ineffective public policies
B)high levels of voter turnout
C)increased levels of political apathy
D)multiple candidates running for most seats

Accepted Answer

The answer of A strong party system is likely to...

Question 8

Which statement explains why elected officials in the United States are less likely to be able to enact the agenda of their party than elected officials in Europe?
A)U.S.parties are more ideological than European parties.
B)U.S.parties must satisfy a broader range of interests than European parties.
C)The United States has a written constitution that specifies what parties can and cannot do.
D)The U.S.system is characterized by checks and balances that put obstacles in the way of legislation.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. system is characterized by checks and balances that put obstacles in the way of legislation, which makes it more difficult for elected officials to enact the agenda of their party. In contrast, European parliamentary systems have fewer checks and balances, making it easier for elected officials to pass legislation that aligns with their party's agenda.

Question 9

Why do dictatorships generally tolerate the presence of political parties?
A)Dictators require political parties to organize and run government.
B)Elites will always form political parties to gain partisan advantage.
C)Dictators need political parties to generate ideas for laws in society.
D)Dictators use political parties to provide the illusion of a more democratic government.

Accepted Answer

Dictators generally tolerate the presence of political parties because it provides the illusion of a more democratic government. In reality, these parties have limited power and the dictator retains ultimate control. This can help maintain the support of the populace and prevent uprisings or protests.

Question 10

Centralized parties tend to be more __________.
A)conservative
B)corrupt
C)disciplined
D)wealthy

Accepted Answer

Centralized parties tend to be more disciplined. This is because power is concentrated in a few individuals or institutions, who are able to enforce their decisions and maintain cohesion within the party. Decentralized parties, on the other hand, may have more internal disagreements and factions, which can lead to a lack of discipline and unity.

Question 11

By welcoming new groups into their ranks,parties __________.
A)establish a monocultural dependence on the party system
B)rob those groups of their individual interests and concerns
C)give those groups a pragmatic and psychological stake in the political system
D)enhance political hegemony by disenfranchising voters outside of these groups

Accepted Answer

By welcoming new groups into their ranks, parties give those groups a pragmatic and psychological stake in the political system. This means that the groups become invested in the success of the party and the political system as a whole. This can lead to greater participation and engagement in politics, as well as increased support for the party's policies and candidates. It does not necessarily establish a monocultural dependence on the party system or rob groups of their individual interests and concerns, nor does it enhance political hegemony by disenfranchising voters outside of these groups.

Question 12

Which statement explains why the implementation of "responsible party government" is difficult in the United States?
A)American parties are highly centralized.
B)Party power is too heavily concentrated in Congress.
C)American political parties are very ideological and focused on specific issues.
D)Party power is highly fragmented and divided across branches of government.

Accepted Answer

Party power in the United States is highly fragmented and divided across branches of government. This makes it difficult to implement a "responsible party government" model where parties have clear platforms and are held accountable for their actions. Instead, individual politicians often act independently and may not be fully aligned with their party's goals or values.

Question 13

Which statement explains how political parties in the United Kingdom differ from political parties in Israel?
A)Political parties command more obedience from party members in the United Kingdom than they do in Israel.
B)Israeli political parties are highly centralized mass parties during elections,whereas U.K.political parties are devotee parties during elections.
C)The United Kingdom's political parties have smaller memberships than Israeli political parties,giving U.K.leaders less control over candidates during elections.
D)The selection of candidates in the United Kingdom is a bargain between national and local party organizations,whereas candidate selection in Israel is highly centralized.

Accepted Answer

The statement that best explains how political parties in the United Kingdom differ from political parties in Israel is that candidate selection in the United Kingdom is a bargain between national and local party organizations, whereas candidate selection in Israel is highly centralized. This contrasts with the highly centralized nature of Israeli political parties during elections mentioned in option B, making it incorrect. Option A is incorrect because neither statement provides evidence of obedience rates among party members. Option C exaggerates the differences in party membership size between the two countries and makes unwarranted conclusions about the control leaders have over candidates.

Question 14

Which statement explains why Sweden has a higher voter turnout rate than the United States?
A)Sweden has stronger and better-organized political parties.
B)Sweden has rules that make it easier for individuals to join a political party.
C)Parties in the United States use less political propaganda than parties in Sweden.
D)The United States has mass parties rather than the devotee parties Sweden has.

Accepted Answer

Sweden's higher voter turnout rate can be attributed to the fact that their political parties are stronger and better-organized, which results in greater political engagement and mobilization of voters.

