AP Gov: Test 4
108) In a winner-take-all system, A) coalition governments are common. B) unless a party wins, there is no reward for the votes it gets. C) if no single party gets a majority vote, a runoff election is held between the top two parties. D) legislative seats are allocated according to each partyʹs percentage of the nationwide vote. E) the party winning the majority of the votes wins all the seats up for election in the legislature.
B) unless a party wins, there is no reward for the votes it gets.
86) Between the 1930s and the 1960s, people attracted to the Democratic party included A) Protestants and Jews. B) urban working classes and intellectuals. C) northerners and the rich. D) farmers and rural dwellers. E) the college-educated and business owners.
B) urban working classes and intellectuals.
10) The ʺparty-in-governmentʺ refers to A) registered party voters who hold civil service jobs in the government and are influencing policy. B) winning candidates who become the main spokespersons for the party that nominated them. C) coalitions of interests and ideologies that support a partyʹs candidates. D) party workers who hold patronage jobs in the government and can influence policy. E) party members who perpetuate the party, make its rules, and keep it running.
B) winning candidates who become the main spokespersons for the party that nominated them.
All of the following statements concerning interest groups are true except that they: A. are policy experts B. attempt to appeal to a broad spectrum of political interests C. Often run their own candidates for public office D. Lobby different levels of government E. Have specific policy goals
C
All the following are techniques used by lobbyists except: A. Testifying at congressional hearings B. Providing officials with research information C. Appearing on the floor of Congress as staff assistants to senators and representatives D. Taking senators and representatives to conferences sponsored by a special interest group E. Giving senators and representatives feedback from their constituents
C
Common Cause and the League of Women Voters are examples of: A. Informal interest groups B. Single issue groups C. Public interest groups D. Ideological interest groups E. Professional groups
C
Lobbyists try to influence public policy by all of the following except: A. Mobilizing grassroots support B. Testifying before congressional committees C. Meeting with federal district judges D. Speaking with heads of federal agencies E. Providing research data to government officials.
C
The principal function of an interest group is to: A. Provide campaign money to candidates for public office who favor its programs B. Draw media attention to its cause C. Obtain favorable policies from government for the cause it supports D. Win congressional seats for its members E. Accomplish all of the above
C
The revolving door refers to the practice of: A. State legislation mirroring national legislation B. Welfare recipients going off benefits when they find employment but returning when their jobs end. C. Interest groups hiring ex-government officials to work as lobbyists in Washington D. Applying the budget surplus to the deficit only to find that the national debt has increased E. Shifting expenses from the national budget items to the states
C
What is the main difference between political parties and interest groups? A. Interest groups are not concerned with the electoral process. B. Interest groups have more members than political parties. C. Interest groups are concerned with a limited range of issues. D. Only dues paying members of an interest group benefit from its activities. E. Political parties do not rely on their members for financial support.
C
Which conclusion is not supported by the above graph? A. Contributions from PACs to congressional candidates have increased over the years. B. Candidates for House seats receive considerably more money than those running for the Senate. C. Contributions for the Senate are lower in non-presidential election years. D. In both houses, incumbents receive more money than challengers. E. Since 1987-1988, the amount of money received by incumbent senators has remained relatively stable.
C
Which of the following PACs most probably donated more heavily to Democrats than to Republicans? A. National Rifle Association (NRA) B. American Medical Association (AMA) C. United Auto Workers (UAW) D. National Association of Retailers (NAR) E. American for Tax Reform (ATR)
C
Which of the following Political Action Committees (PACs) most probably donated more heavily to Democrats than Republicans? A. National Rifle Association (NRA) B. American Medical Association (AMA) C. United Auto Workers (UAW) D. National Association of Retailers (NAR) E. Americans for Tax Reform (ATR)
C
An interest group is most likely to have influence in Congress with which of the following situations? A. an issue that is narrow in scope and low in public visibility B. an issue that is part of the president's legislative package C. an issue that has been highly dramatized by the media D. An issue that engages legislators' deeply held convictions E. an issue that divides legislators along party lines
A
An interest group would most likely be able to influence policy: A. Where the issues require expert knowledge. B. When it is one of a large number of groups involved in lobbying. C. When the interest group uses an "outside strategy". D. When issues involved revolve around broad national or foreign policy. E. When the subcommittee chair is sympathetic to the interest group's cause.
A
The graph above indicates that: A. Overall, the number of Political Action Committees (PACs) has declined in recent years. B. Groups that do not represent economic interests have the smallest number of PACs. C. Labor PACs contributed the most money to congressional campaigns D. All American corporations that have stock have a PAC. E. The most dramatic growth was in cooperative PACs.
A
The major difference between interest groups and political parties is that: A. Interest groups want to influence specific policies whereas political parties want to control government. B. Interest groups lobby government officials whereas members of political parties are elected or appointed officials. C. Interest groups raise money to donate to political parties D. Interest groups have no allegiance to the general public whereas political parties have allegiance at least to their constituents. E. Interest groups work behind the scenes whereas political parties are open to anyone.
A
The major difference between interest groups and political parties is that: A. Interest groups want to influence specific policies whereas political parties want to control government. B. Interest groups lobby government officials whereas members of political parties are elected or appointed officials C. Interest groups raise money to donate to political parties. D. Interest groups have no allegiance to the general public whereas political parties have allegiance at least to their constituents. E. Interest groups work behind the scenes whereas political parties are open to anyone.
