Tri 3 Gov Test

Based on the map above, a prediction that could be made about the 2016 election in Texas (TX) is that: a voter turnout increased in the 2016 election. b the number of eligible voters decreased in the 2016 election. c Democrats won the popular vote for president in 2016. d the electoral college vote was split between Democrats and Republicans.

:b. the number of eligible voters decreased in the 2016 election.

A person votes for Democratic candidates based on the belief that the policies of the Democratic Party will be personally beneficial. This type of voting matches which of the following voting behavior models? a Prospective voting b Retrospective voting c Split-ticket voting d Sociological voting

a Prospective voting

Which of the choices above makes a correct comparison between political parties and interest groups? a b c d

a.

Which of the following represents a consequence of candidate-centered electoral campaigns? a A decrease in the role of political parties in campaign management b A decrease in the number of third-party candidates on the ballot c A decrease in the amount of money spent on political campaigns d A decrease in voter outreach and mobilization efforts

a. A decrease in the role of political parties in campaign management

Which of the following best explains how parties link citizens to the electoral process? a Parties send volunteers to knock on doors to register voters. b Parties recruit candidates to run for election. c Parties research how best to frame issues in campaigns. d Parties determine the leadership of congressional committees.

a. Parties send volunteers to knock on doors to register voters.

Which of the comparisons shown above is an accurate comparison between the relative functions and electoral success of the two major political parties (Democratic and Republican) and third parties? a b c d

b.

Which of the following factors that influence voters' decision making during an election is the cartoonist poking fun at? a The party identification and ideological orientation of the candidate. b The candidate's personal characteristics. c The education and age of the candidate. d The candidate's knowledge of contemporary political issues.

b. The candidate's personal characteristics.

Which of the following describes the activities represented by data in the table? a Interest groups form political action committees (PACs) to nominate candidates during elections. b Government agencies receive a large portion of their funding from private interest groups, which affects their decisions. c Groups in American society form political action committees (PACs) so they can influence policy. d There are no limits on the amount of money an individual may contribute to a political action committee (PAC).

c. Groups in American society form political action committees (PACs) so they can influence policy.

The practice of "microtargeting" described in the passage is an even more powerful campaign tool for parties if they are able to: a command greater loyalty to their party platform. b attract a large audience for their national party conventions. c collect and manage large databases of information on specific groups of voters. d develop a unified message that appeals to a majority of voters.

c. collect and manage large databases of information on specific groups of voters.

The data in the graph best illustrate which of the following common criticisms of the electoral college? a Small states have fewer electoral votes than large states and therefore have no impact on presidential elections. b Individuals in small-population states have a greater impact on the electoral college than individuals in large- population states. c Candidates from states with a large number of electoral votes have a major advantage in the electoral college. d Smaller states have more electoral votes than larger states, which distorts the popular vote.

b. Individuals in small-population states have a greater impact on the electoral college than individuals in large- population states.

Which of the following scenarios is most related to the Twenty-Sixth Amendment? a A primary election is held to determine the candidate who will run as the Republican for the United States Senate. b An interest group purchases a television ad prior to an election. c An eighteen-year-old votes in a presidential election. d A woman votes in a local election.

c. An eighteen-year-old votes in a presidential election.

Which of the following criticisms of political campaigns is the author of the political cartoon most likely to agree with? a Political campaigns have not adequately adapted to the increase in social media usage in modern society. b Rising campaign costs and intensive fund-raising efforts make running for office too expensive for the average citizen. c The duration of election cycles is too long. d Candidates rely too heavily on professional consultants.

d. Candidates rely too heavily on professional consultants.

A chief executive officer (CEO) of a corporation believes that the Republican candidate for president will enact policies that are more beneficial to her business. The CEO donated the maximum amount allowed by law directly to the candidate's campaign fund. To increase the candidate's chances for election, the CEO also directed her corporation to donate funds to an independent political action committee to create ads criticizing the opposing candidate. According to the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which provision of the Constitution protects her actions? a Reserved powers in the Tenth Amendment. b Due process clause in the Fifth Amendment. c Freedom of association in the First Amendment. d Freedom of speech in the First Amendment.

d. Freedom of speech in the First Amendment.

