Chapter 6 – Campaigns, Elections, and the Media Reading Comprehension Quiz Multiple Choice Questions 1. Members of the House of Representatives are elected for ______ -year terms. A. five B. four C. two D. six E. one Answer: C 2. Which of the following is NOT true about election rules in the United States? A. Elections for offices in the national government are held at regularly scheduled intervals. B. Terms of length in office for officials are fixed. C. The president is limited to serving two terms in office. D. All one hundred Senate seats are up for election every two years. E. Members of Congress do not have any term limits. Answer: D 3. Term limits for members of the U.S. Congress can be imposed only by A. state legislatures. B. congressional legislation. C. a public referendum. D. constitutional amendment. E. the president. Answer: D 4. An elected office that is predictably won by one party or the other is known as a(n) A. automatic office. B. safe seat. C. party lock. D. uncontested election. E. incumbent assurance. Answer: B 5. The inclination to focus on national issues, rather than local issues, in an election campaign is called A. candidate appeal. B. the incumbency advantage. C. national tide. D. coattails. E. coalition building. Answer: C 6. A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform is called a A. caucus. B. convention. C. referendum. D. rally. E. “beauty contest.” Answer: A 7. The entity created by the 1974 amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act to administer election reform laws is called the A. Task Force on Electoral Fairness. B. National Election Agency. C. Joint Committee on Election Oversight. D. Federal Election Commission. E. Agency for the Regulation of National Elections. Answer: D 8. Soft money refers to A. money raised in unlimited amounts by political parties for party-building purposes. B. money contributed by political candidates to their own campaigns. C. money contributed to political candidates from other candidates. D. money contributed to a candidate that is limited in amount and fully disclosed. E. None of the above Answer: A 9. Banning soft money became the primary objective of reformers and led to the passage of the A. Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. B. Soft Money Reform Act. C. Hard Money Limitation Act. D. Party-building Reform Act. E. Corruption in Financing Act. Answer: A 10. The Internet began as a(n) A. bet between two math professors. B. high school science experiment. C. outgrowth of IBM’s interest in telecommunications. D. 1960s Pentagon project. E. All of the above Answer: D 11. In the last half century, Americans have increased their reliance most on ___________ for information about candidates and issues. A. newspapers B. television news coverage C. television commercials D. political mailings E. None of the above Answer: C 12. The role media played in the Watergate scandal is an example of ____________ journalism. A. objective B. new C. investigatory D. convergence E. gonzo Answer: C 13. The horse race aspect of campaign coverage refers to the candidate’s A. running around the country. B. standing in the polls. C. winning profile. D. grassroots efforts in battleground states. E. election strategy. Answer: B 14. Almost 70 percent of the public thinks the press is A. biased toward a particular political party. B. more conservative than liberal. C. a watchdog of the government. D. more liberal than conservative. E. unlikely to mold public opinion. Answer: C 15. Which of the three branches of government receives the MOST attention from the media? A. They receive equal attention. B. Bureaucracy C. Legislative D. Executive E. Judicial Answer: D True/False Questions 1. When a presidential election goes to the House of Representatives, each state gets a number of votes equal to the number of members from that state. Answer: False 2. The system that allows political parties to secure legislative seats and power in proportion to the number of votes they receive in the election is known as winner-take-all. Answer: False 3. Most congressional elections are highly competitive and are determined by a relatively small number of votes. Answer: False 4. The main way of choosing delegates to the Democratic and Republican national conventions is presidential primaries. Answer: True 5. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act sets limits on independent expenditures. Answer: False 6. Congress has sought to regulate political contributions because large campaign contributors are suspected of improperly influencing public officials. Answer: True 7. Movement from financial support of the press by political parties to expanded circulation and more emphasis on advertising led to the development of the penny press. Answer: True 8. The FCC is discouraging the trend of expanding media conglomeration. Answer: False 9. Selective perception is the process by which we pick our political attitudes, values, and beliefs. Answer: False 10. The media tend to highlight the policy statements and voting records of candidates. Answer: False Chapter Examination Multiple Choice Questions 1. Voters in every state EXCEPT ________ must approve all changes in the state constitution. A. Alabama B. Delaware C. California D. Florida E. Wyoming Answer: B 2. If no candidate wins a majority of the electoral college votes, the president is chosen by A. the House of Representatives. B. the Senate. C. direct popular vote. D. the Supreme Court. E. state legislatures. Answer: A 3. Elections for members of Congress occur A. on the first weekend in September every odd-numbered year. B. on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years. C. only during leap years. D. on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. E. whenever each state determines that its seats in Congress should be up for election. Answer: D 4. The proportion of senators who are up for election at any one time is A. one-fifth. B. one-third. C. one-half. D. two-thirds. E. three-quarters. Answer: B 5. A politician who cannot, or has announced he or she will not, run again for his or her office is called A. a quitter. B. a lame duck. C. an enigma. D. a term limit. E. an incumbent. Answer: B 6. The _____________ Amendment limited the president to two terms in office. A. First B. Thirty-fifth C. Seventeenth D. Fifth E. Twenty-second Answer: E 7. An election system in which the candidate with the most votes wins is called A. first-to-the-backstretch. B. proportional representation. C. direct voting. D. winner-take-all. E. multimember districts. Answer: D 8. An electoral district in which voters choose one representative or official is known as A. proportional representation. B. a single-member district. C. a dominant-party