Chapter 7B - Campaigns

Which of the following is the best example of direct democracy in practice in the United States? A. gerrymandering B. retrospective voting C. referendum D.issue advocacy

C. referendum

In order to qualify for public funding in a presidential primary, a candidate must A. gather signatures from at least 50,000 people in each of 20 states. B. gather signatures from at least 100,000 people in each of 40 states. C. run as a major party candidate and raise at least $5,000 in individual contributions of $250 or less in each of 20 states. D. run as a major party candidate and raise at least $1 million in individual contributions of $250 or less in each of 40 states.

C. run as a major party candidate and raise at least $5,000 in individual contributions of $250 or less in each of 20 states.

A serious candidate for a U.S. House of Representatives race must raise at least ________ while a serious candidate for a U.S. Senate race must raise at least ________. A. several thousand dollars; several hundred thousand dollars B. several hundred thousand dollars; several thousand dollars C. several hundred thousand dollars; several million dollars D. several million dollars; several hundred thousand dollars

C. several hundred thousand dollars; several million dollars

Which of the following would be an example of a ballot initiative? A. A vote on whether recreational marijuana usage should be legalized in Missouri. B. A vote on whether the governor should be recalled from office. C. A vote on who will serve on the St. Peters city council. D. A vote on whether to overturn a law passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by the governor that imposes higher taxes on wealthy residents.

A. A vote on whether recreational marijuana usage should be legalized in Missouri.

What is the major significance of the Supreme Court's ruling in Buckley v. Valeo? A. Independent expenditures are considered protected speech. B. PACs can legally coordinate expenditures with political campaigns. C. A PAC's contributions to a political candidate cannot be limited. (n) D. Congress can limit overall campaign spending.

A. Independent expenditures are considered protected speech.

When citizens are allowed to put questions of public policy on a ballot for voters to decide, this is called a(n): A. Initiative B. Referendum C. Nonbinding resolution D. Ballot question

A. Initiative

Some people say that money buys elections. A more realistic statement would be that money: A. Is necessary but not sufficient for victory B. Doesn't count in American politics C. Only buys television time, and that's not enough D. Helps only the incumbent

A. Is necessary but not sufficient for victory

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

A. Legislative seats are given in proportion to the percentage of votes received by each party.

________ is the practice of tailoring campaign messages to individuals in small, homogenous groups. A. Micro-targeting B. Winnowing C. Message bundling D. Redlining

A. Micro-targeting

A political party platform is a: A. Statement of party policy goals B. Legal document describing party history C. Group of party bosses D. Place for party meetings

A. Statement of party policy goals

All of the following are factors cited by some scholars as disadvantages of voting by mail EXCEPT A. That it decreases voter participation. B. a lack of access to late information about candidates. C. that chances of fraud are increased. D. that it leads to a reduction of privacy.

A. That it decreases voter participation.

Which statement about party identification and gender in the United States is MOST accurate? A. Women are significantly more likely than men to identify with the Democratic Party, whereas more men identify as Republicans. B. There are no significant differences between men and women in terms of their political partisanship. C. A majority of men and women identify as Republicans, but more men than women identify with the Republican Party. D. Men are significantly more likely than women to identify with the Democratic Party, whereas more women identify as independents.

A. Women are significantly more likely than men to identify with the Democratic Party, whereas more men identify as Republicans.

When Richard Nixon employed his "southern strategy," he A. appealed to disaffected white voters in the South. B. used the FBI to help collect secrets and blackmail southern Democratic leaders. C. appealed to black southerners who had recently mobilized for civil rights. D. ignored the southern states in favor of voters in the Midwest and Northeast.

A. appealed to disaffected white voters in the South.

Presidential candidates who accept federal funding for their general election campaigns A. are subject to strict expenditure limits. B. can spend unlimited amounts of their own money but cannot spend any money donated to their campaign through a political action committee. C. can spend unlimited amounts of money donated to their campaign through a political action committee but cannot spend any of their own money. D. face no limits on their expenditures.

A. are subject to strict expenditure limits.

In order to win the presidency, a candidate must win A. at least 270 electoral votes. B. a majority of the popular vote. C. at least 26 state-level presidential elections. D. at least 300 electoral votes.

A. at least 270 electoral votes.

The McCain-Feingold Act A. banned most soft money contributions. B. passed over the veto of George W. Bush. C. has so far withstood every court challenge. D. ended public financing of presidential campaigns.

