POLITICAL SCIENCE POLITICAL PARTIES CHAPTER 10 WEB/ CHAPTER 13 BOOK

The fact that party workers, candidates, and members acto somewhat independently highlights the 3 facets of political

1. The party organization 2. the party in government 3. the party in the electorate These separate components allow a party to carry out a number of functions, increasing its influence over both government and public policy.

Platforms What is a party platform?

E. a document exemplifying the core principles, values, and policy positions of a political party Right! Party platforms lay out the principles, values, and policy positions of a political party.

Which of the following is NOT a typical resource provided to candidates for office by the national committees of each party?

E. campaign staff management Right! Management of campaign staff is not listed among the resources that the national committee provides to candidates for office.

party platform

The document or statement developed by a political party to include its official positions on issues of public concern...

Duverger's Law

The principle by which political systems with single-member plurality districts are likely to have a two-party system...

Who are considered the fathers of American political parties?

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton Correct. Jefferson and Hamilton are considered the fathers of American political parties.

independents

Those who decline to state a political party affiliation on their voter registration form...

A critical election

is one in which groups of voters change their loyalty from one party to another.

Which of the following events (among others) engendered the political uncertainty of the 1970s and 1980s?

the Watergate scandal Correct. The Watergate scandal, and President Nixon's ensuing resignation over it, contributed to the political uncertainty of the 1970s and 1980s (among other things like the Vietnam War and partisan realignment of the South).

The power of which of the following appears to be increasing?

the party in government Correct. The power of the party in government appears to be increasing.

During the era of Republican Party dominance, the political agenda focused on which of the following issues (among others)?

women's suffrage Correct. The political agenda during the era of Republican Party dominance focused on women's suffrage (along with other issues).

Looking at Party Platform 2, what are three of the most common words? (Words repeated frequently appear larger.)

America, opportunity, government Right! "America," "opportunity," and "government" are three of the primary words from the second platform.

Which of the following positions is NOT included in the preamble to the 2012 Republican platform?

American diversity is the key to future success. The Republican preamble does NOT mention diversity.

If you click the link to the volunteer page on the GOP site, you get a brief description of some of the things party volunteers are expected to do. Which of the following is among these activities?

C. making phone calls Right! Volunteer activities include work like making phone calls, knocking on doors, distributing literature, and so on.

Where are party platforms approved?

C. national party conventions Right! Party platforms are approved at national conventions.

electoral realignment

If this dramatic change in party loyalty persists for several elections, it is known as an

Which of the following represents a notable instance of party members working across party lines?

Southern Democrats voting to oppose healthcare reform Correct. Party members notably worked across party lines when some Southern Democrats voted to oppose health care reform.

Which part of the Constitution discusses political parties?

The Constitution does not discuss political parties. Correct. Political parties are not discussed in the Constitution.

What action did the Blue Dog Democrats take with regard to health care reform?

They defied party leadership. Correct. The Blue Dog Democrats defied party leadership on the issue of health care reform.

The RNC is which of the following?

a national-level party organization Correct. The RNC, or Republican National Committee, is a national-level party organization.

Who participated in the vote to elect Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House in 2007?

all representatives in the House Correct. All representatives in the House participated in the vote to elect Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House in 2007.

The 1960 presidential debate led to which of the following?

elevation of candidate characteristics over partisan affiliation Correct. The 1960 presidential debate led to the elevation of candidate characteristics over partisan affiliation.

Which of the following would be considered a disadvantage of the two-party system?

limited access to minor parties Correct. Limited access to third or minor parties would be considered a disadvantage of the American two-party system.

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1888 stipulated that public employees be hired according to what criteria?

merit Correct. The Pendleton Act stipulated that public employees be hired based on merit.

Since the 1950s, Republicans and Democrats have become which of the following?

more polarized Correct. Republicans and Democrats have become more polarized since the 1950s.

In the 21st century, Americans have increasingly come to identify with which of the following?

no party Correct. Over the last decade, more and more Americans have abandoned the two major parties and identified themselves as independents.