district. D. a legislative district. E. gerrymandering. Answer: B 9. The system that allows political parties to secure legislative seats and power in proportion to the number of votes they receive in the election is called A. cumulative voting. B. winner-take-all system. C. direct voting. D. proportional representation. E. single-member districts. Answer: D 10. The framers of the U.S. Constitution created the electoral college because they A. wanted a proportional representation system for the presidency. B. desired to make it impossible for candidates from large states to become president. C. wanted to encourage states to use multimember districts for their legislatures. D. did not trust the choice of president to a direct vote of the people. E. All of the above Answer: D 11. To be elected president, a candidate must receive A. a plurality of electoral college votes. B. a majority of electoral college votes. C. a majority of states as well as electoral votes. D. a majority of the popular vote. E. All of the above Answer: B 12. When no candidate wins a majority in the electoral college, the House of Representatives chooses a president from A. the Senate. B. one of the governors of the states. C. among its own members. D. among the top three recipients of electoral votes. E. the Supreme Court. Answer: D 13. Which of the following is NOT true about the electoral college? A. State legislatures are free to determine how the states choose their electors. B. Each party nominates a slate of electors (who are usually longtime party workers) in each state. C. Most states use a winner-take-all system to allocate their electoral votes. D. No “faithless elector” has ever cast the deciding vote in a presidential election. E. A candidate does not need a majority of electoral votes to win the election. Answer: E 14. The method for choosing presidential electoral college votes or delegates is determined by A. party leaders. B. party caucus. C. state legislatures. D. the House of Representatives. E. the Supreme Court. Answer: C 15. All states EXCEPT ________ and _________ award all of their electoral college votes to the winner of the popular vote in their states. A. California, New York B. Ohio, Pennsylvania C. Texas, Florida D. Maine, Nebraska E. Iowa, New Hampshire Answer: D 16. A state’s electoral vote is determined by A. its population. B. previous voting patterns in presidential elections. C. a complicated formula devised by Congress. D. the number of square miles in the state. E. the number of its representatives and senators. Answer: E 17. In the 2000 presidential election, A. Al Gore won the popular vote while George Bush won a majority in the electoral college. B. George Bush narrowly won the popular vote and received 487 electoral votes. C. Al Gore and George Bush received an identical number of electoral votes. D. no candidate received a majority of electoral votes. E. George Bush won the popular vote while Al Gore won a majority in the electoral college. Answer: A 18. In how many elections has the winner of the popular vote NOT become president? A. Six B. Ten C. Four D. One E. Two Answer: C 19. The boost that congressional candidates may get in an election because of the popularity of presidential candidates from their party is called the ____ effect. A. party bonus B. presidential plus C. trickle-down D. coattail E. straight-line Answer: D 20. According to congressional elections scholar Gary Jacobson, the coattail effect is A. “erratic and usually modest.” B. “substantial and consistent.” C. “significant and growing.” D. “rapidly disappearing.” E. “a myth of epic proportion.” Answer: A 21. A national meeting of delegates elected in primaries, caucuses, or state conventions who assemble once every four years to nominate candidates for president and vice president, ratify the party platform, elect officers, and adopt rules is known as A. a national primary. B. a national party convention. C. the electoral college. D. the party referendum. E. a national party unity rally. Answer: B 22. Traditionally, the first states to pick delegates to the national conventions are A. California and Kentucky. B. Iowa and New Hampshire. C. Wyoming and Montana. D. Texas and Florida. E. Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Answer: B 23. In all of the midterm elections between 1934 and 1998, A. the Democrats gained seats in the House of Representatives. B. the party controlling the White House gained seats in the Senate. C. the party controlling the White House lost seats in the House of Representatives. D. there was no net change in the number of seats held in Congress by the two major parties. E. the Republicans gained seats in the Senate. Answer: C 24. In the 2010 election, A. Democrats lost seats in the House only. B. Democrats lost seats in the Senate only. C. Democrats lost seats in both the House and Senate. D. Republicans lost seats in both the House and Senate. E. Republicans lost seats in the Senate only. Answer: C 25. The tendency in elections to focus on the personal attributes of a candidate, such as his or her strengths, weaknesses, background, experience, and visibility, is known as A. candidate appeal. B. the incumbency advantage. C. party platforms. D. issue-oriented voting. E. the cult of personality. Answer: A 26. The re-election rate of House incumbents A. reached a high in 1964. B. is typically over 80 percent. C. reached its low point in 1932. D. is less than 60 percent in most elections. E. usually averages about 40 percent. Answer: B 27. Incumbents are generally better known than challengers, something called A. party loyalty. B. name recognition. C. frequency factors. D. partisan alliance. E. incumbency advantage. Answer: B 28. Compared to House elections, Senate elections A. are typically less competitive. B. feature weaker challengers to incumbents. C. have candidates who are less well-known. D. have lower levels of campaign spending. E. are generally more high-profile. Answer: E 29. Most delegates to the national nominating convention are chosen by A. referenda. B. state conventions. C. primary elections. D. state committees. E. party bosses. Answer: C 30. When states move their primary dates up in the calendar, it is called A. packing. B. early birding. C. creative scheduling. D. front loading. E. federal forwarding. Answer: D 31. To win their parties’ nominations, presidential candidates A. are required to win the Iowa caucus. B. must always raise more money than any of their opponents. C. typically have to appeal to the more ideologically intense individuals in their parties. D. usually avoid public appearances. E. try to adopt policy platforms most appealing to moderate, independent voters. Answer: C 32. A statement of party perspectives