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) urges its members to take action in support of what they term "animal friendly" legislation through their website. In addition to providing information about important issues that legislators may vote on, the nonprofit organization also describes the best ways to contact a legislator and tips on how best to interact with lawmakers. Which of the following is being illustrated in the scenario? a Interest groups sometimes form around a narrow set of issues with the goal of impacting policy making. b Interest groups lacking funding can overcome the free-rider problem by proposing legislation on their website. c Interest groups work to mobilize citizens and members of Congress to form an iron triangle. d Interest groups post messages on social media to request donations from members.

a. Interest groups sometimes form around a narrow set of issues with the goal of impacting policy making.

In 2002, Congress passed the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in an effort to regulate campaign finance by limiting the ability of corporations and unions to spend their general treasury funds on election communications. In 2010, the Supreme Court invalidated this provision of the act. Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority decision of the case? a The First Amendment allows corporations and unions to make independent expenditures regarding candidates for office. b The Fourth Amendment protects political action committees from excessive searches by protecting their identities during election campaigns. c The First Amendment allows candidates to spend as much as they want on their own campaigns. d The Fourth Amendment grants professional consultants and other campaign staff immunity from disclosing donor information.

a. The First Amendment allows corporations and unions to make independent expenditures regarding candidates for office.

A citizen who uses the rational choice model of voting behavior selects candidates for office based on a what is thought to be in the citizen's own self-interest b the label of the party running for office c predictions of how a candidate will perform in the future d the recent performance of the candidates running for office

a. what is thought to be in the citizen's own self-interest

Which of the following explains how The Federalist 10 relates to the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)? a Both regarded factions as destructive to liberty. b In both, a limited approach to government regulation was argued for. c In The Federalist 10, the author opted for stricter regulation of factions, whereas in Citizens United, petitioners argued that regulation was a violation of liberties. d The Federalist 10 supports free speech, whereas the Citizens United decision opposes free speech.

b. In both, a limited approach to government regulation was argued for

Which of the following is an effect of the Seventeenth Amendment? a State legislatures gained more power over national and local elections. b People could participate in the political process by directly electing the senators. c Suffrage for women greatly expanded in national elections. d African American males could vote in national and state elections

b. People could participate in the political process by directly electing the senators.

While the central goal of political parties is to win elections, parties can also support democracy. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates this relationship? a A political party changes its stance on environmental policy after its candidates receive large contributions from an energy company. b Political parties use the social media site Instagram to reach out to younger voters to inform them about upcoming elections and encourage them to register to vote. c The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure uses research given to it from the American Society of Civil Engineers when amending an infrastructure bill. d A former member of Congress takes a job as a political consultant to advise current members on their campaigns and raise money for elections.

b. Political parties use the social media site Instagram to reach out to younger voters to inform them about upcoming elections and encourage them to register to vote.

"Any candidate using Facebook can put a campaign message promising one thing in front of one group of voters while simultaneously running an ad with a completely opposite message in front of a different group of voters. The ads themselves are not posted anywhere for the general public to see (this is what's known as 'dark advertising'), and chances are, no one will ever be the wiser. That undermines the very idea of a 'marketplace of ideas,' says Ann Ravel, a former member of the Federal Election Commission who has long advocated stricter regulations on digital campaigning. 'The way to have a robust democracy is for people to hear all these ideas and make decisions and discuss," Ravel said. 'With microtargeting, that is not happening.'" Julia Carrie Wong, "'It Might Work Too Well:' the Dark Art of Political Advertising Online," The Guardian, March 19, 2018. Which of the following scenarios reflects the most direct effect of the practice described in the passage on the electoral process? a State legislatures will redraw the boundaries of electoral districts to group like-minded voters together. b Political parties will rely increasingly on social media advertising to reach different coalitions of voters. c Political campaigns will operate with greater transparency regarding the sources of their financing and advertising. d Political parties will play a greater role in recruiting qualified candidates capable of effectively communicating their party's policy agenda to potential voters.

b. Political parties will rely increasingly on social media advertising to reach different coalitions of voters.

Which of the following best explains why eligibility criteria vary by state as shown on the information graphic? a The Twenty-Sixth Amendment is not incorporated to the states. b States can create criteria for voting rights so long as they do not violate the United States Constitution. c The president is selected through the electoral college process, and therefore citizens do not actually have a real vote in presidential elections. d The Voting Rights Act guarantees that each state may determine its own procedures for elections.

b. States can create criteria for voting rights so long as they do not violate the United States Constitution.

Which of the following statements regarding political parties is true based on the graphic? a The Democratic Party has consistently favored states' rights. b The Republican Party initially emerged as an antislavery political party. c Regional interests have not played a major role in any of the party systems. d The Democratic and Republican Parties were the two major parties during the First Party System.

b. The Republican Party initially emerged as an antislavery political party.