A. banned most soft money contributions.

Who typically sponsor initiatives, or initiative petitions? A. interest groups B. county governments C. state legislatures D. Congress

A. interest groups

Public funding for presidential primary campaigns A. matches, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, all contributions of $250 or less, up to a total of $48.7 million in 2016. B. provides $200 million for all candidates meeting the minimum requirements specified by law. C. provides $500 million for all candidates meeting the minimum requirements specified by law. D. is determined by a formula that weighs a presidential candidate's previous fundraising and number of votes received in previous elections.

A. matches, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, all contributions of $250 or less, up to a total of $48.7 million in 2016.

In Buckley v. Valeo (1976), the Supreme Court: A. ruled that limiting personal spending of a candidate violated the First Amendment. B. declared the entire Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 unconstitutional. C. invalidated contribution limits on PACs. D. limited the Federal Election Commission's enforcement authority.

A. ruled that limiting personal spending of a candidate violated the First Amendment.

Contributions to political parties designated for so-called "party-building" activities (not to directly promote a candidate) are known as A. soft money. B. PAC donations C. grants-in-kind D. extra-campaign E. contributions.corruption.

A. soft money.

Presidential elections are always held on what day? A. the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November B. whatever day is set by the Supreme Court for that specific year C. the last Tuesday before the last Wednesday in October D. the last Tuesday in October E. the second Tuesday in November F. the first Tuesday after a Monday after GroundHog Day

A. the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

In general elections for Congress, how many votes must a candidate receive in order to win? A. the most votes B. 50 percent of the vote C. a majority of the vote D. a preponderance of the votes

A. the most votes

A citizen can currently give no more than ________ per candidate for federal office per election in a given two-year election cycle. A. $1,000 B. $2,700 C. $5,000 D. $25,000

B. $2,700

The trend in control of American national campaigns and elections has been toward: A. Party-centered campaigns B. Candidate-centered campaigns C. Congressional-centered campaigns D. State-centered campaigns

B. Candidate-centered campaigns

Bernie Sanders ran as a Democrat in 2016 even though he was a registered independent. He had a LOT of enthusiastic supporters who were "Independents." Which kind of election was LEAST favorable to Sanders? A. Open Primary states B. Closed Primary states C. Caucus states D. Blanket Primary states

B. Closed Primary states

In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), the Supreme Court ruled that: A. The FEC cannot limit individual spending, but can limit corporate spending B. Corporations are people and can therefore spend as much as they want on political campaigns C. Government can place limits on corporate spending, but the limits must be "reasonable" D. The FEC does not have legal authority over corporations, only individuals E. Any limit on corporate donations is constitutional

B. Corporations are people and can therefore spend as much as they want on political campaigns

In 1971, Congress passed the ____, which created a federal bureaucratic structure to monitor and set limits on campaign contributions by individuals as well as provide public financing for presidential campaigns. A. Federal Communications Commission B. Federal Election Campaign Act C. Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act D. McCain-Feingold Act

B. Federal Election Campaign Act

The winner of the electoral college vote has NOT won the popular vote ________ time(s) in American history. A. One B. Four C. Ten D. thirty-four

B. Four

Who wants to make it more difficult for working class and poor people to vote? A. Democrats B. Republicans C. Socialists D. No one -- Americans of all political parties encourage everyone to vote

B. Republicans

_____ may raise unlimited contributions from corporations, unions, professional and business associations, and individuals for the purpose of making unlimited expenditures in favor of or against a candidate running for the presidency or for Congress. A. Political parties B. Super PACs C. Politicians D. Political action committees

B. Super PACs

The Democratic (Jeffersonian) Republicans were best known for their support of A. abolishing slavery. B. a weak national government, with the states retaining most powers. C. a strong national government, with little role for state governments. D. women's suffrage.

B. a weak national government, with the states retaining most powers.

The campaign funds raised and spent by 501(c)(4) organizations are called "dark money" because A. They are technically illegal under an unenforced provision of federal campaign finance law. B. donors and amounts contributed do not have to be made public. C. they can only be used during non-election years. D. they are only used to support candidates from relatively unknown third parties.

B. donors and amounts contributed do not have to be made public.

The right of candidates to spend their own money on running for office A. is limited by a cap of $50 million. B. is protected absolutely by the First Amendment, according to the Supreme Court. C. was forbidden by the Campaign Reform Act of 1974. D. is allowed only if the candidate could meet every personal dollar with a dollar of outside donations.

B. is protected absolutely by the First Amendment, according to the Supreme Court.

A 501(c)(4) A. is required to disclose where it gets its funds. B. may not spend more than half its revenue for political purposes. C. is required to disclose exactly how its money is spent. D. may not spend more than 10 percent of its revenue for political purposes.