on public policy is known as the party’s A. record. B. convention. C. list. D. candidacy. E. platform. Answer: E 33. Presidential candidates are officially nominated by A. party caucuses. B. national party committees. C. national party conventions. D. presidential primaries. E. the electoral college. Answer: C 34. To be included in presidential debates, candidates must have an average of ____ percent or higher in the five major polls identified by the Commission on Presidential Debates. A. 51 B. 15 C. 5 D. 33.3 E. 80 Answer: B 35. Political contributions given to a party, candidate, or interest group that are limited in amount and fully disclosed are called A. soft money. B. easy money. C. hard money. D. watchdog money. E. public funding. Answer: C 36. Money spent on issue advocacy ads is A. limited to $1 million. B. limited to $100,000. C. limited to $10,000 per individual. D. unlimited. E. limited to $2,300. Answer: D 37. The BCRA banned which of the following types of campaign funding? A. Hard money B. Soft money C. Independent expenditures D. 527 group financing E. Issue advocacy Answer: B 38. Ads that typically attack a candidate, but allow the sponsor to avoid disclosure and contribution limitations because the ads do not use electioneering language such as “vote for” or “vote against” a specific candidate, are classified as A. issue advocacy. B. soft money. C. hard money. D. independent expenditures. E. 527 group money. Answer: A 39. Money spent by individuals or groups NOT associated with candidates to elect or defeat candidates for office is known as A. hard money. B. self-financing. C. outside intervention. D. independent expenditures. E. soft money. Answer: D 40. The media, in particular the print media, have been called the A. “fifth wheel.” B. “fourth branch of government.” C. “thorn in the side of politics.” D. “sword of the people.” E. “writ.” Answer: B 41. All of the following are considered mass media EXCEPT A. the Internet. B. newspapers. C. television. D. academic journals. E. radio. Answer: D 42. Fragmentation of the media audience has tended to A. cause media to focus on a certain demographic. B. counteract the impact of media conglomeration. C. increase the probability of media becoming more concentrated. D. create situations in which the media dictate what is right and what is wrong. E. make the audience less concerned with whether the information is true or false. Answer: B 43. ________ also allow(s) people to communicate and organize rapidly in response to political events. A. The Internet B. Newspapers C. Television D. Mass media E. Magazines Answer: A 44. One particularly important source of news on the radio is A. Rush Limbaugh. B. Thom Hartman. C. National Public Radio. D. Sirius. E. XM satellite radio. Answer: C 45. With cable television came A. less trained reporters. B. round-the-clock news coverage. C. less news on network news programs. D. less of a reliance on television for news. E. None of the above Answer: B 46. In the last 50 years, most voters now rely more on _______ for information about candidates than on news coverage. A. debates B. newspapers C. television commercials D. Jon Stewart E. cable news networks Answer: C 47. Which of the following has NOT become a national newspaper? A. Atlanta Constitution B. USA Today C. The Wall Street Journal D. The New York Times E. None of the above Answer: A 48. The technology that started as a Pentagon research project in the 1960s was A. the Internet. B. Myspace. C. CNN. D. Facebook. E. TV Guide. Answer: A 49. The fastest growing medium for the dissemination of political information is A. newspapers. B. the Internet. C. television. D. radio. E. news magazines. Answer: B 50. Young people make up a large percentage of users of which form of mass media? A. Radio B. Television C. Newspapers D. The Internet E. All of the above Answer: D 51. Currently, circulation for daily newspapers is approximately one copy for every ________ Americans. A. fifty B. twenty C. ten D. six E. two Answer: D 52. The audience for which medium is aging? A. Radio B. Television C. Newspapers D. The Internet E. Academic journals Answer: C 53. The first newspapers in the early 1800s were run by A. private individuals. B. companies. C. government. D. political parties. E. Thomas Jefferson. Answer: D 54. During the period between 1820 and 1830, newspapers began to shift their appeal away from elite readers and toward A. party members. B. business interests. C. the less educated masses. D. a more liberal audience. E. the more politically interested masses. Answer: C 55. Movement from financial support of the press by political parties to expanded circulation and more emphasis on advertising led to the development of the A. nickel press. B. reliance on home delivery. C. yearly subscription fees. D. penny press. E. quarterly subscription fees. Answer: D 56. Exaggeration and sensationalism are often associated with A. independent journalism. B. the free press. C. yellow journalism. D. accurate writing. E. new journalism. Answer: C 57. Jack Anderson and two young Washington Post news reporters, Robert Woodward and Carl Bernstein, broke the story of the A. Watergate scandal. B. Teapot Dome scandal. C. HUD scandal. D. Whitewater scandal. E. Pentagon papers. Answer: A 58. What newspaper broke the Watergate scandal? A. The Wall Street Journal B. The New York Times C. The Boston Globe D. The Washington Post E. USA Today Answer: D 59. The owner of Myspace.com and TV Guide is A. Rupert Murdoch. B. Steve Jobs. C. Bill Gates. D. Jeff Zuckerberg. E. Ted Turner. Answer: A 60. The mass media’s impact on most Americans is modified by their A. regionalism. B. viewing habits. C. lack of background. D. selective perception. E. None of the above Answer: D 61. The ability of television to present images and communicate events has A. eliminated radio’s importance in politics. B. influenced American public opinion. C. had very little effect politically. D. eliminated the importance of print media in politics. E. None of the above Answer: B 62. Recent studies of the media’s political reporting tend to be critical of their A. skimpy political coverage. B. partisan bias. C. repetitive coverage of issues. D. treatment of the election as a contest. E. lack of objectivity in their reporting. Answer: B 63. According to Table 6–3 of your book, journalists tend to identify with which party? A. Democratic B. Independent C. Republican D. They are nonpartisan. E. They are bipartisan. Answer: B 64. According to Table 6–3 of your book, policy makers tend to identify with which party? A. Democratic B. Independent C. Republican D. Policy makers are nonpartisan. E. Policy makers are bipartisan. Answer: A 65. According to Table 6–3 of your book, the public