A political science professor is researching the effects that the Fifteenth and Twenty-Sixth Amendments have had on the American political system. Which of the following is the most likely reason the professor is researching these amendments a. To study the expansion of the right to equal protection under the law. b. To study the expansion of voting rights. c. To study the expansion of due process rights. d. To study the expansion of federal authority over states.

b. To study the expansion of voting rights.This answer is correct.

Supporters of voting restrictions are most likely to make which of the following arguments? a Voting restrictions are needed to reduce the length of time it takes to vote. b Voting restrictions are needed to prevent voter fraud. c Voting restrictions help reduce the cost of elections. d Voting restrictions increase the accuracy of tracking polls.

b. Voting restrictions are needed to prevent voter fraud.

Which of the following scenarios best represents an example of party-line voting? a A citizen always votes for the candidate who supports conservation of the environment. b A homeowner votes for a candidate based on the candidate's promise to lower property taxes. c A citizen casts votes for all Republicans based solely on the candidates' affiliation with the Republican Party. d A citizen votes for the incumbent member of the House of Representatives after receiving help processing his disability cla

c. A citizen casts votes for all Republicans based solely on the candidates' affiliation with the Republican Party.

Based on the table, which of the following political action committees (PACs) is most partisan in its allocation of contributions to candidates? a AT&T Inc. b National Beer Wholesalers Association c International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers d Lockheed Martin

c. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Which of the following is the best interpretation of the political cartoon? a Members of Congress are richer than the people they represent. b Members of Congress represent a wide diversity of political and economic interests. c Members of Congress receive political contributions from many special interest groups. d Members of Congress are specialists in economic policy issues.

c. Members of Congress receive political contributions from many special interest groups.

Which of the following best explains how most candidates are recruited to run for office? a Candidates for office usually first work as lawyers for political parties before running for office. b Most candidates who run for office are recruited by political leaders to do so because they are famous. c Political parties usually recruit and train people at the local level they believe are most fit to run for office. d Most candidates running for office are selected after earning merit working for the government.

c. Political parties usually recruit and train people at the local level they believe are most fit to run for office.

In 1980, a small group of parents personally affected by drunk driving formed the group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Over the past four decades, they have grown in number and have lobbied on state and local levels promoting legislation such as stricter limits on blood alcohol levels for drivers. MADD is an example of which of the following? a Political party with the goal of influencing public opinion. b Social movement with the goal of influencing the federal budget. c Single-issue group with the goal of impacting policy making. d Bureaucratic agency implementing policy.

c. Single-issue group with the goal of impacting policy making.

Which of the following arguments best supports a claim that the electoral college violates democratic principles? a The winner-take-all system encourages candidates to campaign in every state, which limits the attention each state will receive from the candidates. b Electors are chosen by the voters in each state, which gives parties undue influence over candidates' success. c Smaller states are disproportionately advantaged by the two additional electoral votes granted to each state for its senators. d The electoral college lacks transparency because electors frequently switch their vote during the national convention.

c. Smaller states are disproportionately advantaged by the two additional electoral votes granted to each state for its senators.

Two interest groups are competing for influence in Congress. One group represents banking institutions, while the other advocates for consumer protections. A critic of the influence of interest groups would make which of the following claims? a The interest groups will nominate a slate of candidates for office to compete against each other in the next election in order to determine which interests prevail. b The consumer protection group will appeal only to Republican leaders, while the banking interests will appeal only to Democratic leaders. c The banking interest group likely has greater financial resources and access to policy makers than the consumer protection group. d The consumer protection group is prohibited by federal regulations from direct lobbying.

c. The banking interest group likely has greater financial resources and access to policy makers than the consumer protection group.

If voters are acting according to the retrospective model of voting, which of the following will be the most important consideration in their decision? a The party affiliations of the candidates b The campaign promises made by the candidates c The effect of recent economic conditions on the voters d Whether the candidates will act in the best interest of the voters if elected

c. The effect of recent economic conditions on the voters

The America First Action is a super PAC led by former administrator of the Small Business Administration Linda McMahon. Which of the following best explains how the organization can operate to influence elections, according to the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010)? a The super PAC can be led by a former government official but cannot accept contributions from former officials. b The super PAC can spend unlimited funds and coordinate its campaign with candidate campaigns but must abide by "Stand by Your Ad" provisions. c The super PAC can spend unlimited money on issue-advocacy advertisements that are not coordinated with the campaign. d The super PAC can spend unlimited money on campaign expenditures but is subject to maximum contribution limits from donors.

c. The super PAC can spend unlimited money on issue-advocacy advertisements that are not coordinated with the campaign.

