Unit 4 Test

Question 1

What is the winner-take-all system in relation to third-party candidates?

Answer 1

Only one candidate wins per race, leaving no representation for parties that don’t win majority

This system generally favors the two major parties.

Question 2

What is the impact of third parties on elections?

Answer 2

• Draw votes away from major-party candidates
• Introduce new ideas absorbed by major parties

This influences policy agendas.

Question 3

What is the current relationship between voters and political parties?

Answer 3

Voters increasingly identify as independent, party loyalty has weakened

Split-ticket voting is more common.

Question 4

Define realignment in political terms.

Answer 4

A major, lasting shift in the coalition of voters supporting each party

This can significantly change the political landscape.

Question 5

What is the impact of ticket-splitting?

Answer 5

Weakens party cohesion, can produce divided government

Shows a reduction in party loyalty.

Question 6

How often does the national party convention meet?

Answer 6

Every 4 years

Its purposes include formally nominating candidates and adopting the party platform.

Question 7

What do elections based on the plurality system discourage?

Answer 7

Discourage third parties and independent candidates

Votes for a candidate who is going to lose are considered wasted.

Question 8

List some disadvantages of the current primary system.

Answer 8

• Low and unrepresentative voter turnout
• States with earlier primaries have more influence
• Long and expensive process
• More extreme nominees

Extreme voters dominate primary elections, making it harder to gain mass appeal.

Question 9

Identify the differences between a presidential and congressional campaign.

Answer 9

• Presidential: National, more expensive, highly covered
• Congressional: District/state level, less expensive, local media coverage

Incumbents have an advantage in congressional campaigns.

Question 10

What are coattails and why are they significant?

Answer 10

The tendency for a congressional candidate to appeal to voters by connecting to the president of the same party

This can influence election outcomes.

Question 11

Define malapportionment and gerrymandering.

Answer 11

• Malapportionment: Unequal distribution of population among districts
• Gerrymandering: Drawing district boundaries for political advantage

Both practices can distort electoral fairness.

Question 12

What is the difference between a candidate running for a presidential nomination versus the general election?

Answer 12

• Nomination: Competes in primaries, appeals to party members
• General election: Appeals to all voters, messaging is more moderate

Candidates adjust their strategies based on the election stage.

Question 13

What is a ‘clothespin’ vote?

Answer 13

Voting for a candidate believed to be the lesser of two evils

Reflects voter dissatisfaction with available choices.

Question 14

Identify the types of primaries: closed, open, and blanket.

Answer 14

• Closed primary: Only registered members can vote
• Open primary: Any registered voter can participate
• Blanket primary: All candidates on a single ballot

The format affects voter participation and candidate selection.

Question 15

What impact does a debate have on a presidential election?

Answer 15

Can shape public perception, most impactful to undecided voters

Rarely changes minds of committed partisans.

Question 16

What is soft money?

Answer 16

Money donated to political parties for ‘party-building’ activities, unregulated by the FEC

The McCain-Feingold Act banned soft money.

Question 17

What is frontloading?

Answer 17

States moving their primaries earlier to gain more influence

This can affect the nomination process.

Question 18

Who determines the rules for primary elections?

Answer 18

Political parties set the rules, states determine format and timing

This can lead to variations in primary processes.

Question 19

What is the significance of the McCain-Feingold Act?

Answer 19

Banned soft money donations, restricted issue ads, raised limits on hard money

Aimed at reforming campaign finance.

Question 20

What is the significance of Buckley v. Valeo?

Answer 20

Spending money on campaigns is protected speech, limits on contributions but not on personal spending

This case influenced campaign finance laws.

Question 21

Define an interest group.

Answer 21

An organization of people sharing a common interest wanting to influence public policy

People join for political power, benefits, and to pursue goals.

Question 22

What are lobbying and electioneering, and which is more influential?

Answer 22

• Lobbying: Directly contacting legislators to influence policy
• Electioneering: Working to elect or defeat candidates

Lobbying is considered more influential.

Question 23

What protects members of interest groups?

Answer 23

The First Amendment protects free speech, assembly, and petition

These rights are heavily utilized by interest groups.

Question 24

What is the Hatch Act?

Answer 24

Prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities on duty

Aims to prevent the use of federal bureaucracy for campaigning.

Question 25

What is the significance of **Citizens United v. FEC**?

Answer 25

Governments cannot restrict independent political expenditures by corporations, political spending is free speech ## Footnote Led to the creation of Super PACs.

Question 26

What is the difference between a **PAC** and a **Super PAC**?

Answer 26

* PACs: Can contribute directly to candidates, fundraising limits * Super PACs: Cannot contribute directly, no fundraising limits ## Footnote Super PACs cannot coordinate directly with candidates.

Question 27

What did the **Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946** do?

Answer 27

Required lobbyists to register and disclose who they represent and spending ## Footnote Attempted to regulate lobbying but had loopholes.

Question 28

Why are **interest groups** more common in the United States?

Answer 28

The First Amendment protects them and they can influence government in multiple ways ## Footnote This encourages their formation and activity.

Question 29

Define **linkage institution** and give examples.

Answer 29

Organizations connecting citizens to government policymakers ## Footnote Examples include political parties, interest groups, elections, and media.

Question 30

What do most Americans rely on for their **news**?

Answer 30

Television and social media news ## Footnote These platforms reach the most people.

Question 31

When Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein wrote of Watergate, what were the journalists acting as?

Answer 31

Watchdogs ## Footnote They investigated and exposed government corruption.

Question 32

What regulates **radio and television broadcasting**?

Answer 32

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) ## Footnote It is an independent regulatory agency.

Question 33

What is the **equal time rule**?

Answer 33

An FCC rule requiring equal time for opposing candidates on air ## Footnote Ensures fairness in broadcasting.

Question 34

What is the difference between **routine, insider, and feature stories**?

Answer 34

* Routine: Coverage of standard events * Insider: Information leaked to journalists * Feature: In-depth investigative pieces ## Footnote Each type varies in depth and resource requirements.

Question 35

Identify the difference between a **press release**, **press briefing**, and **press conference**.

Answer 35

* Press release: Written statement to the media * Press briefing: Regular meeting with a spokesperson * Press conference: Formal event with statements and questions ## Footnote Each serves a different purpose in media communication.