A
The people attracted to interest groups are most likely: A. College-educated B. Social Conservatives C. Committed independent voters D. Liberal activists E. Racial or ethnic minorities
A
Which group(s) is most heavily represented by PACs? A. corporations and businesses B. labor unions C. public interest groups D. equality and justice groups E. Government-related groups
A
Which of the following groups nominates candidates for public office? I. Political parties II. Interest groups III. Political Action Committees IV. Lobbyists A. I only B. I, II, and IV only C. I, II, and III only D. II and IV only E. II only
A
Which of the following is an institutional interest group? A. the National Association of Counties B. the NAACP C. the National Organization for Women D. the AFL-CIO E. the Sierra Club
A
Which of the following officials do lobbyists most succeed with? A. Officials who have a basic philosophical affinity with the lobbyist B. Officials who have a basic philosophical difference with the lobbyist C. Officials who are neutral with the lobbyist's position D. Officials who have strong convictions E. Officials who are very conservative
A
Which of the following represents a major reason for the proliferation of special interests and lobby groups? A. the reactive nature of interest groups and lobbyists to new issues B. the increase in donations received by interest groups from their membership C. The trust citizens have in the legislative process D. The ability of lobbyists and special interest groups to get members from their group to run for political office E. the increasing demand for campaign reform
A
Which of the following situations represents a legislative victory for a special interest group? I. the NRA's repeal of the assault weapon ban II. MADD's successful lobbying for a national drinking age III. The Veterans of Foreign Wars' successful fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act IV. The NAACP successfully lobbying for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 A. I only B. II only C. II, III, and IV only D. I, II, III, and IV only E. I and IV only
C
Which of the following statements about interest groups is valid? A. Interest groups only try to influence policymaking at the federal level. B. Interest groups are only representing individuals. C. In almost all cases, the potential membership of an interest group is greater than its actual membership. D. Interest groups get all of their funding from membership dues. E. Interest groups are most effective when they deal with multiple issues.
C
Which of the following statements is true about political action committees (PACs)? A. PACs have been an important part of American politics since the Great Depression B. PACs gain influence over certain candidates by heavily subsidizing their campaigns C. The number of PACs has grown dramatically between 1973 and the present D. Formation of PACs is restricted to business and labor groups E. The number of ideological PACs has increased much more slowly than the number of business or labor PACs.
C
Which one of the following statements about lobbyists is not true? A. Lobbyists are often former government officials. B. Lobbyists must register with the House of Representatives and the Senate. C. Lobbyists cannot represent foreign countries. D. Many interest groups have their own lobbyists on staff. E. Strong interpersonal skills are important to a lobbyist's success
C
24) In 2004, Americans were most likely to consider themselves ________, and least likely to consider themselves ________. A) Independents; Democrats B) Republicans; Democrats C) Independents; Republicans D) Democrats; Independents E) Democrats; Republicans
C) Independents; Republicans
12) Almost all definitions of political parties have which of the following in common? A) Parties have formal organizations. B) Parties have a mass following. C) Parties try to win elections. D) Parties are run by elites. E) Parties have limited policy agendas.
C) Parties try to win elections.
14) A partyʹs endorsement to officially run for office as the candidate of that party is called A) a ballot. B) a ticket. C) a nomination. D) a confirmation. E) an appointment.
C) a nomination.
92) Loyalty to a political party has ________ over the past thirty years. A) increased slightly B) increased significantly C) decreased D) remained about the same E) virtually disappeared
C) decreased
107) If the United States had a multiparty system, A) third parties would come to dominate politics. B) the necessity for coalitions would be eliminated. C) each party would have more distinct policy positions. D) people would have to pay dues to belong to a party. E) each party would move to the ideological center.
C) each party would have more distinct policy positions.
43) Each party holds a national convention every A) six years. B) year. C) four years. D) five years. E) two years.
C) four years.
23) The upsurge of partisan independence among Americans since 1952 A) has come mostly at the expense of the Republicans. B) has not harmed either party. C) has come mostly at the expense of the Democrats. D) has occurred mostly among minor party identifiers. E) has harmed both parties equally.
C) has come mostly at the expense of the Democrats.
25) Most Americans are A) liberal. B) moderate-liberals. C) moderate. D) conservative. E) non-ideological.
C) moderate.
110) The American two-party system promotes A) the organization of political parties around special interests. B) the weakness of centrist positions on policy issues. C) moderation in conflict and ambiguous policy positions. D) greater conflict, but clear policy choices. E) competitive elections.
C) moderation in conflict and ambiguous policy positions.
37) In closed primaries, A) voters may vote for candidates from either party. B) voters may choose on election day which party primary they want to participate in. C) only voters who have registered in advance with the party can vote. D) voters may vote for multiple candidates. E) none of the above
C) only voters who have registered in advance with the party can vote.
9) The people who keep the party running between elections and make its rules are members of which ʺheadʺ of the party? A) party-in-the-electorate B) permanent party C) party as an organization D) party-in-government E) party-in-the-states
C) party as an organization
111) Advocates of the ________ believe that parties should present distinct, comprehensive programs for governing the nation and carry them out. A) differentiation approach B) McGovern-Fraser Commission C) responsible party model D) rational-choice theory E) party realignment
C) responsible party model
51) Political candidates make many promises when running for office. In electing one, the public can expect A) specific implementation of the promise to differ from the general promise made during the campaign. B) few to be carried out because political promises are made to be broken. C) that for every broken promise, many more will be kept. D) a significant gap between party platform and political performance. E) both A and D.
C) that for every broken promise, many more will be kept.
46) The chairperson of the party that controls the White House is normally selected by A) members of the party in Congress. B) a committee of state chairpersons. C) the president. D) closed primary. E) none of the above
C) the president.
52) The American political parties fall far short of the responsible party model for all of the following reasons EXCEPT A) they are too decentralized. B) there is no mechanism for the parties to discipline officeholders. C) their presidential candidates ignore the party platform. D) their candidates are usually self-selected. E) none of the above
C) their presidential candidates ignore the party platform.
32) A party machine is a kind of local party organization that A) threatens the efficiency of state and national party organizations. B) specializes in computerized mass mailings both to raise funds and influence voters on behalf of their candidates. C) uses specific and material inducements to win party loyalty and power. D) remains strong in most large American cities. E) has recently come to depend heavily on ethnic group support.
C) uses specific and material inducements to win party loyalty and power.
Interest groups participate in electoral politics by: I. Endorsing candidates II. Urging members to vote for a candidate III. Running candidates for office IV. Lobbying Congress for various pieces of legislation A. I only B. I and II only C. I, II, and IV only D. I, II, and III only E. I, II, III, and IV
B
Special interest groups do all of the following except: A. testify at congressional hearings B. donate money to federal judges C. endorse candidates for political office D. Try to influence the media E. work on the campaigns of candidates
B
The primary function of a lobbyist is to: A. Find political candidates for special interest groups B. Provide information to members of Congress that is favorable to a position taken by a special interest group C. Poll the public to help determine a position that a special interest group should take D. Raise money for political action committees E. Increase the awareness of special interest groups to the electorate
B
The table above supports all of the following conclusions except: A. Corporate PACs raise considerably more money than unions. B. PACs gave most money to incumbents C. Corporate PACs supported Republican candidates by a wide margin. D. Unions overwhelmingly backed Democrats running for the Senate. E. Unions spent just under a million dollars more on Democratic Senate races than corporations.