tends to identify with which self-described ideology? A. Right-wing conservatism B. Left-wing liberalism C. Liberalism D. Most people consider themselves moderate. E. Conservatism Answer: D 66. Campaign consultants help campaigns with all of the following EXCEPT A. professional advice and service. B. image making. C. opinion polling. D. selection of a candidate. E. advertising strategies. Answer: D 67. A common tendency in the media to focus more on who is ahead by how much rather than on substantive differences between the candidates is sometimes called (the) A. issue avoidance. B. rat race. C. horse race journalism. D. issue suppression. E. two-way avoidance. Answer: C 68. Lack of press attention to the policies that are implemented explains A. the gap that exists between national and local politics. B. the reason why we know little about heated legislative debate. C. the possibility of the government’s ability to manipulate what the press covers. D. in part why we know little about how government officials go about their business. E. None of the above Answer: D 69. When the media covers the candidate’s position in the polls compared with other candidates it is called A. a horse race. B. polling. C. negative advertising. D. jockeying. E. None of the above Answer: A 70. The horse race aspect of journalism refers to the candidate’s A. running around the country. B. standing in the polls. C. winning profile. D. grassroots efforts in battleground states. E. election strategy. Answer: B 71. The high cost of political campaigns can be linked to the cost of commercials in this medium. A. Radio B. Television C. Newspaper D. The Internet E. All of the above Answer: B 72. Which of the following is LEAST dependent on the press? A. The judiciary B. The executive branch C. Congress D. The House of Representatives E. The president Answer: A 73. Roughly what percentage of the public thinks the press is a watchdog of the government? A. 50 percent B. 60 percent C. 40 percent D. 70 percent E. 80 percent Answer: D True/False Questions 1. Members of the U.S. Senate are elected for six-year terms. Answer: True 2. Elections for members of Congress occur on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. Answer: True 3. Members of Congress are limited to serving a maximum of twelve years in each of the two chambers. Answer: False 4. Members of Congress have fixed terms, meaning the length of a term in office is specified, NOT indefinite. Answer: True 5. The Twenty-second Amendment to the Constitution, adopted in 1951, limits presidents to two terms. Answer: True 6. No states have term limits for the members of their state legislatures. Answer: False 7. Most electoral districts in the United States are single-member districts. Answer: True 8. The president and vice president of the United States are chosen indirectly through the electoral college. Answer: True 9. Maine and Nebraska have a district system in which the candidate who carries each congressional district gets that electoral vote and the candidate who carries the state gets the state’s two additional electoral votes. Answer: True 10. A safe seat is an elected office that is predictably won by one party or the other. Answer: True 11. The coattail effect refers to the boost that candidates may get in an election because of the popularity of presidential candidates from their party. Answer: True 12. Traditionally the president’s party has gained seats in the House of Representatives in midterm elections. Answer: False 13. In the 2010 elections, the Republicans gained seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Answer: True 14. Incumbents in the House of Representatives are almost always challenged for renomination from within their own party. Answer: False 15. The incumbency advantage refers to the tendency in elections to focus on the personal attributes of a candidate, such as his or her strengths, weaknesses, background, experience, and visibility. Answer: False 16. The inclination to focus on national issues, rather than local issues, in an election campaign is called national tide. Answer: True 17. A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform is called a referendum. Answer: False 18. A national meeting of delegates elected in primaries, caucuses, or state conventions who assemble once every four years to nominate candidates for president and vice president, ratify the party platform, elect officers, and adopt rules is known as a national party convention. Answer: True 19. Most delegates to the national nominating convention are chosen by primary elections. Answer: True 20. There is a way to run for president that avoids the primary election process. Answer: True 21. The system for electing delegates to the national party convention varies from state to state and often from one party to the other in the same state Answer: True 22. The 1974 campaign expense law placed new limits on the contributions and spending that could be made by candidates and party committees and strengthened disclosure laws. Answer: True 23. The Federal Election Commission was created by the 1974 amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act to administer election reform laws. Answer: True 24. Soft money is contributions made by individuals to political parties for the purpose of party building. Answer: True 25. The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 expanded the amount that candidates for federal office could spend on their campaigns. Answer: False 26. Hard money is money contributed to candidates that is specifically committed to electoral activity by that candidate. Answer: True 27. Loopholes in federal law regarding soft money and issue advocacy led to the passage of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. Answer: True 28. Mass media by definition disseminate messages over a large audience in order to make money. Answer: True 29. National Public Radio is an important source of news on the radio. Answer: True 30. In modern times the influence of newspapers has waned as a main source of information in politics. Answer: True 31. Political campaigns no longer use radio to communicate with voters. Answer: False 32. Politicians and candidates are divided on whether or not success in Internet fund-raising will change how politics is financed. Answer: False 33. During the 1820s and 1830s, newspapers began shifting their appeal toward the more politically interested masses. Answer: False 34. Exaggeration and sensationalism are often associated with yellow journalism. Answer: True 35. The role media played in the Watergate scandal is a good example of investigatory journalism. Answer: True 36. America’s public opinion is not influenced by the images and events covered by