Chapter Nine Political Parties Multiple Choice 1. Who had the strongest influence on the Constitution? a. George Washington b. James Madison c. John Adams d. Thomas Jefferson e. Ben Franklin Answer: b. James Madison 2. American political parties have been in existence for around a. 500 years. b. 300 years. c. 90 years. d. 400 years e. 200 years. Answer: e. 200 years. 3. Political parties in the United States are a. governmental institutions. b. nongovernmental institutions. c. semi-governmental institutions. d. quasi-governmental institutions. e. international government institutions. Answer: b. nongovernmental institutions. 4. The framers of the Constitution were a. hostile to the idea of political parties. b. welcoming to the emergence of political parties. c. specialized in political parties. d. ambivalent about political parties. e. promoted the creation of a multiparty system. Answer: a. hostile to the idea of political parties. 5. The party system began to develop during the administration of a. Thomas Jefferson. b. Alexander Hamilton. c. Aaron Burr. d. George Washington. e. Benjamin Franklin Answer: d. George Washington. 6. Realignments tend to be a. stable and lengthy. b. brief and violent. c. lengthy and violent. d. brief and peaceful. e. absent through United States history. Answer: a. stable and lengthy. 7. A shift in fundamental party identification and loyalty caused by significant historical events or national crises is known as a(n) a. party identification. b. socialization. c. revolution d. reorganization. e. realignment. Answer: e. realignment. 8. At its beginning, the Democratic party primarily supported a. urban interests. b. manufacturing interests. c. rural interests. d. religious interests. e. foreign interests. Answer: c. rural interests. 9. The Revolution of 1800 is important because a. it was the first time that one party surrendered power to another without violence. b. Napoleon came to power for the first time. c. George Washington was returned to office by the Federalists. d. the British government launched another attack upon the United States. e. the United States repelled an attack from France. Answer: a. it was the first time that one party surrendered power to another without violence. 10. Thomas Jefferson wished to see a United States that remained largely a. rural. b. isolated. c. interventionist. d. urban. e. industrialized. Answer: a. rural. 11. The party system of the United States was first institutionalized in a. 1776 b. 1788 c. 1800 d. 1815 e. 1828 Answer: e. 1828 12. The first party system is characterized by a. multiparty competition b. one party competition c. two party competition d. chaotic party competition e. lack of party organization. Answer: c. two party competition 13. Abraham Lincoln’s party platform focused on a. economic issues. b. foreign policy. c. military issues. d. educational issues. e. moral issues. Answer: e. moral issues. 14. The so-called “Era of Good Feelings” a. took place in the last part of the twentieth century. b. took place during the latter part of the nineteenth century. c. was characterized by a slow recovery of the American economy. d. was characterized by a lack of divisive issues. e. is associated with FDR’s New Deal policies. Answer: d. was characterized by a lack of divisive issues. 15. The third party system is often characterized as a. still developing. b. disorganized. c. well organized. d. highly developed e. c and d. Answer: e. c and d. 16. The second party system emerged in a. 1854. b. 1890. c. 1909 d. 1929 e. 1956 Answer: a. 1854. 17. The huge influx of __________ helped change the shape of domestic politics, leading to the growth of urban party “machines in the third party system.” a. progressives b. Republicans c. Democrats d. immigrants e. African Americans Answer: d. immigrants 18. During which of the following periods did the Second Party System flourish? a. 1790s through 1830s b. 1850s through 1890s c. 1820s through 1850s d. 1940s through 1960s e. 1980-2000 Answer: b. 1850s through 1890s 19. During which of the following party systems was the Civil War fought? a. the First Party System b. the Second Party System c. the Third Party System d. the Fourth Party System e. the Fifth party system Answer: b. the Second Party System 20. Which of the following parties committed itself to the abolition of slavery? a. the Know-Nothings b. the Democrats c. the Republicans d. the Free Soil party e. the Whigs Answer: c. the Republicans 21. What did Senator Jim Jeffords do that changed the face of the Senate in 2001? a. He voted against the president’s income tax refunds. b. He left Congress and returned home to retire. c. He officially became a member of the Democratic Party. d. He left the Republican Party to become independent and caucus with the Democratic Party. e. He left Congress to run for governor of his home state. Answer: d. He left the Republican Party to become independent and caucus with the Democratic Party. 22. Which of the following Amendments created a two-vote system for the presidential vote ? a. the First Amendment b. the Third Amendment c. the Twelfth Amendment d. the Sixteenth Amendment e. the Eighteenth Amendment Answer: c. the Twelfth Amendment 23. The Republican party dominated politics until a. the 1830s. b. the 1870s. c. the 1890s. d. the 1920s. e. the 19409s Answer: c. the 1890s. 24. Between 1896 and 1932, only one Democrat, __________, became president. a. Howard Taft b. Theodore Roosevelt c. Grover Cleveland d. Woodrow Wilson e. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Answer: d. Woodrow Wilson 25. The Fourth Party System emerged during the a. American Revolution. b. War of 1812. c. “Era of Good Feelings” d. World War I. e. Great Depression. Answer: e. Great Depression. 