B
What kind of political action committee would most likely support Democratic candidates? A. Tobacco corporations B. Labor Unions C. Gun advocacy groups D. Business corporations E. The Chamber of Commerce
B
60) The dominant political party in Americaʹs first party system was the A) Democratic-Republicans. B) Whigs. C) Republicans. D) Democrats. E) Federalists.
A) Democratic-Republicans
72) In the second party system in United States history, the election contests were between which two major parties? A) Democrats and Whigs B) Democrats and Republicans C) Federalists and Whigs D) Republicans and Whigs E) Federalists and Anti-Federalists
A) Democrats and Whigs
104) The first true anti-slavery party was the A) Free Soil party. B) Anti-slavery party. C) Populist party. D) Progressive party. E) Republican party.
A) Free Soil party.
61) The Democratic-Republicans were also known as the A) Jeffersonians. B) Madisonians. C) Whigs. D) Federalists. E) Hamiltonians.
A) Jeffersonians.
101) Which of the following is TRUE about most third-party campaigns in American history? A) They almost never win office. B) They occasionally succeed. C) They usually become major political parties over time. D) They have been most successful at promoting party dealignment. E) They frequently are successful.
A) They almost never win office.
4) Which of the following is TRUE of political parties in the United States? A) To be a member of a party, all you have to do is claim to be one. B) Parties require dues. C) They are more powerful than their European counterparts. D) Parties issue membership cards to all members. E) Party members agree on all major issues or they will be expelled from the party.
A) To be a member of a party, all you have to do is claim to be one.
94) What sort of realignment has occurred in the current party era? A) a Southern realignment B) a rural/urban realignment C) a cultural realignment D) an entire realignment E) an age-based realignment
A) a Southern realignment
54) A party era refers to A) a period of history in which there is one dominant majority party that wins most elections. B) the period between two elections, during which the two parties are assessed as to how powerful they are relative to each other. C) a period of years during which a party is born and begins to run candidates for office. D) the life span of a party from its beginning to end (e.g., the Whigs). E) a period of time during which there is one dominant majority party that wins all elections.
A) a period of history in which there is one dominant majority party that wins most elections.
30) From the late-nineteenth century through the New Deal years, many of Americaʹs largest cities were dominated by A) corrupt but popular party machines. B) the Socialist party. C) the Communist party. D) mayors who refused to allow elections. E) super delegates who controlled everything.
A) corrupt but popular party machines.
88) Since 1968, American politics has been characterized by A) divided government. B) the New Deal coalition. C) Republican control of both the Congress and presidency. D) Democratic control of the presidency and Republican control of Congress. E) Democratic control of both the Congress and presidency.
A) divided government.
29) Power in the major United States political parties is A) fragmented among local, state, and national party organizations. B) concentrated in the state parties, with national and local organizations playing only minor roles. C) hierarchically distributed from the national to local levels. D) centralized in national party organizations. E) concentrated in party machines at the local level.
A) fragmented among local, state, and national party organizations.
114) The weakening of party control over American politics A) is in part due to the increasing influence of the media. B) is leading to a multiparty system in this country. C) threatens democracy. D) threatens the very existence of political parties. E) leads to fewer differences between party platforms.
A) is in part due to the increasing influence of the media.
45) Keeping the party operating between conventions is the job of the A) national committee. B) regional offices. C) elected officials. D) congressional leadership. E) majority or minority whip.
A) national committee.
20) The theory that seeks to explain political processes and outcomes as consequences of purposive behavior is called the A) rational-choice theory. B) behaviorism. C) means-ends theory. D) cognitive theory. E) goals theory.
A) rational-choice theory.
53) A study of major party platforms by Gerald Pomper found that the parties broke their promises A) ten percent of the time. B) half the time. C) two-thirds of the time. D) over ninety percent of the time. E) a third of the time.
A) ten percent of the time.
96) From 1968 to 1992, A) the Republicans dominated the presidency while the Democrats dominated Congress. B) a realignment occurred that destroyed the New Deal coalition. C) the Republicans became the majority party. D) the Republicans dominated the federal government while the Democrats dominated state governments. E) the Democrats experienced a slow, ʺcreeping ascendanceʺ that culminated in their gaining control of the entire government with the election of Bill Clinton.
A) the Republicans dominated the presidency while the Democrats dominated Congress.
38) In open primaries, A) voters may choose on election day which party primary they want to participate in. B) voters may vote for candidates from either party. C) only voters who have registered in advance with the party can vote. D) voters may vote for multiple candidates. E) none of the above
A) voters may choose on election day which party primary they want to participate in.
22) Ticket-splitting is best understood as A) voting with one party for one office and another for other offices. B) voting for Democratic candidates for president and Republican candidates for Congress. C) a tactic used to commit voter fraud, which enables a voter to cast multiple ballots. D) staying with the same party in an election, voting down the partyʹs line for every race. E) voting for Republican candidates for president and Democratic candidates for Congress.
A) voting with one party for one office and another for other offices.
When a political action committee (PAC) makes a contribution to an elected official, the expectation is: A. The elected official will vote the way the interest group wants. B. The interest group will have access to the elected official. C. The elected official will provide jobs for members of the interest group. D. The elected official will make sure the interest group is not audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). E. The elected official will kick back a portion of the contribution to the lobbyists.
B
When the American Association for Retired Person's (AARP) produces its Guide to Internet Resources on Aging it is supporting which function of an interest group? A. Member benefits B. Education C. Representation D. Lobbying E. Electioneering
B
Which of the following best describes the role if interest groups in American politics today? A. Interest groups exist for some groups, but most citizens aren't represented by them. B. The number of interest groups has proliferated in recent years, so that today a group seems to exist for everyone. C. Interest groups don't represent as many people as they used to because public criticism has forced interest groups to disappear. D. The influence of interest groups is more widespread than before, since many have moved away from Washington. E. The most prestigious professions and occupations are represented by interest groups, but the less prestigious ones are not.