television. Answer: False 37. Mass media’s impact on most Americans is modified by political socialization. Answer: True 38. The family is often NOT the most important factor in political socialization. Answer: False 39. How citizens interpret information from politicians depends upon recall ability, political socialization, and selectivity. Answer: True 40. When individuals screen out those messages that do NOT conform to their own biases, they are said to be practicing selective exposure. Answer: True 41. Selectivity refers to the development of political attitudes, values, and beliefs. Answer: False 42. Recent studies of the media have been concerned with and critical of partisan bias in the media. Answer: True 43. Media consultants are playing an increasingly important role in political campaigns. Answer: True 44. Of the three branches of government, the Supreme Court is the least dependent on the press. Answer: True 45. Political socialization refers to the process of screening out messages that are inconsistent with previously held views. Answer: False 46. A candidate is likely to ask a campaign consultant what color looks good on him or her. Answer: True 47. The media have a tendency to focus more attention on candidates in the lead. Answer: True 48. Campaign advertising has recently taken on a much more positive tone with regard to the opposing candidate. Answer: False 49. For a potential candidate, looking and sounding good on television is increasingly important. Answer: True 50. Most Americans believe that the media are a valuable watchdog over government. Answer: True Short Answer Questions 1. Define lame ducks and explain the implications of term limits for lame ducks. Answer: Lame Ducks: Lame ducks are elected officials who are serving out their term after losing re-election or being term-limited. Term limits can exacerbate this effect by reducing the incentive for lame ducks to focus on long-term policy goals, as their time in office is limited. 2. Define term limits and evaluate their use for offices in the national government. Answer: Term Limits: Term limits restrict the number of terms an elected official can serve. They promote turnover and prevent the entrenchment of power but can also limit experienced leadership and continuity in government. 3. What are electors and how are they chosen? Answer: Electors: Electors are members of the Electoral College who formally elect the President and Vice President. They are chosen by political parties in each state, often based on the popular vote outcome in their state. 4. Discuss how a presidential election would be decided if no candidate won the majority of electoral votes. Answer: Presidential Election Decider: If no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the election is decided by the House of Representatives, which chooses among the top three candidates, with each state delegation casting one vote. 5. Define the coattail effect and explain its impact on congressional elections. Answer: Coattail Effect: The coattail effect occurs when a popular presidential candidate helps their party win additional seats in Congress. It can significantly impact congressional elections by boosting candidates from the same party. 6. Define national tide and explain its significance in congressional elections. Answer: National Tide: National tide refers to the influence of the overall national political climate on congressional elections. It can sway voters' preferences towards or against the party in power, affecting election outcomes. 7. Define candidate appeal and explain its significance in congressional elections. Answer: Candidate Appeal: Candidate appeal refers to the personal charisma, image, and perceived competence of a candidate. It is significant in congressional elections as it can influence voter perceptions and sway election outcomes beyond party affiliation. 8. Identify two systems for choosing delegates to national party conventions resulting from different combinations of the popularity vote and the actual vote for delegates. Answer: Delegate Selection Systems: Winner-Take-All: The candidate receiving the most votes gets all delegates. Proportional Representation: Delegates are awarded based on the proportion of votes received. 9. Describe the dilemma presidential hopefuls face in designing strategies for primary and general elections. Answer: Presidential Strategy Dilemma: Presidential candidates must balance appealing to primary voters with more partisan stances while preparing to attract a broader, more moderate electorate in the general election. 10. What is soft money and how did the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act affect it? Answer: Soft Money: Soft money is unregulated funds used for party activities. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) restricted its use for federal elections, directing funds to be more transparent and regulated. 11. Identify four continuing problems with campaign finance. Answer: Campaign Finance Problems: • Influence of Super PACs: They can raise unlimited funds and influence elections, often leading to potential conflicts of interest. • Lack of Transparency: Donors and expenditures are not always fully disclosed, complicating public understanding of campaign funding sources. • Increased Spending: High campaign costs can disproportionately favor wealthier candidates and interests. • Legal Loopholes: Existing laws may have loopholes that undermine the intended restrictions and transparency. 12. Why is the news media considered “the fourth branch of government”? Answer: News Media as the Fourth Branch: The news media is termed the "fourth branch" due to its role in scrutinizing government actions, shaping public opinion, and providing critical checks on power, complementing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. 13. What type of news media does a better job of covering politics and why? Answer: Type of News Media: Specialized political news outlets often provide more in-depth and comprehensive political coverage due to their focus on detailed analysis and reporting. 14. What forms of media make up the news media? Answer: Forms of Media: The news media includes print (newspapers and magazines), broadcast (television and radio), and digital media (websites and social media platforms). 15. What are two causes for the decline in newspaper circulation? Answer: Decline in Newspaper Circulation: Increased online media consumption and declining advertising revenue are primary causes of the decline in newspaper circulation. 16. Where did the Internet’s humble beginnings take place? Discuss one way in which the Internet has changed politics. Answer: Internet’s Beginnings: The Internet began as ARPANET in the late 1960s. It has changed politics by enabling rapid dissemination of information and increasing direct engagement with voters. 