The era of Republican Party dominance is also known as what?

the Progressive Era Correct. The era of Republican Party dominance is also known as the Progressive Era.

initiative

A means by which voters consider measures to change local ordinances, state statutes, or constitutions...

referendum

A means for citizens to participate in policymaking by voting directly on a variety of measures, including initiatives or recalls....

recall

A means for voters to remove an elected official before the expiration of the officeholder's term...

political machines

A party organization at the state or local level that sought political influence by offering rewards, in the form of government jobs and services, to sympathetic voters and party workers...

Which of the following positions are included in the preamble to the 2012 Republican platform?

A. Americans who work hard and follow the rules can achieve anything. B. We need to look back to the Founding Fathers' original plan of government. C. U.S. foreign policy should be focused on opposing tyranny and oppression throughout the world. D. A large federal government with entitlement programs is unsustainable.

Which of the following positions are included in the introduction to the 2012 Democratic platform?

A. Americans who work hard and follow the rules should have the opportunity to earn a good living B. The American people have never failed, and that is the basis of future success. C. U.S. foreign policy should remain focused on restoring our alliances around the world. E. Economic security is best achieved by cutting programs and getting wealthy Americans to pay their fair share. Right! The Democratic platform emphasizes a fair tax code that eliminates tax breaks for corporations and wealthy individuals.

Which three American presidents does the Republican preamble quote?

A. Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Ronald Reagan Right! The Republican preamble quotes Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Ronald Reagan

When describing the ideal candidate for office, Max Haney refers to all of the following qualities?

A. having a good grasp on the responsibilities that the office brings C. knowing what opportunities you will have with that office to help the public D.having enough time, motivation, and money to put into the campaign E. being able and willing to speak honestly to your community about your opinions and views

Which of the following BEST describes the Republican Party's structure at the state and local levels?

A. independent groups comprised of voters and delegates Right! At the state and local levels, the Republican Party is organized into independently operating groups of voters and delegates.

According to George Getz, a major difference between the Libertarian Party and the Republican and Democratic parties is that the Libertarian Party favors which of the following?

A. limiting the federal government Right! Libertarians believe in limiting the federal government and reducing its involvement in the lives of American citizens.

According to Dan Geldon, what is the most challenging part of his job as the executive director of the College Democrats of America?

A. motivating young people to get involved and believe that they can make a difference Right! According to Dan Geldon, the most challenging part of his job as the executive director of the College Democrats of America is motivating young people to get involved and believe that they can make a difference.

Republicans Take Action The "Get Involved" page from the GOP site contains a number of links and buttons that represent ways for people to support the Republican Party. Which of the following is NOT included among these ways to get involved?

A. run for office Right! The page does not contain a link to help prospective candidates run for office under the Republican banner

Which of the following are typical resources provided to candidates for office by the national committees of each party?

A. technical and financial support B. national convention organization C. grassroots volunteer coordination D. campaign strategy development

Party Organization Which of the following are included among the organizations associated with the Democratic Party?

A. the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee C. the Democratic Governors' Association D. the Association of State Democratic Chairs E. the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

The Republican National Committee has which of the following purposes?

A. to supervise party fundraising B. to develop and promote the party platform C. to develop campaign strategies for Republican candidates D. to organize the Republican National Convention E. all of these options Right! The RNC supervises a number of party functions, including fundraising, organizing the Republican National Convention, developing campaign strategies, and developing and promoting the party platform.

If you want to get more involved in the political process with a party, which of the following can you do?

A. volunteer with a local campaign B. exercise your right to vote in a political party's primary or caucus C. register to vote as a member of a political party D. write a letter to the editor on behalf of a candidate or preferred policy position E. all of these options Right! All of these activities reflect political party involvement.

According to Max Haney, which of the following are among his job duties as chair of the Buncombe County Democratic Party?

A. working with local voters, volunteers, and politicians to further party goals B. promoting registered Democrats seeking elective office C. raising money to support party activities attending functions related to party goals

Who became the first Republican president?

Abraham Lincoln Correct. Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican president upon his election in 1860.

political party

An organized coalition of interests that seeks to influence government and policy by getting members elected to public office and by coordinating the actions of elected officials.