B
Which of the following statements represents a potential conflict of interest? Lobbyists: A. Work closely with the interest groups that hired them B. Are former government officials who have close ties with current legislators C. Are persistent in making sure that the results they get do not change before a vote D. Know as much and sometimes even more than legislators about pending legislation E. Attempt to convince senators and representatives that if they support their position they will receive the support of their constituency
B
Which person would most likely be paid a high salary to lobby for a defense contractor? A. An unemployed factory worker who needs part-time work while he goes back to school B. An ex-government official who had a high position in the defense department C. An anti-war protester who has often lobbied in Washington D. An enlisted soldier stationed near Washington, D.C. E. A high-level official in the current administration.
B
71) Andrew Jackson was the first president identified as a(n) A) Independent. B) Democrat. C) Republican. D) Democratic-Republican. E) Whig.
B) Democrat.
80) The New Deal coalition was responsible for electing and reelecting A) Socialist party candidates. B) Democrats. C) Republicans. D) Whigs. E) Democratic-Republicans.
B) Democrats.
62) The last Federalist president was A) Alexander Hamilton. B) John Adams. C) Andrew Jackson. D) Abraham Lincoln. E) Thomas Jefferson.
B) John Adams.
68) Which of the following statements about party realignment is FALSE? A) Party realignments are typically associated with a major crisis or trauma. B) Party realignments were associated with the Civil War and with the Great Depression. C) Party realignments transform the party system. D) Party realignment involves a reconfiguration of the demographic groups supporting the parties. E) Party realignments occur often in American political life.
B) Party realignments were associated with the Civil War and with the Great Depression.
34) ________ has some of the strongest parties in America. A) Hawaii B) Pennsylvania C) New York D) Texas E) California
B) Pennsylvania
98) Which of the following statements about third parties in the United States is FALSE? A) Third parties often bring new issues to the political agenda. B) Third parties are a rare phenomena in American history. C) Third parties have brought new groups into the electorate. D) Third-party candidates almost never win office in the United States. E) Third parties have had important effects on American politics.
B) Third parties are a rare phenomena in American history.
55) A party era begins, or is made more certain, with A) the defeat of an incumbent president. B) a critical election. C) the founding of a new major party. D) party competition. E) a congressional election.
B) a critical election.
47) Every political party depends upon what the text calls a ________ , meaning a set of individuals or groups supporting it. A) system of patronage B) coalition C) set of super delegates D) power base E) linkage institution
B) coalition
28) In terms of organizational structure, American political parties are A) organized more by regions of the country than at the state or national level. B) decentralized and fragmented. C) tightly controlled organisms that exert tremendous control over candidates. D) operated on the principle of democratic centralism: Local and state organizations control the national organizations. E) centralized and hierarchical.
B) decentralized and fragmented.
40) Closed primaries A) depress voter turnout. B) encourage party loyalty. C) discourage party loyalty. D) cost less than open primaries. E) have fewer undercounts.
B) encourage party loyalty.
15) Political parties perform all of the following tasks EXCEPT A) pick policymakers and run campaigns. B) enforce rigid adherence to their policy positions. C) advocate public policies. D) coordinate policymaking. E) give cues to voters.
B) enforce rigid adherence to their policy positions.
100) In 2000, Green party candidate Ralph Nader forced more attention on ________ issues and drew away a small percentage of votes from Al Gore. A) budgetary B) environmental C) health D) national security E) welfare
B) environmental
42) American national parties are best described as A) controlled from the bottom (local level) up. B) loose aggregations of state parties. C) bicameral in nature. D) centralized organizations based in Congress. E) powerful, centralized organizations based in Washington, D.C.
B) loose aggregations of state parties.
49) The day-to-day activities of the national party are the responsibility of the A) congressional party leaders. B) national chairperson. C) president. D) national committee. E) national convention.
B) national chairperson.
31) Party machines in large cities relied primarily on ________ to reward friends and punish enemies. A) local judges B) patronage C) city police departments D) the civil service merit system E) third parties
B) patronage
77) The Republican party began as the A) party of big business interests. B) principal anti-slavery party. C) principal pro-slavery party. D) party of statesʹ rights and silver money. E) party of the New Deal.
B) principal anti-slavery party.
83) The election of 1896 is considered a watershed because it A) entrenched western farmers and silverites in the Republican party. B) shifted the party coalitions and entrenched the Republicans in power for another generation. C) gave Republicans control of the South. D) marked the rise of the Populist party, which dominated American politics until the Depression. E) brought the industrial working classes and Wall Street interests together into the Democratic fold.
B) shifted the party coalitions and entrenched the Republicans in power for another generation.
2) The largest segment of an American political party is described as A) the party-out-of-power. B) the party-in-the-electorate. C) the party-in-government. D) the party volunteers. E) the party organization.
B) the party-in-the-electorate.
3) In the description of political parties as ʺthree-headed political giants,ʺ which of the following is NOT considered one of those three heads? A) the party-in-government B) the party-out-of-power C) the party-in-the-electorate D) the party as an organization E) none of the above
B) the party-out-of-power
50) Voters and coalitions of voters are attracted to different parties largely by A) selective perception. B) their performance and policies. C) the charisma of their candidates. D) tradition. E) their socio-economic status.
B) their performance and policies.
21) Compared to 1952, recent polls on party identification have shown that A) more people today identify themselves as Democrats. B) there are more independents than there are Democrats or Republicans. C) the percentage of Democrats has increased only slightly, while the percentage of Republicans has declined. D) both the percentages of both Democrats and Republicans in the country have increased. E) none of the above
B) there are more independents than there are Democrats or Republicans.
27) Ticket-splitting refers to A) switching membership in political parties. B) the procedure used to conduct computerized, automated vote counting. C) voting with one party in one presidential election, and another party in the next presidential election. D) voting for one party for one office, and another party for other offices. E) voting for a party other than the one you identify with.