Question 15

The British Labour Party and the U.S.Democratic Party attracted workers by __________.
A)arguing for the seizure of corporatized assets
B)redistributing capital amongst middle laborers
C)adopting a Marxist stance on unions and workers' rights
D)demanding union rights,fair labor policies,and welfare benefits

Accepted Answer

Both parties attracted workers by advocating for union rights, fair labor policies, and welfare benefits. However, neither party followed a Marxist stance and did not argue for the seizure of corporatized assets or redistribution of capital among middle laborers.

Question 16

Political parties in a democratic society are most likely to ignore voters' preferences when __________.
A)a new generation of party leaders takes office
B)party leaders are caught up in internal squabbles
C)a new party is trying to establish itself in the political system
D)the economy is so bad that parties have no interest in winning elections

Accepted Answer

When party leaders are caught up in internal squabbles, they may focus more on their own agendas and interests rather than those of the voters. This can lead to the party ignoring the preferences of their constituents in order to prioritize their own goals.

Question 17

FDR's Democratic coalition consisted of __________.
A)Catholics,Jews,and blacks
B)blacks,whites,and Hispanics
C)the poor,young voters,and immigrants
D)women,gun-owners,and civil rights activists

Accepted Answer

FDR's Democratic coalition consisted of Catholics, Jews, and blacks. This coalition was often referred to as the "New Deal Coalition" and played a key role in helping FDR win four presidential elections. This group of voters were drawn to FDR's policies, which focused on providing relief to those suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, as well as promoting social justice and equality for marginalized groups.

Question 18

Which statement explains why electoral propaganda can be considered beneficial for a democratic society?
A)It simplifies complex issues for voters.
B)It keeps less informed voters from going to the polls.
C)It reinforces nationalist sentiment and builds party strength.
D)It distracts citizens from partisan infighting during an election.

Accepted Answer

Electoral propaganda can be beneficial for a democratic society as it simplifies complex issues for voters, making it easier for them to understand and make informed decisions. This can encourage greater participation in the democratic process and lead to a more informed electorate.

Question 19

Which statement explains how a party's level of coherence affects voters?
A)Parties that are coherent are always going to be mass parties with a large,devoted membership.
B)Parties that are coherent are more likely to use mass propaganda to persuade uninformed citizens.
C)Parties that are coherent tend to be ideologically inconsistent,leading to voter confusion on election day.
D)Parties that are coherent deliver on their election promises; voters can expect policy changes and implementation in line with party ideology.

Accepted Answer

Parties that are coherent have a clear and consistent ideology that guides their policies and actions. This makes it easier for voters to understand what the party stands for and what they can expect if the party is elected. Coherent parties are more likely to deliver on their election promises and implement policies in line with their ideology, which can earn the trust and support of voters.

Question 20

Which statement describes the shift in the U.S.party system that began in the 1980s?
A)The two parties have become more polarized.
B)The Republican Party has shrunk significantly.
C)The Democratic Party has shifted its coalition.
D)The two parties have adopted roughly the same platforms.

Accepted Answer

The shift in the U.S. party system that began in the 1980s was marked by an increasing polarization between the two major parties. This was characterized by a growing ideological divide between Republicans and Democrats on issues such as taxation, government regulation, social issues, and foreign policy. This trend has continued to the present day, with both parties becoming more ideologically distinct and less likely to compromise on policy issues.

Quiz 10: Parties

In what sense do parties help to maintain government legitimacy?

The Republican Party became more coherently conservative under the leadership of __________.

In democratic societies,large political parties are typically__________.

Which statement describes the relationship among elected officials,their constituents,and political parties?

Under which of these systems is party discipline likely to be highest?

Which of these is true about the party system in the United States?

A strong party system is likely to produce __________.

Which statement explains why elected officials in the United States are less likely to be able to enact the agenda of their party than elected officials in Europe?

Why do dictatorships generally tolerate the presence of political parties?

Centralized parties tend to be more __________.

By welcoming new groups into their ranks,parties __________.

Which statement explains why the implementation of "responsible party government" is difficult in the United States?

Which statement explains how political parties in the United Kingdom differ from political parties in Israel?

Which statement explains why Sweden has a higher voter turnout rate than the United States?

The British Labour Party and the U.S.Democratic Party attracted workers by __________.

Political parties in a democratic society are most likely to ignore voters' preferences when __________.

FDR's Democratic coalition consisted of __________.

Which statement explains why electoral propaganda can be considered beneficial for a democratic society?

Which statement explains how a party's level of coherence affects voters?

Which statement describes the shift in the U.S.party system that began in the 1980s?