Based on the interviews with Dan Geldon and Christine Iverson, which of the following is MOST true of political parties?

B. Parties work year-round at the local, state, and federal levels. Right! Parties are constantly working at the local, state, and federal levels to organize people on behalf of their values and policy goals.

Which of the following BEST describes what a party platform is?

B. a written consensus describing what the party stands for Right! A party platform is a written consensus describing what the party stands for.

Which of the following words is common in both word clouds? (Words repeated frequently appear larger.)

B. dream Right! The word "dream" features prominently in both word clouds.

When describing the ideal candidate for office, Max Haney refers to all EXCEPT which of the following qualities?

B. having a substantial amount of previous experience in politics Right! When describing the ideal candidate for office, Max Haney does not state that the candidate should have a substantial amount of previous experience in politics.

Republicans Take Action The "Get Involved" page from the GOP site contains a number of links and buttons that represent ways for people to support the Republican Party. Which of the following are included among these ways to get involved?

B. take a survey C. sign a petition D. volunteer E. sign up for political education

Party Organization Which of the following is NOT included among the organizations associated with the Democratic Party?

B. the Democratic Presidential Nominating Committee Right! There is no organization known as the Democratic Presidential Nominating Committee; the Democratic National Committee (DNC) handles the process of nominating the party's presidential candidates.

Which of the following BEST describes how the two parties characterize the recession?

Both platforms refer to the recession as the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression; however, the Democratic platform refers to it in the past tense as a crisis caused by the Bush administration, while the Republican platform portrays it as an ongoing crisis caused by the Obama administration.

How does the Republican Party characterize itself in the preamble?

C. "the party of opportunity" Right! In the preamble to its platform, the Republican Party is referred to as "the party of opportunity."

Wordle Up Looking at Party Platform 1, what are three of the most common words? (Words repeated frequently appear larger.)

C. America, middle, country Right! The words "America," "middle," and "country" figure prominently in the first platform.

Which of the following is cited as evidence of the success of the 50-State Strategy?

C. Democrats winning a majority in the House of Representatives in 2006 Right! As evidence of the 50-State Strategy's "strong record of success," the page mentions how Democrats won a majority in the House of Representatives in the 2006 midterm elections (despite the fact that Republicans regained control of the House in 2010).

According to the three party voters, why should you care about politics? Choose the BEST answer.

C. It's a fundamental right as an American to express how you feel about the issues. Right! According to these party voters, you should care about politics because it's a fundamental right as an American to express how you feel about the issues

What lesson did Christine Iverson learn from the incident she describes involving the miniseries about the Reagans that CBS planned to air?

C. When you believe something is wrong and stand up and protest it, it's possible to have an impact on the outcome. Right! The incident about the Reagan miniseries taught Christine Iverson that when you believe something is wrong and stand up and protest it, it's possible to have an impact on the outcome.

According to George Getz, third parties like the Libertarians should do which of the following to increase their exposure?

C. write interesting and provocative pieces to get as much media coverage as possible Right! George Getz recommends that third parties write interesting and provocative pieces to get as much media coverage as possible.

The responsible party government model suggests which of the following?

Candidates should carry out campaign promises Correct. According to the responsible party government model, candidates should carry out campaign promises.

Which of the following positions is NOT included in the introduction to the 2012 Democratic platform?

D. Lower corporate taxes will result in lower unemployment Right! The Democratic platform emphasizes a fair tax code that eliminates tax breaks for corporations and wealthy individuals.

What do you think is the source material for each word cloud?

D. Platform 1 is from the Democratic Party, and Platform 2 is from the Republican Party. Right! The first word cloud was created from the Democratic Party platform, and the second from the Republican Party platform.

Why does Christine Iverson characterize politics as "an honorable profession"?

D. because in her experience, most of the people working in politics—on either side—deeply believe in the values they fight for Right! Christine Iverson characterizes politics as "an honorable profession" because in her experience, most of the people working in politics—on either side—deeply believe in the values they fight for.

According to Candlar Willis, what is the number one thing you can do to influence an election?