D
A former under secretary in the Department of Energy becomes a consultant for the American Petroleum Institute (API) and testifies before Congress on the regulation of offshore oil drilling. This is an example of: A. An iron triangle B. Influence peddling C. An issue network D. The revolving door E. Effective lobbying
D
A special interest group would probably have the greatest success dealing with a legislator regarding public policy issues that: A. Were favored by the public as reflected by polls B. The president also supported C. Were controversial in nature D. The legislator needed specific information about, which the group could provide E. Had previously been voted on by congress but defeated
D
All of the following are functions of interest groups except: A. Interest groups may increase public awareness of an issue and mobilize people to action. B. Interest groups often provide members of Congress with information or statistics on public issues. C. Interest groups may serve as watchdogs to the legislative and executive branches, altering the public to actions they disagree with. D. Interest groups often widen the number and types of candidates who enter primary elections. E. Interest groups give people with similar ideas and cause a louder, more organized, voice in government
D
All the following arguments are essential to the special interest theory of politics except: A. interest groups compete with each other B. interest groups provide linkage between people and government C. One or two interest groups may dominate the debate over legislation D. interest groups encourage membership from diverse groups that may disagree with their goals E. interest groups have been protected by Supreme Court decisions
D
An interest group is most likely to have influence in Congress when the issue at stake: A. Is part of the president's legislative package. B. Has been dramatized by the media C. Engages legislators' deeply held convictions D. Is narrow in scope and low in public visibility. E. Divides legislators along party lines.
D
Electioneering is an important tool of interest groups because: A. Electioneering is more effective than lobbying in gaining support from legislators. B. Political Action Committees do not always achieve their goals. C. Electioneering projects a good public relations image for interest groups. D. Working to elect sympathetic candidates can help ensure support for a group's views in future legislation. E. Incumbents usually win reelection.
D
In order to contribute to the campaign of a presidential candidate, an interest group: A. Can make the donation directly to the candidate. B. Must earmark money for voter education C. Can only give the money to the national party D. Must create a political action committee (PAC) to raise and distribute money E. Must approve ads bought with its money
D
In which of the following ways do political parties differ from interest groups and PACs? A. Parties influence government primarily through the electoral process; interest groups and PACs do not B. Parties generate and support a limited number of policies; interest groups and PACs support a broad spectrum of policies C. Only parties and interest groups attempt to influence the political system D. Parties run their own slate of candidates for public office; while interest groups and PACs support but don't actually run candidates E. Interest groups and PACs concentrate on influencing the political system; parties are interested in influencing other areas of life as well
D
In which way are interest groups most likely to influence decisions of the Supreme Court? A. By controlling the decisions that reach the court B. By calling the Court's attention to legislation they dislike C. By encouraging the Court to police actions taken by agencies in the executive branch D. By filing Amicus Curaie briefs supporting one side of a case that the Court is deciding E. By seeking that recent law school graduates that support their causes be hired as clerks of the court
D
Lobbyists must file reports of their activities, including information about their clients with: A. The Federal Election Commission B. The Justice Department C. The Securities and Exchange Commission D. The House of Representatives and the Senate E. The Office of Management and Budget
D
Political Action Committees (PACs) most often support: A. Controversial issues B. Federal judges C. Organized Labor D. Officeholders seeking reelection E. Corporate clients
D
Political Action Committees (PACs): A. Have roots that originated in the nineteenth century B. Have declined in popularity in recent years C. May contribute up to $1,000 a year to a political candidate D. May accept contributions of up to $5,000 from individuals E. Make unlimited contributions to political candidates
D
Political Action Committees most often support: A. Controversial Issues B. Federal Judges C. Organized Labor D. Officeholders seeking reelection E. Corporate Clients
D
The major impact of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 was that it: A. Eliminated lobbyist gifts and vacations for legislators B. Set strict contribution limitations for congressional campaigns C. Created matching funds for congressional campaigns D. Legitimized and increased the number of interest groups E. Created strict registration procedures for lobbyists
D
Which of the following best describes the influence of labor unions on political policy making? A. Unions have never had much influence on the decisions of the national government. B. Unions have always been and remain today the most important single influence on policies of the U.S. government. C. Unions are more powerful today than they have been in the past because they are better organized. D. Union membership has declined over the past 25 years, and they probably aren't as influential as they once were. E. The influence of unions has remained fairly constant over the past few years; they are only moderately influential.
D
Which of the following is the least frequently practiced technique of an interest group? A. Lobbying and individual member of Congress B. Providing information to legislators and bureaucrats C. Participating in sub-committee hearings D. Conducting political protests designed to catch the attention of the media E. Sending mailings seeking support
D
Which of the following statements represents the main function of special interest groups? They: A. Eventually want to end up as political office holders B. Nominate candidates for political office C. Have the primary function of funding political campaigns D. Want to influence officeholders and achieve legislative goals E. Attempt to recruit an elite membership in order to become influential
D
76) The Republicans emerged as a powerful political party in the A) 1890s. B) 1790s. C) 1930s. D) 1850s. E) 1820s.
D) 1850s
82) The Republican party rose to prominence in the late 1850s as the A) Free Silver party. B) Party Of The Wealthy Elite. C) Gold Standard party. D) Anti-slavery party. E) Party of Rural Farmers.
D) Anti-slavery party.
69) Americaʹs first and shortest-lived major political party was the A) Anti-Federalist party. B) Whig party. C) Democratic-Republican party. D) Federalist party. E) Independence party.
D) Federalist party.
59) The first party system in the United States consisted of the A) Democrats and Whigs. B) Federalists and Whigs. C) Democrats and Republicans. D) Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. E) Democratic-Republicans and Whigs.
D) Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
81) Who was the president who brought together the original New Deal coalition in support of his candidacy? A) Woodrow Wilson B) Lyndon Johnson C) John F. Kennedy D) Franklin D. Roosevelt E) Herbert Hoover
D) Franklin D. Roosevelt
95) In 1968 the Democratic party was torn apart, leaving the door to the presidency open for Republican Richard Nixon primarily due to A) the failure of President Johnsonʹs War on Poverty. B) the sudden evaporation of the New Deal coalition. C) the abandonment of the Democratic party by African Americans. D) President Johnsonʹs Vietnam War policies. E) the severity of the mid-60ʹs recession.
D) President Johnsonʹs Vietnam War policies.