B. may not spend more than half its revenue for political purposes.

Third-party candidates are better off under what system of election? A. plurality system B. proportional representation C. none of these systems is favorable to third parties. D. majority system

B. proportional representation

One of the earliest activities party workers engage in once the general election campaign begins is A. recruiting additional candidates to run for office. B. re-drawing each congressional district's lines. C. ensuring that citizens are registered to vote. D. forming a committee within Congress to determine campaign strategy.

B. re-drawing each congressional district's lines.

State ballot-access laws, such as registration fees and petition requirements, have the effect of A. increasing the number of third-party and independent candidates who can run for office. B. reducing the number of third-party and independent candidates who can run for office. C. increasing the number of people who are willing to vote for third-party candidates. D. reducing the number of people who are willing to vote for third-party candidates.

B. reducing the number of third-party and independent candidates who can run for office.

In modern political campaigns, ____ has/have recently emerged as a valuable tool in reaching the public. A. mass mailings B. social media C. virtual rallies D. newspaper editorial support

B. social media

Which of the following is the best example of direct democracy in practice in the United States? A. gerrymandering B. retrospective voting C. referendum D. issue advocacy

C. referendum

Which of the following voter combinations fits BEST into the Democratic Party coalition? A. Young, African American conservative B. White, upper-middle-class Protestant C. Jewish, urban laborer, over 50 D. Southern, well-educated suburbanite

C. Jewish, urban laborer, over 50

Generally speaking, turnout in the United States is: A. Much higher than in most other democracies B. Slightly higher than in most other democracies C. Lower than in most other democracies D. About the same as in most other democracies.

C. Lower than in most other democracies

According to the text and lecture, George Washington: A. Never addressed the question of political parties B. Was a strong advocate for the formation of political parties C. Saw political parties as a negative influence on the political system D. Was responsible for forming the first political parties

C. Saw political parties as a negative influence on the political system

Super PACs were made possible in part by the A. Federal Election Campaign Act. B. Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. C. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. D. Supreme Court's decision in Buckley v. Valeo.

C. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.

Who selects the president if no candidate receives a majority of the electoral vote? A. The Senate B. The Supreme Court C. The House of Representatives D. None of the above

C. The House of Representatives

Which of the following statements concerning third parties is true? A. The earliest third parties in the United States arose as a result of the Great Depression. B. Third parties almost always win at the national level. C. Third parties often have their programs adopted by one of the two major parties. D. Third parties are often long-lived.

C. Third parties often have their programs adopted by one of the two major parties.

The Republican party was formed A. as a coalition of pro-slavery forces B. in response to Thomas Jefferson's call for states rights C. as a coalition of anti-slavery forces D. after suffering persecution under the Alien and Sedition Acts

C. as a coalition of anti-slavery forces

A(n) ________ occurs when a voter must be registered with a party prior to voting in that party's election. A. majority system B. open primary C. closed primary D. Referendum

C. closed primary

What is the MOST important factor in predicting whether an individual votes? A. sexual orientation B. race C. education level D. religious affiliation

C. education level

Voter turnout in state and local elections is generally A. much higher than turnout in national elections. B. slightly higher than turnout in national elections. C. much lower than turnout in national elections. D. about the same as turnout in national elections.

C. much lower than turnout in national elections.

During the 2016 primaries, the Republican party establishment __________ Donald Trump during the primaries. This case illustrates the ___________ of political parties today. A. supported; corruption B. supported; strength C. opposed; weakness D. opposed; strength E. supported; weakness

C. opposed; weakness

Private groups that raise and distribute funds for election campaigns are called A. corporations. B. political parties. C. political action committees. D. political consulting firms.

C. political action committees.

Political parties hold primary elections or caucuses in order to A. vote on the party's platform. B. take nominations for leadership positions within the party. C. raise money to spend on the party's pre-selected candidate for the general election. D. select a single candidate to represent the party in the general election.

D. select a single candidate to represent the party in the general election.

In General, Democrats A. support higher taxes and cuts in social programs B. support cuts in military spending and deregulation of businesses C. support lower taxes and cuts in social programs D. support social programs and regulation of businesses

D. support social programs and regulation of businesses

527 committees are different from 501(c)(4) organizations because A. there are strict limits on the amount of money 527 committees can raise and spend. B. there are not strict limits on the amount of money 527 committees can raise and spend. C. 527 committees do not have to publicly report who their donors are and how much they gave. D. 501(c)(4) organizations do not have to publicly report who their donors are and how much they gave.