The graphic above illustrates which of the following statements about political parties? a Federalism leads to a multiparty system in which at least three parties generally compete for control of local, state, and national governments. b The founders refused to join political parties because they agreed that parties were contrary to the public interests, so parties did not form until well after the ratification of the Constitution. c There is an ongoing debate between political parties over the power and scope of the federal government, even as economic and demographic changes have altered party coalitions. d The Constitution settled the debate over the power of the federal government, but political parties formed nonetheless to help Congress organize itself over regional interests.

c. There is an ongoing debate between political parties over the power and scope of the federal government, even as economic and demographic changes have altered party coalitions.

Which of the following describes an effect of the Twenty-Fourth Amendment? a It assured equal access to places of public accommodation regardless of race. b It increased the importance of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. c It reduced barriers to political participation on the basis of gender. d It eliminated poll taxes.

d. It eliminated poll taxes.

Several states, including Georgia and Ohio, have passed laws that revoke voter registration if a person did not vote in recent election cycles. Which of the following is a likely consequence of these laws? a Voters would have a lower sense of efficacy, which would lead to lower turnout. b Citizens would have to pay a fine if they tried to vote, which will significantly lower turnout. c Younger voters will be less likely to register to vote since there is a chance their votes won't be counted. d Occasional voters will not be able to vote on election day, which could influence election results.

d. Occasional voters will not be able to vote on election day, which could influence election results.This answer is correct. 1/1

In which of the following ways do political parties primarily rely on to finance their election activities? a Parties rely primarily on tax revenue. b By winning elections, parties are able to fund government programs they care about. c Parties sell posters, stickers, buttons, and other products. d Parties solicit funds from private donors who oftentimes contribute large sums of money.

d. Parties solicit funds from private donors who oftentimes contribute large sums of money.

An important Senate race takes place in the state of Georgia. Rather than focus on the issue positions taken by the candidates, a 24-hour cable news station instead focuses primarily on poll results and campaign strategies using a "big board" to show the counties where each candidate has the most support. Which of the following is an effect of this type of new coverage? a The electorate will be increasingly divided along partisan lines. b The electorate will be more likely to turn out to vote on Election Day. c The electorate will be more likely to have expanded knowledge of the electoral process. d The electorate will be less able to accurately compare the policy platforms of candidates running in the election.

d. The electorate will be less able to accurately compare the policy platforms of candidates running in the election.

"...If we resort to violence then one of two things will happen: either the violence will be escalated and there will be many injuries and perhaps deaths on both sides, or there will be total demoralization of the workers. Nonviolence has exactly the opposite effect. If, for every violent act committed against us, we respond with nonviolence, we attract people's support. We can gather the support of millions who have a conscience and would rather see a nonviolent resolution to problems. We are convinced that when people are faced with a direct appeal from the poor struggling nonviolently against great odds, they will react positively. The American people and people everywhere still yearn for justice. It is to that yearning that we appeal. ...When victory comes through violence, it is a victory with strings attached. If we beat the growers at the expense of violence, victory would come at the expense of injury and perhaps death. Such a thing would have a tremendous impact on us. We would lose regard for human beings. Then the struggle would become a mechanical thing. When you lose your sense of life and justice, you lose your strength...." César Chávez, "He Showed Us the Way," 1978 Which of the following best describes César Chávez' view on the use of violence versus nonviolence? a The use of violence should be the primary tactic as it will address the feelings of frustration and anger throughout the movement. b The use of violence will motivate the American people as people everywhere still yearn for justice. c The use of nonviolent actions, such as demonstrations and marches, does not bring honor to the cause and will negatively impact the movement. d The use of nonviolent actions allows more people to be involved in the movement and effect change.

d. The use of nonviolent actions allows more people to be involved in the movement and effect change.

Critics of the winner-take-all aspect of the electoral college are most likely to make which of the following arguments? a The winner-take-all system of the electoral college undermines the rights of states. b A state's presidential election results rarely mirror a state's congressional election results. c The winner-take-all system of the electoral college drives presidential candidates to focus on winning states that are considered to be part of their core supporters. d The winner-take-all system of the electoral college encourages presidential candidates to focus their time and effort disproportionately on battleground states with larger populations.

d. The winner-take-all system of the electoral college encourages presidential candidates to focus their time and effort disproportionately on battleground states with larger populations.