87) The New Deal coalition made the ________ party the minority party for decades. A) Socialist B) Federalist C) Whig D) Republican E) Democratic
D) Republican
113) In what way do weak political parties affect the scope of government? A) They make it difficult for politicians to help their constituents. B) They allow presidents to expand the scope of foreign policy, while they decrease the domestic scope of government. C) Being weak, they are unable to counteract the power of government so the scope of government grows. D) Since it is harder for them to enact legislation, it is hard for them to either expand or decrease the scope of government. E) They have had no real effect on the size and power of government.
D) Since it is harder for them to enact legislation, it is hard for them to either expand or decrease the scope of government.
26) In recent elections, the trends in party identification in the United States have been A) an increase in the percentage of Democrats and a decline in the percentage of Independents. B) an increase in the percentages of Democrats and Republicans and a decline in the percentage of Independents. C) an increase in the percentage of Democrats and a decline in the percentage of Republicans. D) a decrease in the percentage of Democrats and an increase in the percentage of Independents. E) a fairly constant percentage of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
D) a decrease in the percentage of Democrats and an increase in the percentage of Independents.
58) Realignments are typically associated with A) a major reorganization of the executive branch. B) the creation of new states. C) one party winning the presidency while the other controls Congress. D) a major crisis or trauma in the nation. E) changes in election laws.
D) a major crisis or trauma in the nation.
99) Ross Perotʹs candidacies for president in 1992 and 1996 were an example of what type of third-party campaign? A) a split-level party B) a party espousing an extreme ideological position C) a splinter party D) a party serving as an extension of one individualʹs candidacy E) none of the above
D) a party serving as an extension of one individualʹs candidacy
6) A political party is best defined as A) a group of men and women organized for the sole purpose of influencing public policy. B) an organized team of men and women with a political agenda. C) any group of men and women with a formal membership and a political or social purpose stated in their by-laws. D) a team of men and women seeking control of the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election. E) a coalition of interests trying to influence government policies for their benefit.
D) a team of men and women seeking control of the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election.
1) A political party is A) less interested in winning elections than in particular public policy. B) a group of people who agree on everything and organize annually to win elections. C) a narrow interest group seeking advantage through elections. D) a team of men and women with similar beliefs seeking legitimate control of the government by through elections. E) an organization devoted to implementing policy in the public interest.
D) a team of men and women with similar beliefs seeking legitimate control of the government by through elections.
18) American political parties tend to take middle-of-the-road stands on major issues A) only because the partyʹs candidates are so afraid of alienating those on different sides of issues. B) while the public tends to have stronger opinions C) in spite of evidence that more extreme positions generate more excitement and likelihood for electoral victory. D) because most of the American electorate are centrist. E) because most of the American electorate do not have political opinions.
D) because most of the American electorate are centrist.
90) People gradually moving away from both parties is referred to as A) partisan drift. B) coalition politics. C) realignment. D) dealignment. E) alignment.
D) dealignment.
41) Blanket primaries A) cost less than open primaries. B) discourage party loyalty. C) depress voter turnout. D) encourage party loyalty. E) have fewer undercounts.
D) encourage party loyalty.
74) The election of 1828 that brought Andrew Jackson to the presidency was significant because it A) began the ascendancy of the New Deal coalition around the Democratic party. B) marked the rise of the Whigs. C) was the first time the Republican party controlled Congress. D) forged a new political coalition. E) marked the beginning of the dominance of northern industrialists.
D) forged a new political coalition.
11) The political ʺparty-in-the-electorateʺ is defined as people who A) vote for the candidates from one party. B) register as members of a party. C) work for a partyʹs candidates. D) identify with a party. E) walk door-to-door to meet the voters and personally campaign for their partyʹs candidates.
D) identify with a party.
78) The Republicans had a long period as the countryʹs dominant majority party, which ended A) in 1992. B) in 1980. C) with the Civil War. D) in 1932. E) in 1896.
D) in 1932.
109) In proportional representation systems, A) whoever gets the most votes wins the election. B) each demographic group is allocated a certain number of positions in the government, in proportion to that groupʹs percentage of the population. C) coalition governments usually last for many years. D) legislative seats are allocated according to each partyʹs percentage of the nationwide vote. E) every party gets represented in the legislature.
D) legislative seats are allocated according to each partyʹs percentage of the nationwide vote.
66) Party eras in American politics are periods of time in which A) partisan identification is at high levels and political party nominees win most elections rather than independent candidates who are unaffiliated with a party. B) party organizations grow very strong, are able to control the policy positions of their candidates, and win votes by providing jobs and government services to loyal party supporters. C) political dominance frequently shifts from one party to the other. D) one party dominates. E) one party wins every presidential election.
D) one party dominates.
63) At the beginning of party development in the United States, A) parties tried to defeat each other in elections. B) there were many small parties, each representing a narrow interest. C) we had a one-party system where one powerful party dominated the government and blocked the creation of new parties. D) parties sought to destroy each other. E) parties were merely the personal following of certain charismatic individuals.
D) parties sought to destroy each other.
56) A critical election involves and accelerates a process called A) partisan transformation. B) electoral examination. C) proportional representation. D) party realignment. E) democratic rejuvenation.
D) party realignment.
7) According to the ʺthree-headed political giantʺ model of political parties, the largest component of an American party is the A) party as an organization. B) party-in-the-states. C) party Congress. D) party-in-the-electorate. E) party-in-government.
D) party-in-the-electorate.
112) The ʺresponsible partyʺ model holds that parties should A) not use wedge issues that cause the other partyʹs supporters to fight with each other during the campaign. B) avoid making promises. C) keep to middle-of-the-road positions. D) present clear alternatives to voters. E) avoid ideological stands.
D) present clear alternatives to voters.
79) The Depression of the 1930s gave rise to what is called A) econo-politics. B) party competition. C) the Era of Divided Government. D) the New Deal coalition. E) the Republican resurgence.
D) the New Deal coalition.
44) The supreme power within each of the parties is A) the state party organizations. B) the president. C) the Supreme Party Court. D) the national convention. E) the national committee.
D) the national convention.
91) Party dealignment is symbolized by A) the 1992 election of a president and Congress of the same party. B) the recent pattern of one-party control. C) a renewed commitment to Americaʹs two major political parties. D) the recent pattern of divided government. E) the Republican takeover of Congress in 1994.