D. get other people to cast their votes Right! According to Candlar Willis, the number one thing you can do to influence an election is get other people to cast their votes.

According to Max Haney, which of the following is NOT among his job duties as chair of the Buncombe County Democratic Party?

D. supporting one Democratic candidate over another in a primary election Right! It is not the job of party leadership to support one candidate over another in primary elections. Selecting the winning candidate is the job of voters.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has which of the following purposes?

D. to provide financial and strategic assistance to Democrats running for state legislatures Right! The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee provides strategic services and financial assistance to Democratic leaders and candidates at the state legislative level.

What does the "Solid South" refer to?

Democratic Party dominance in Southern states following the Civil War Correct. The "Solid South" refers to the Democratic Party's dominance in Southern states following the Civil War.

Which of the following explains the reasons for the two-party system in the United States?

Duverger's Law Correct. Duverger's Law explains why the two-party system is entrenched in the United States.

According to George Getz, in what way does being a libertarian politician resemble being a baseball player on a farm team?

E. Doing a good job in local offices increases your chances of someday making it to Congress, just as excelling on a farm team increases your chances of getting called up to the major leagues. Right! George Getz uses his farm team analogy to explain how doing a good job in local offices increases your chances of someday making it to Congress, just as excelling on a farm team increases your chances of getting called up to the big leagues.

Candlar Willis notes that delegates often wind up being generally older than the bulk of the people they represent. To what factor(s) does he attribute this phenomenon?

E. You need to have a certain amount of spare time and financial resources to get into politics. Right! Candlar Willis suggests that the reason delegates often wind up being generally older than the bulk of the people they represent is because you need to have a certain amount of spare time and financial resources to get into politics.

Why was the time of the Monroe administration known as the Era of Good Feelings?

Electoral politics were dominated by the Democratic-Republicans Correct. The time of the Monroe administration was known as the Era of Good Feelings because electoral politics were dominated by one party, the Democratic-Republicans.

CENTRAL IDEAS FOR POLITICAL PARTIES

I. A political party consists of three separate components: the party organization, the party in government, and the party in the electorate. II. The United States is characterized by a two-party system. III. The U.S. political system has been dominated by the Republican and Democratic parties for most of its history.

How do both parties characterize the impact a president has on the problems the country faces?

Incorrect. Both parties suggest that the current administration has a significant impact on the course the country takes to solve its problems.

The election of 1860 divided the country between which of the following?

Northern and Southern states Correct. The election of 1860 divided the country between Northern and Southern states.

Assuming that the sentiments in the preamble to the Republican platform and the introduction to the Democratic platform are representative of each party as a whole, which of the following statements would the Republican Party be most likely to agree with AND the Democratic Party most likely to disagree with?

Only the Republican Party specifically discusses how the country would be stronger if the government were smaller and spent less.

Which of the following is true of party workers, candidates, and members?

They increase party influence over government. Correct. Party workers, candidates, and members increase party influence over government.

What function do minor parties serve in the political system?

They spotlight issues ignored by the major parties. Correct. Minor parties often spotlight issues ignored by the major parties.

party activists

Those who support a political party through campaign-related activities beyond voting...

A single event in which groups of voters switch party loyalty is known as what?

a critical election Correct. A critical election is an event in which groups of voters switch party loyalty.

Which of the following would be considered an advantage of the two-party system?

a guaranteed legislative majority Correct. A guaranteed legislative majority would be considered an advantage of the American two-party system.

How might the party in government try to enact the party agenda?

by coordinating executive and legislative actions Correct. The party in government might try to enact the party agenda by coordinating executive and legislative actions.

How might the national committee chair try to get state and local committees to adopt policy positions?

by threatening to withhold funding Correct. The national committee chair may try to get state and local committees to adopt policy positions by threatening to withhold funding.

Party activists may be described as which of the following?

contributors of resources Correct. Party activists may be described as contributors of resources.

Skim the table of contents for each party platform. Which of the following are topics addressed by both Democrats and Republicans?

decreasing unemployment ending the housing crisis maintaining military strength balancing the national budget Right! Both parties address the current financial crisis, military strength, unemployment, and the budget deficit.