17. What were two factors in the 1800s that changed how newspapers were financed? Answer: 1800s Newspaper Financing Changes: The advent of advertising revenue and the development of cheaper production technologies helped change how newspapers were financed. 18. Define investigatory journalism and give an example. Answer: Investigatory Journalism: Investigatory journalism involves in-depth reporting to uncover hidden issues or corruption. An example is The Watergate scandal investigation by reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. 19. Define and give an example of political socialization. Answer: Political Socialization: The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs and values. An example is a child adopting political views similar to those of their parents. 20. Define and give an example of selective exposure. Answer: Selective Exposure: The tendency to seek out information that aligns with one’s existing beliefs. An example is a person only watching news channels that reflect their political ideology. 21. What are media consultants? What contributed to their rise in politics? Answer: Media Consultants: Professionals who manage and strategize media coverage for political campaigns. Their rise in politics is attributed to increased competition and the need for sophisticated media strategies. 22. Explain what horse race journalism means with regard to political campaign coverage. Answer: Horse Race Journalism: Focuses on the competitive aspects of campaigns, such as who is leading or falling behind, rather than on policy issues. It emphasizes poll numbers and campaign strategies rather than substantive discussions. 23. Why is the phenomenon of voter suppression associated with negative advertising? Voter Suppression and Negative Advertising: Negative ads often contribute to voter suppression by discrediting opponents and creating a hostile environment, which can discourage voter turnout and engagement. Essay Questions 1. Explain how winner-take-all and proportional-representation systems work and evaluate their significance for party systems. Answer: Winner-Take-All and Proportional-Representation Systems: Winner-Take-All systems allocate all delegates or electoral votes to the candidate who receives the most votes in a particular state or district. This approach amplifies the impact of winning margins and often leads to a two-party system, as smaller parties struggle to gain representation. The significance is that it can discourage third-party candidates and reinforce the dominance of the major parties, leading to a more polarized political landscape. Proportional Representation (PR) systems distribute delegates or seats based on the percentage of votes each candidate or party receives. This method encourages multi-party systems by allowing smaller parties to gain representation proportional to their vote share. It can lead to more coalition governments and a more diverse political landscape, reflecting a wider range of voter preferences and reducing the likelihood of a single party dominating. 2. Define staggered terms and explain their implications for senators considering running for president. Answer: Staggered Terms and Presidential Candidacy: Staggered Terms refer to the practice of having different terms of office overlap so that not all positions are up for election at the same time. In the U.S. Senate, senators serve six-year terms with elections staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for re-election every two years. This system impacts senators considering a presidential run because they face a choice between pursuing the presidency and maintaining their Senate seat. If a senator runs for president, they risk losing their seat if they do not win, but remaining in the Senate offers continued influence and stability. Staggered terms ensure that senators have to weigh the political and career implications of their presidential aspirations carefully, balancing national ambitions against their existing legislative roles. 3. Identify the elections in which the winner of the popular vote did NOT become president. Answer: Elections Where the Popular Vote Winner Did Not Become President: 1. 1800: Thomas Jefferson won the popular vote but tied in the Electoral College, eventually being elected by the House of Representatives. 2. 1824: Andrew Jackson won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College to John Quincy Adams, who was chosen by the House of Representatives. 3. 1876: Samuel Tilden won the popular vote but lost to Rutherford B. Hayes after a disputed Electoral College outcome and a special commission's decision. 4. 1888: Grover Cleveland won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College to Benjamin Harrison. 5. 2000: Al Gore won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College to George W. Bush. 6. 2016: Hillary Clinton won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College to Donald Trump. 4. Explain three reasons why elections for the House of Representatives are generally NOT competitive. Answer: Reasons House Elections Are Generally Not Competitive: 1. Gerrymandering: Districts are often redrawn to favor one party, creating safe seats and reducing electoral competition. 2. Incumbency Advantage: Incumbent representatives have established networks, greater name recognition, and easier access to campaign funds, making it hard for challengers to compete. 3. Party Alignment: Many districts have strong partisan identities, leading to predictable outcomes where one party dominates, making races less competitive. 5. Evaluate the role of debates and advertising in presidential general elections. How do debates and advertising influence the outcomes of elections? Answer: Role of Debates and Advertising in Presidential General Elections: Debates play a significant role in presidential general elections by offering candidates a platform to directly present their policies, respond to opponents, and demonstrate their communication skills and leadership qualities. They can significantly influence voter perceptions and swing undecided voters, often highlighting contrasts between candidates that may impact their electoral chances. A strong debate performance can boost a candidate’s popularity and media coverage, while a poor performance can weaken their position. Advertising is also crucial, as it helps shape public opinion through targeted messaging and branding. Campaign ads can effectively communicate a candidate’s platform, attack opponents, and mobilize supporters. Strategic ad placement and spending influence voter awareness and perceptions, reinforcing campaign themes and persuading undecided voters. Both debates and advertising are integral to shaping narratives and voter decisions, ultimately influencing election outcomes by affecting voter perception and engagement. 