D) the recent pattern of divided government.
19) Rational-choice theory asserts that A) the parties should not be expected to differentiate themselves in any way. B) more extremist party positions give the public a sense that things can really be changed, and usually win elections. C) the wise party selects policies in which it truly believes, and gives the voters a chance to vote them up or down on principle. D) the wise party selects policies that are widely favored. E) none of the above
D) the wise party selects policies that are widely favored.
103) Critically affecting the electoral college vote, bringing new issues to the public agenda, and venting popular discontent are important roles played by A) intra-party factions. B) splinter groups in a multiparty system. C) the two-party system in thwarting extreme or unconventional views. D) third parties in a two-party system. E) parties based on a single issue in a multiple-issue society.
D) third parties in a two-party system.
17) Linkage institutions A) help link the three branches of government together to achieve coherent policies. B) are used to implement public policies. C) link political parties to the government. D) translate inputs from the public into outputs from the policymakers. E) link the president to members of his/her party in Congress, so they can coordinate their policies in government.
D) translate inputs from the public into outputs from the policymakers.
65) The policy positions stated in party platforms are A) of some importance because they are unambiguous statements of where a party stands. B) intended to get a candidate elected, not to be implemented. C) of little importance because only 10 to 25 percent of the positions are acted upon by government. D) very important because nearly three-fourths of them result in policy action when the party is in power. E) never important because less than one-third of them result in policy action when the party is in power.
D) very important because nearly three-fourths of them result in policy action when the party is in power.
85) Which of the following groups was NOT part of the New Deal coalition? A) African Americans B) Southerners C) members of labor unions D) wealthy New Englanders E) Catholics and Jews
D) wealthy New Englanders
A lobbyist of the National Rifle Association (NRA) is most likely to get the support of: A. A Republican who voted for gun control B. An incumbent facing a difficult reelection C. A liberal Democrat D. A newly elected Senator E. A conservative Republican
E
A significant amount of PAC money most likely goes to: A. Candidates challenging Republican seats B. Candidates challenging Democratic seats C. Candidates who are new to the political scene D. Candidates who have wide philosophical differences with the PAC E. Candidates who hold incumbent status
E
All of the following are examples of economic interest groups except: A. American Farm Bureau (AFB) B. Consumer Union of the United States (CUUSA) C. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) D. American Bankers Association (ABA) E. American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
E
All of the following are legitimate functions of registered lobbyists except: A. Testifying at public hearings B. Providing members of Congress with statistical data C. Preparing reports D. Presenting media spots E. Nominating candidates for political office
E
All of the following are linkage institutions in the United States except: A. Political parties B. Elections C. The media D. Interest groups E. Congress
E
Political action Committees are sometimes criticized for: A. Limiting themselves to being only grassroots organizations B. Being dominated by foreign interests C. Never supporting incumbent candidates D. Encouraging strict campaign finance regulations E. Making politicians dependent on their financial support
E
The Free Rider problem refers to: A. Candidates for office who face no primary opposition B. A candidate with great personal wealth who does not need PAC money C. Members of Congress who take gifts from lobbyists D. Non-germane amendments added to a bill
E
Which of the following are differences between interest groups and political parties? I. Political parties nominate candidates to run for elective office, interest groups do not. II. Political parties focus on a broader range of issues than do interest groups III. Political parties compete to control the legislative branch of government by gaining more seats that the other party interest groups do not A. I only B. I and II only C. II only D. II and III only E. I, II, and III
E
Which of the following best describes the influence of public interest groups? A. They were very influential during the 1970s, but have lost their influence today. B. They have always been important in this century, but never as important as business groups. C. Their influence is limited because most people think they are fanatical. D. They are the most influential type of group in Washington today. E. They have been an important influence on policy making in Washington since the 1970s.
E
Which of the following is an example of an interest group employing an outsider strategy? I. Meeting privately with public officials to persuade them to vote on behalf of the groups interests. II. Testifying at Congressional hearings about proposed legislation. III. Providing members of Congress or bureaucratic agencies with drafts of proposed legislation or changes in administrative rules. IV. Taking out advertisements in a national publication in support of a specific position. A. I and II only B. II and III only C. I, II, and III only D. II, III, and IV only E. IV only
E
Which of the following is most probably a single issue group? A. Association of State, County, and Municipal Employees (ASCME) B. American Medical Association (AMA) C. American Bar Association (ABA) D. United Auto Workers (UAW) E. National Rifle Association (NRA)
E
Which of the following statements about interest groups are accurate? I. Interest group activities, to influence public policy-making at the national level, are aimed almost entirely at Congress II. The influence of labor unions on public policy-making has declined since 1945 III. Business organizations are the most numerous and powerful interest groups in America A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I and II only E. II and III only
E
Which of the following techniques would a lobbyist be likely to use to influence legislation in Congress? I. Organize a demonstration in Washington just before a key House vote II. Ensure that the corporation's political action committee makes donations to the campaigns of members of key committees III. Meet informally with Senate aides over lunch or cocktails IV. Bring influential constituents to Washington to discuss important policy matters with their Representatives A. I only B. II only C. II, II, and IV only D. I, II, and III only E. I, II, III, and IV
E
Which of the following would most likely be accused of influence peddling through the "revolving door?" A. A Congressperson who retires to take a position teaching political science at a university B. A former president who advises the current president on a particular foreign policy issue C. A voter who researches the positions of all candidates in a race before choosing whom to support D. A judge who consistently hands down the maximum sentence to convicted felons E. An official who leaves the State Department in order to work as a paid consultant to foreign governments
E
Which statement about lobbying and lobbyists is not true? A. Lobbyists frequently provide needed information to public officials. B. Lobbyists sometimes invite legislators to social occasions such as cocktail parties C. Lobbyists sometimes write or help write pieces of legislation. D. Lobbyists can exert influence when they testify before executive rule making agencies E. Lobbyists may provide gifts and trips for legislators
E
36) About which state has it been said that the political parties are so weak as to be almost nonexistent? A) Pennsylvania B) New York C) Texas D) Alaska E) California
E) California
102) An example of a splinter party would be A) the Prohibitionist party. B) the Poor Manʹs party of 1952. C) the Libertarian party. D) Ross Perotʹs United We Stand. E) George Wallaceʹs American Independents.