D. 501(c)(4) organizations do not have to publicly report who their donors are and how much they gave.

Which of the following would be an example of a referendum? A. A vote on whether recreational marijuana usage should be legalized in the state of California. B. A vote on whether the governor of the state of Wisconsin should be recalled from office. C. A vote on who will serve on the Los Angeles city council. D. A vote on whether to overturn a law passed by the New York state legislature and signed by the governor of New York that imposes higher taxes on wealthy residents.

D. A vote on whether to overturn a law passed by the New York state legislature and signed by the governor of New York that imposes higher taxes on wealthy residents.

A state's electoral votes can be calculated by: A. Dividing the number of eligible voters that it has by ten B. Counting the number of senators that it has C. Counting the number of members that it has in its own legislature D. Adding together the number of representatives and senators that it has

D. Adding together the number of representatives and senators that it has

Under the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002, soft money contributions to national parties are: A. Not addressed B. Limited to $25,000 per election year C. Unlimited D. Banned

D. Banned

Bernie Sanders ran as a Democrat in 2016 even though he was a registered independent. He had a LOT of enthusiastic supporters who were "Independents." Which kind of election was LEAST favorable to Sanders? A. Blanket Primary states B. Caucus states C. Open Primary states D. Closed Primary states

D. Closed Primary states

________ occurs when one party controls the presidency while another party controls one or both houses of Congress. A. Internal mobilization B. An electoral realignment C. External mobilization D. Divided government

D. Divided government

The original party system in the US pitted the ______ and the _______. A. Whigs; Democratic Republicans B. Democrats; Republicans C. Whigs; Federalists D. Federalists; Democratic Republicans

D. Federalists; Democratic Republicans

In the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Court: A. Allowed the plaintiff to bypass the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act altogether and directly give campaign contributions to all desirable candidates B. Changed its previous decision on election advertising C. Allowed the defendants to recover campaign spending costs D. Struck down a part of the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act, thus allowing corporations and unions to spend money in support of candidates

D. Struck down a part of the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act, thus allowing corporations and unions to spend money in support of candidates

Which of the following statements about the current Republican Party is most accurate? A. The Republican Party is divided between libertarians, who favor more government regulation of the economy, and far-right conservatives, who demand higher levels of immigration. B. There are currently no important divisions within the Republican Party. C. The Republican Party is divided between pro-business conservatives, who favor high tariffs, and libertarians, who want more government regulation of the economy. D. The Republican Party is divided between pro-business conservatives, who favor global free trade, and far-right conservatives, who are opposed to U.S. involvement in the global economy.

D. The Republican Party is divided between pro-business conservatives, who favor global free trade, and far-right conservatives, who are opposed to U.S. involvement in the global economy.

Lil Nas X rides his horse up to his voting station and the election judge asks him which party's ballot he would like to vote on (cast a ballot) today. He is in: A. a caucus state B. a gerrymandered system C. a closed primary state D. an open primary state E. a pure democracy F. None of these: since his music is clearly not pure Country, his vote will not be counted

D. an open primary state

527 committees are an important part of the American political system because they A. operate the caucuses of each of the two main political parties. B. work closely with political parties to coordinate election campaign strategies and fund-raising efforts. C. are charged with enforcing the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. D. are able to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money as long as they do not coordinate their activities with a political party.

D. are able to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money as long as they do not coordinate their activities with a political party.

One-party dominance in House districts tends to produce winning candidates that are A. more willing to work with members of the opposite party. B. highly beholden to their party. C. All these answers are correct. D. more extremely ideological. E. easy to control by House Party leaders.

D. more extremely ideological.

A political party is an organization A. that collects fees from its members in order to pay the salaries of government officials. B. that falls under section 501(c)(4) of the United States tax code. C. established by the Constitution to nominate candidates. D. that tries to influence the government by getting its members elected to office.

D. that tries to influence the government by getting its members elected to office.

Which of the following has an impact on the outcome of elections? A. campaign rules (laws) B. electoral system (First Past the Post) C. Voter ID laws D. voter registration requirements E. all of these can affect the outcome of an election

E. all of these can affect the outcome of an election

True or False: Roesler (and others) support purely electronic voting since it is more secure and transparent.

False

True or False: Stephen Colbert's reason for forming his SuperPAC (based on the clips from the lecture) was to promote the idea that all people (including corporations) should be treated equally.

False

True or False: The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) is a powerful watchdog that has successfully kept US elections free from the influence of wealthy donors.

False

True or False: Trump's financial advantage was key to his 2016 election win.

False