6. Identify the three stages of presidential elections and briefly explain each. Answer: Three Stages of Presidential Elections: 1. Primaries and Caucuses: Candidates compete within their parties to secure nominations through state-level elections or caucuses. These contests determine which candidate will represent each party in the general election. 2. Party Conventions: After securing the nomination, each party holds a convention to formally nominate their candidate for president, unify the party, and launch their general election campaign. Conventions often feature speeches, endorsements, and platform declarations. 3. General Election: The final stage involves a nationwide election where candidates from different parties compete for the presidency. Voters across the country cast their ballots, and the winner is determined by the Electoral College system, which ultimately decides the president. 7. Identify three continuing problems with campaign finance and evaluate the benefits and problems with each. Answer: Continuing Problems with Campaign Finance: 1. Influence of Super PACs: Super Political Action Committees (Super PACs) can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on behalf of candidates. Benefit: They can provide significant support and amplify campaign messages. Problem: They often lead to the undue influence of wealthy donors and special interests, creating concerns about corruption and fairness. 2. Lack of Transparency: Campaign finance laws sometimes allow donors to remain anonymous, obscuring the sources of campaign contributions. Benefit: It can protect donor privacy and encourage more contributions. Problem: Lack of transparency can undermine public trust and hinder accountability by making it difficult to trace the origins of funding. 3. High Campaign Costs: The escalating cost of running a campaign makes it challenging for less wealthy candidates to compete. Benefit: High costs can drive professionalization and serious commitment from candidates. Problem: It creates barriers for ordinary citizens to run for office and leads to increased dependence on large donors and special interest groups. 8. Evaluate three different types of campaign finance. Answer: Different Types of Campaign Finance: 1. Individual Contributions: Money donated directly by individuals to candidates or campaigns, subject to legal limits. Benefit: Ensures direct voter engagement and support. Problem: Limits on contributions can restrict candidates' ability to raise sufficient funds and can lead to an over-reliance on large donors. 2. Political Action Committees (PACs): Organizations that collect and distribute contributions to candidates. Benefit: They can pool resources from multiple donors, amplifying support for candidates. Problem: PACs can still lead to significant influence from special interest groups and have limits on the amount they can contribute directly to candidates. 3. Public Funding: Government-provided funds to support campaign expenses, typically available to candidates who agree to certain restrictions. Benefit: Reduces the influence of private money and levels the playing field. Problem: Public funding programs can be underfunded, and not all candidates may opt into the system, limiting its overall impact. 9. Explain how television more than any other invention has changed U.S. politics. Answer: Impact of Television on U.S. Politics: Television has profoundly transformed U.S. politics by becoming the dominant medium for political communication. Visual Influence: It allows candidates to present themselves directly to voters, shaping public perception through their appearances and speeches. This visual aspect can significantly influence voter opinions and engagement, often more effectively than print media. Instant Coverage: Television provides real-time coverage of political events, debates, and speeches, which accelerates the flow of information and can quickly shift public sentiment. This immediacy also means that candidates and their campaigns must constantly manage their image and respond swiftly to news cycles. Political Advertising: The rise of television advertising has increased the importance of media strategy in campaigns. Candidates invest heavily in TV ads to reach broad audiences, allowing them to craft specific messages and control their public image. This shift has increased campaign costs and the influence of media consultants, fundamentally altering how campaigns are conducted and how voters receive information. 10. What are the main factors that caused newspapers to decline in importance over the years? Answer: Decline of Newspapers: Several factors have contributed to the decline in newspaper importance. Digital Revolution: The rise of the internet and digital media has shifted news consumption from print to online platforms, reducing newspaper circulation and advertising revenue. Economic Challenges: Newspapers have faced financial difficulties due to declining ad revenues and increased competition from free online content. This has led to layoffs, reduced coverage, and closures, diminishing their role in providing comprehensive news. Changing Habits: Readers increasingly prefer instant, easily accessible news through social media and news apps, which offer up-to-date information and diverse perspectives, contributing to the decline of traditional print media's prominence. 11. Compare and contrast the political impact of radio communication with the phenomenon of the Internet. Answer: Comparison of Radio Communication and the Internet: • Impact: Radio, emerging in the early 20th century, revolutionized political communication by enabling candidates to reach a broad audience with immediate, spoken messages. Example: FDR’s “Fireside Chats” used radio to build public trust and communicate directly with citizens. • Limitations: Radio lacks visual elements and can be less engaging compared to newer media formats. Its impact is constrained by its one-way communication nature and reliance on scheduled broadcasts. The Internet: • Impact: The Internet has dramatically expanded political engagement through instant, interactive platforms. Example: Social media allows candidates to engage directly with voters, mobilize support, and respond quickly to issues or controversies. • Advantages: Unlike radio, the Internet supports multimedia content (text, video, audio) and allows for real-time interaction and feedback. However, it also faces challenges such as misinformation and digital divide issues. 