11: Political Parties

When were parties the most stable and party organizations strongest? 1860–1932 1800–1824 1932–present 1824–1860

A fundamental and enduring shift in the party’s base of supporters is called a _____. realignment split ticket critical election polarization

Which of the following contributed to the rise of political machines during the Golden Age? Parties solidified support from whites by preventing participation by immigrants. Parties used physical force to prevent voters from casting unfavorable ballots. Parties doled out religious indulgences and get-out-of-jail-free cards to loyal members. Parties organized community events and provided things like housing and jobs.

Why did party organizations flourish under Jacksonian Democracy? The party organizations were able to take advantage of the dire economic circumstances to trade money for votes. The expansion of the electorate as property requirements were abolished. The national consensus regarding President Jackson’s success. Suffrage restrictions allowed parties to solidify their party organizations.

Who was the first U.S. president to be nominated at a large party convention rather than a small, undemocratic caucus? John Adams George Washington Andrew Jackson Thomas Jefferson

Which of the following is one of the most important activities for the parties? writing amicus curiae briefs for the Supreme Court conducting research on the causes of recent major political upheavals scrutinizing the campaign activities of the party’s sitting members of Congress recruiting candidates for local, state, and national office

Delegates to the national party conventions __________. are almost entirely white are selected by party voters in primaries and caucuses are always apportioned using a winner- take-all system are high-ranking party officials selected for their influence in the party

Which of the following serves as the fundamental building block and a source for the foot soldiers of the party organization? the precinct committee the congressional district committees national party committee the state party committee

How do the Democratic and Republican Parties differ in their selection of delegates to the national conventions? The Democratic Party requires a proportional system; the Republican Party requires a winner- take-all system. The Democratic Party requires a winner-take-all system; the Republican Party requires a proportional system. The Democratic Party allows states to choose between proportional and winner-take-all systems; the Republican Party requires states to use the winner-take-all system. The Democratic Party requires a proportional system; the Republican Party allows for a hybrid of proportional and winner-take-all systems.

Why are national party conventions important? They determine which candidates will run for which congressional seats. They function as the ultimate governing body for the parties. They raise all the money the party will need to operate during the upcoming year. They select candidates for primary elections.

Which tool is the most visible instrument that parties can use to formulate and communicate public policy? GOTV efforts National party platform Partisanship Caucusing

Which best describes fundraising for political candidates? Democratic candidates do not focus on fundraising in the ways that Republicans do, and rely mostly on grassroots efforts to earn favor within their parties. Democrat candidates have historically been more successful in fundraising efforts due to the overall wealth of Democratic party contributors. Republican candidates raise more money than Democrats, due largely to the personal wealth of Republican candidates versus Democratic candidates. Both major political parties can raise substantial funds because they have developed networks of donors that they can reach through a variety of methods.

How might parties in Congress dole out patronage? by lobbying the executive branch through pork-barrel projects through the franking privilege by giving out prime office locations to members of Congress

Which of the following activities do parties engage in to “get out the vote”? push polls promoting public policy opposition research micro-targeting

Which of the following is true about party identification? There is an increasing trend of people identifying as Republicans. There is an increasing trend of people identifying as Independents. The number of people who identify strongly with the parties is on the rise. There is an increasing trend of people identifying as Democrats.

Which of the following groups is most likely to identify as Republican? Hispanics women African Americans men

What is political socialization? the process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values a method of achieving social change through persuasive messages giving prospective voters negative or otherwise biased information about a candidate to influence their views a method by which voters are socialized into the political parties

What is the significance of swing states? States that are consistently Democratic-leaning that are considered big wins for Republican candidates States that candidates consider to be less important to win as opposed to the states that they historically win in elections States that are consistently Republican-leaning and considered big wins for Democratic candidates States that are closely contested between parties and can be won by either a Republican or Democrat, as they are not consistently beholden to one political ideology

Which modern minor party has a platform based on minimal government intervention in areas of both social and economic policy? Reform Green Independent Libertarian

Which of the following is a structural barrier to minor-party success in the United States? the winner-take-all electoral system proportional representation declining trust in the two major parties political apathy

Minor parties benefit from ____________. proportional representation declining trust in the two major parties the Electoral College system public financing rules

Which of the following was a minor party built around a charismatic leader and former President? the Bull Moose Party the Tea Party the NAACP the Green Party

Which of the following is a possible benefit of partisan polarization? clearer differences between the political parties increased legislative success in Congress greater incentives to compromise more moderate members of Congress

Which of the following news stories is most likely to reinforce perceptions of partisan polarization? coverage of a natural disaster in Turkey coverage of a congressional debate on abortion coverage of a legislative compromise between the White House and Congress coverage of a first lady’s visit to an elementary school to read to schoolchildren