E) George Wallaceʹs American Independents.
84) The Republicans lost the election of 1932 primarily due to A) the nomination of a popular war hero by the Democrats. B) Hitlerʹs election as chancellor of Germany and the Republicansʹ failure to prevent it. C) rising political and economic instability in Europe. D) the failure of the Republicans to hold onto the support of urban industrialists. E) President Herbert Hooverʹs handling of the Depression.
E) President Herbert Hooverʹs handling of the Depression.
73) During the second party system in United States history, Martin Van Buren argued that A) political parties were harming the country because they promoted factionalism, petty bickering, and disunity. B) the Whigs should be the sole party, as they were the only legitimate representatives of the people. C) the Democrats should be the sole party, as they were the only legitimate representatives of the people. D) the Republicans should be the sole party, as they were the only legitimate representatives of the people. E) a governing party needed a loyal opposition party to represent parts of society that it could not.
E) a governing party needed a loyal opposition party to represent parts of society that it could not.
57) Party realignments in the United States A) occur when a party makes dramatic changes in its positions on issues. B) involve the death of one party and the birth of a brand new one. C) are slight adjustments of political allegiance among voters in at least one region of the country. D) happen after most presidential elections, and occasionally in-between. E) are rare events in the United States, usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma, in which one partyʹs majority domination is replaced with anotherʹs.
E) are rare events in the United States, usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma, in which one partyʹs majority domination is replaced with anotherʹs.E) are rare events in the United States, usually associated with a major national crisis or trauma, in which one partyʹs majority domination is replaced with anotherʹs.
8) In the United States, to become a member of a political party you need to A) pay annual dues. B) officially join that party by attending a party meeting. C) hold a membership card. D) register with that party at your precinct office. E) claim to be a member.
E) claim to be a member.
97) Party dealignment means the A) the inability of the parties to deal with the nationʹs problems. B) lack of party cohesion in Congress. C) realignment of party coalitions. D) increasing inability of minority parties to win elections. E) decreasing influence of both parties on voters and government.
E) decreasing influence of both parties on voters and government.
67) ʺCritical electionsʺ always result in the A) widespread public questioning of the American election process accompanied by calls for its reform. B) displacement of the minority party by the majority party. C) formation of new political parties. D) successful bid by a third political party. E) formation of new coalitions for each political party.
E) formation of new coalitions for each political party.
106) A proportional representation system for electing members to a nationʹs legislature is more likely to lead to a A) situation like that of the United States, with only two major parties as rivals. B) centralization and unification of political forces within the nation. C) single party holding all the seats. D) moderating of political conflict. E) greater number of political parties holding seats.
E) greater number of political parties holding seats.
35) Since 1960, state party organizations A) have begun selecting candidates for state offices. B) have been established for the first time as the national organizations have weakened. C) have virtually disappeared as the national units have taken on their functions. D) have begun selecting candidates for Congress. E) have become much more powerful and organized.
E) have become much more powerful and organized.
48) The party national committees A) select the partyʹs presidential candidate. B) are composed of each partyʹs members of Congress. C) meet once every four years. D) write and approve the partyʹs platform. E) keep the party operating between conventions.
E) keep the party operating between conventions.
16) As ________, political parties serve the role of translating inputs from the public into outputs from policymakers. A) coalitions B) superdelegates C) political converters D) machines E) linkage institutions
E) linkage institutions
13) Which is a linkage institution? A) Supreme Court B) Executive Office of the President C) Congress D) all of the above E) none of the above
E) none of the above
64) The first American political party evolved A) from the supporters of George Washingtonʹs first campaign for president. B) out of Thomas Jeffersonʹs efforts to get the Declaration of Independence adopted. C) out of public disgust over the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, leading to calls to solve conflicts through peaceful party competition. D) during the Constitutional Convention. E) out of Alexander Hamiltonʹs efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank.
E) out of Alexander Hamiltonʹs efforts to get Congress to establish a national bank.
93) Over the past thirty years, there has been a marked rise in A) support for both the major and minor parties. B) support for the Democratic party. C) support for both the Democratic and Republican parties. D) support for minor parties. E) party neutrality.
E) party neutrality.
105) In many other democracies, the system of awarding seats in the national legislature, unlike in the United States, is one of A) single-member districts. B) intellectual merit alone. C) winner-take-all. D) virtual representation. E) proportional representation.
E) proportional representation.
89) In elections since 1968, A) the Democrats have dominated both the presidency and the Congress. B) the Republicans have dominated both the presidency and the Congress. C) party control of both Congress and the presidency has shifted from one party to the other at least every other election. D) the Democrats have dominated the presidency, while the Republicans have dominated Congress. E) the Republicans have dominated the presidency, while the Democrats have dominated the Congress.
E) the Republicans have dominated the presidency, while the Democrats have dominated the Congress.
70) The first party system (1796-1824) was characterized by A) professional politicians running for office. B) the dominance of the presidency by the Federalist party. C) the dominance of the Republican party. D) the dominance of the northern capitalist states. E) the dominance of the Democratic-Republican party.
E) the dominance of the Democratic-Republican party.
5) The key spokespersons for political parties come from which of its major components? A) the party-in-the-electorate B) the party as an organization C) the party-out-of-power D) the leaders-of-the-party-organization E) the party-in-government
E) the party-in-government
33) Patronage A) is commonly used by political parties today. B) is an incentive given by national party offices. C) is the deference that elected officials give to their campaign contributors in making policy decisions. D) is based on merit and competence. E) was an inducement of jobs and financial rewards given for political reasons by party machines.
E) was an inducement of jobs and financial rewards given for political reasons by party machines.
75) The Whig party A) was named after the wigs that the early aristocrats such as George Washington wore. B) dominated the second American party era between 1828 and 1856. C) forged a coalition of westerners, southerners, and new immigrants. D) believed in broadening political opportunity, eliminating vestiges of elitism, and mobilizing the masses. E) was only able to win the presidency when it nominated aging, but popular, military heroes.
E) was only able to win the presidency when it nominated aging, but popular, military heroes.