12. How has the Internet changed the way politicians campaign? What effect has the Internet had on other forms of media? Answer: How the Internet Has Changed Political Campaigning: The Internet has transformed political campaigns by enabling targeted advertising and data-driven strategies, allowing campaigns to micro-target voters based on detailed demographic and behavioral data. Candidates use platforms like social media for direct voter engagement, fundraising, and mobilizing supporters through viral content and grassroots organizing. Effect on Other Media: The Internet has diminished traditional media's dominance by providing free, instant access to news and information. This shift has led to declining newspaper circulation and altered advertising revenue models, as digital platforms capture a significant share of the market. Traditional media must now adapt by integrating online strategies and competing with the rapid pace and interactivity of digital news. 13. What does your textbook mean by media consolidation? Give examples. Answer: Media Consolidation: Media consolidation refers to the process where a few large corporations acquire and control multiple media outlets, reducing the diversity of viewpoints and information sources. Examples include: Disney’s acquisition of ABC, ViacomCBS merging with Paramount, and Comcast’s ownership of NBCUniversal. These consolidations often lead to fewer independent voices in media, potentially limiting the range of perspectives available to the public and increasing the concentration of media power within a few entities. 14. Evaluate the early history of the newspaper. How has it influenced the ways journalists view their profession? Answer: Early History of Newspapers: The early history of newspapers was marked by the emergence of print media in the 17th and 18th centuries, with publications like Benjamin Franklin’s “Pennsylvania Gazette” and the “New York Times” setting foundational standards for journalism. The penny press era made newspapers more accessible to the general public by reducing costs and focusing on sensational news and human interest stories. This early history has shaped how journalists view their profession by emphasizing the importance of public service and the role of the press in democracy. Early newspapers set precedents for investigative journalism and the dissemination of information, fostering a commitment to reporting on public affairs and holding power accountable. These historical roots continue to influence journalistic values, emphasizing the role of the press in providing diverse perspectives and maintaining democratic oversight. 15. How has the role of the newspapers changed from the 1800s to the present? When did most of those changes occur and why? Answer: Changes in the Role of Newspapers from the 1800s to the Present: Historical Role: In the 1800s, newspapers played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and providing information on local and national affairs. They were crucial for disseminating news, fostering political discourse, and building public awareness on various issues. Modern Changes: Since the late 20th century, newspapers have seen a significant shift due to digital technology. The rise of the Internet and digital media has transformed newspapers from primary news sources to one of many information platforms. Key changes include a decline in print circulation, the emergence of online news, and a shift towards digital advertising revenue. Timing and Reasons: Most changes occurred from the 1980s onwards, driven by technological advancements, particularly the Internet, which provided faster, more accessible news and advertising alternatives. This shift has led to the decline of traditional print media, altered journalism practices, and increased competition from digital platforms. 16. What are two criticisms of mass media? Are they justified? Answer: Criticisms of Mass Media: 1. Bias and Sensationalism: Critics argue that mass media often displays bias and prioritizes sensational stories over substantive reporting. Justification: This criticism is supported by evidence of media outlets tailoring content to attract viewership or readership, potentially distorting news and undermining informed public discourse. 2. Commercialization: The focus on profit can lead to reduced journalistic integrity and quality. Justification: As media organizations rely on advertising revenue, they may prioritize content that generates higher engagement or profit, sometimes at the expense of thorough and balanced reporting. These criticisms are justified in many cases, as they reflect broader concerns about the impact of media consolidation, financial pressures, and the quest for audience engagement on journalistic practices and content. 17. How does the media’s election coverage influence voter choice? Answer: Media’s Influence on Voter Choice: The media’s election coverage significantly influences voter choice through several mechanisms. Framing: Media outlets shape how candidates and issues are presented, affecting public perception. Example: By focusing on certain issues or controversies, the media can highlight or downplay aspects of a candidate's platform or character. Agenda Setting: The media decides which stories receive attention and how they are covered, impacting what issues voters prioritize. Example: Intense coverage of economic issues can make them a focal point in an election. Candidate Portrayal: Media portrayal of candidates can sway voter opinions by emphasizing certain attributes or flaws. Example: Positive coverage can boost a candidate’s image, while negative coverage can damage it. This influence often affects undecided voters and contributes to the overall electoral outcome. 18. Why is the Supreme Court the branch of government least dependent on the press? Answer: Supreme Court’s Independence from the Press: The Supreme Court is the branch of government least dependent on the press due to its nature and functions. Decisions Based on Law: The Court’s role is to interpret the Constitution and laws, not to engage with public opinion directly. Its rulings are based on legal principles rather than media coverage. Lifetime Appointments: Justices are appointed for life, insulating them from electoral pressures and media influence. They are less affected by public opinion and media scrutiny compared to elected officials, allowing them to make decisions without the immediate concern of public or media backlash. This independence ensures that their judgments are grounded in legal reasoning rather than media-driven concerns. Test Bank for Government by the People David B. Magleby, Paul C. Light, Christine L. Nemacheck 9780205073245, 9780134732831
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