Skim the table of contents for each party platform. Which of the following is NOT a topic addressed by both Democrats and Republicans?

expanding our national parks Right! Both parties address the current financial crisis, military strength, unemployment, and the budget deficit.

What issue caused a serious rift in the Whig Party?

expansion of slavery Correct. The expansion of slavery caused a serious rift in the Whig Party.

The goals of the Progressive Party centered on which of the following priorities (among others)?

expansion of women's suffrage Correct. The goals of the Progressive Party centered on the expansion of women's suffrage (among other things like antitrust laws and environmental conservation).

In 2012, a plurality of Americans (38 percent) identified themselves as which of the following?

independents Correct. According to a 2012 survey, independents outnumbered both Democrats and Republicans, with 38 percent of Americans identifying themselves that way.

Which parties existed at the time of the Founding?

none Correct. No political parties existed at the time of the Founding.

Based on the answers of all the party workers interviewed, which of the following represents the BEST definition of a political party?

people who share the same political goals and values AND who organize to elect candidates to political office Political parties are groups of people who share the same political goals and values and who organize to elect candidates to political office.

Which of the following BEST characterizes the relationship between the two major parties today?

polarization Correct. With congressional Democrats and Republicans further apart than at any time since Reconstruction, and the electorate following suit, polarization defines the current era in American politics.

President Franklin Roosevelt responded to the economic situation of the 1930s with which of the following measures (among others)?

public works projects Correct. President Franklin Roosevelt responded to the economic situation of the 1930s with public works projects (among other things like the New Deal and legislation to improve working conditions).

Which of the following tasks (among others) are party workers primarily responsible for?

raising money, mobilizing voters, and conducting research Correct. Party workers are responsible for raising funds, mobilizing people to vote, and conducting research on the opposition party and its candidates. They also sometimes help recruit candidates and develop political strategies.

The "Contract from America" succeeded in doing which of the following?

securing the House of Representatives for the Republicans Correct. The "Contract from America" succeeded in securing the House of Representatives for the Republicans.

The electoral system in the United States is characterized by which of the following?

single-member districts Correct. The electoral system in the United States is characterized by single-member districts.

Which event ended the era of Republican Party dominance?

the Stock Market Crash of 1929 Correct. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 ended the era of Republican Party dominance.

The Democratic-Republican Party was most closely aligned with which of the following?

the anti-Federalists Correct. The Democratic-Republican Party was most closely aligned with the anti-Federalists.

The political party formed by Andrew Jackson is the ancestor of which of the following?

the modern Democratic Party Correct. The political party formed by Andrew Jackson is the ancestor of the modern Democratic Party.

How does the Democratic Party characterize itself in the introduction?

the party of inclusion In the introduction to its platform, the Democratic Party is referred to as "the party of inclusion."

In his farewell address, George Washington outlined his views on which of the following?

the spirit of party as an aspect of human nature Correct. In his farewell address, George Washington outlined his views on the spirit of party as an aspect of human nature.

The party conventions that happen every four years have evolved to have which of the following purposes?

to formally nominate candidates and showcase the party While historically the party conventions were used to select the presidential nominee, they have evolved to the point that now they are used to formally nominate candidates and showcase the party.

Democrats Fan Out The 50-State Strategy called for Democrats to focus their efforts in what parts of the country?

traditionally conservative areas Right! The 50-State Strategy was a plan for Democrats to be competitive in every part of the country, even in traditionally "red" (or conservative) areas.

The Advantages of the American Two-Party System

•Fosters stability •Reflects median of public opinion •Checks and balances political power •Guarantees a legislative majority •Simplifies vote choice •Ensures a clear winner •Promotes accountability

The advantages of the American Two-Party System

•Fosters stability •Reflects median of public opinion •Checks and balances political power •Guarantees a legislative majority •Simplifies vote choice •Ensures a clear winner •Promotes accountability

The Disadvantages of the American Two-Party System

•Offers few new ideas •Tends to be slow to change •Engenders little difference in party platforms •Limits access to minor parties •Restricts vote choice •Discourages coalition building •Leads to polarized and adversarial politics