26. Which president served immediately before the election of Franklin Roosevelt? a. Calvin Coolidge b. Warren Harding c. Woodrow Wilson d. Herbert Hoover e. Harry Truman Answer: d. Herbert Hoover 27. Riding a wave of enthusiasm for the New Deal, a. Republicans enjoyed a unanimous House (435-0) for more than a decade. b. Republicans went on to dominate politics between 1932 and 1992. c. Democrats enjoyed a unanimous Senate (100-0) for nearly three decades. d. Democrats went on to dominate politics between 1932 and 1968. e. Democrats did not return to dominate politics until the 1960s. Answer: d. Democrats went on to dominate politics between 1932 and 1968. 28. Which of the following components was NOT part of the New Deal Coalition? a. urban working class b. Italians c. African Americans d. Southerners e. all of these groups were part of this coalition Answer: e. all of these groups were part of this coalition 29. Franklin Roosevelt brought together an alliance of Americans that came to be known as the a. New Deal Coalition. b. Fair Deal Program. c. New Frontier Association. d. Fair Play Citizens. e. Era of Good Feelings Answer: a. New Deal Coalition. 30. The Fifth Party System began in a. 1824. b. 1896. c. 1900 d. 1932. e. 1969. Answer: e. 1969. 31. The Fifth Party System began with the election of a. Grover Cleveland. b. Herbert Hoover. c. Franklin Roosevelt. d. Theodore Roosevelt. e. Richard Nixon. Answer: e. Richard Nixon. 32. The nation chose only one Republican as president between 1932 and 1967. He was a. Dwight Eisenhower. b. John Dole. c. Howard Taft. d. Richard Nixon. e. Jimmy Carter Answer: a. Dwight Eisenhower. 33. The Sixth Party System began in a. 1900 b. 1925 c. 1950 d. 1975 e. 2000 Answer: e. 2000 34. The Sixth Party System is characterized by a. a shift in partisanship. b. domination of government by Republicans. c. domination of government by Democrats. d. partisanship remaining stable. e. apathy in politics. Answer: a. a shift in partisanship. 35. By __________ the percentage of those identifying themselves as Republicans and Democrat was almost equal. a. 1968 b. 1970 c. 1988 d. 1995 e. 2003 Answer: e. 2003 36. In 2008, well more than half of first-time voters voted for ________. a. McCain b. Kerry c. Palin d. Obama e. Edwards. Answer: d. Obama 37. Senator Jim Jeffords represents a. Connecticut. b. Massachusetts. c. New Hampshire. d. Vermont. e. California Answer: d. Vermont. 38. On the issue of government in general a. Republicans are negative while Democrats are positive. b. both major parties are very negative. c. both major parties are very positive. d. Republicans are positive while Democrats are negative. e. both major parties have neutral stances toward government. Answer: a. Republicans are negative while Democrats are positive. 39. In June 2009, Pennsylvania Republican __________ followed the lead of 200,000 Republican voters in his state and switched to the Democratic Party. a. John McCain b. Sarah Palin c. Jeb Bush d. Arlen Specter e. Al Franken Answer: d. Arlen Specter 40. Which of the following states has a nonpartisan, single chamber legislature? a. Kansas b. Missouri c. Nebraska d. Idaho. e. California. Answer: c. Nebraska 41. The only state that has a senator that is neither a Democrat nor a Republican is a. Vermont. b. California. c. Virginia. d. Massachusetts. e. Florida Answer: a. Vermont. 42. Local party organizations a. are useless in national politics. b. are typically corrupt. c. are heavily regulated. d. serve as a point of entry for those seeking a career in politics. e. dependent upon the national party for recruitment. Answer: d. serve as a point of entry for those seeking a career in politics. 43. Which of the following best describes political activists? a. poor b. ill-informed c. high socioeconomic status d. poorly educated e. radicals. Answer: c. high socioeconomic status 44. State party organizations are responsible for a. creating party platforms. b. choosing presidential candidates. c. raising campaign funds. d. organizing party conventions during presidential elections. e. little that has anything to do with national elections. Answer: c. raising campaign funds. 45. Political machines were systems created to ensure strong, organized a. national elections. b. civil service. c. conventions. d. parties. e. state elections. Answer: d. parties. 46. The party platform is created by a. the local party organizations. b. the state party organization. c. the national party convention. d. the national party organization. e. state party conventions. Answer: c. the national party convention. 47. The national party convention meets a. once every three years. b. once every ten years. c. once every four years. d. once every year. e. once every six years. Answer: c. once every four years. 48. A party platform is a a. list of candidates running for office. b. statement of policy preferences. c. type of ballot. d. another name for a party convention. e. is the stage that parties stand on to deliver speeches. Answer: b. statement of policy preferences. 49. The strength of the national party organization is most notable during a. local elections. b. state elections. c. national elections. d. presidential elections. e. all of the above. Answer: d. presidential elections. 50. Day-to-day operations of the national party fall to the a. national convention. b. national chair. c. national platform. d. national organization. e. members of the national party. Answer: b. national chair. 51. Republicans tend to be more ________ oriented than Democrats. a. bureaucratically b. grass roots c. debate d. environmentally e. social Answer: a. bureaucratically 52. Primary elections a. no longer have any effect. b. are outdated political indicators. c. date from the birth of the United States. d. date from the beginning of the twentieth century. e. no longer are held in national elections. Answer: d. date from the beginning of the twentieth century. 53. An election in which registered voters of the party select the party’s nominee is called a(n) a. open primary. b. closed primary. c. blanket primary. d. direct primary. e. semi-closed primary. Answer: b. closed primary. 54. An election in which all registered voters can select a party’s nominee is called a(n) a. open primary. b. closed primary. c. blanket primary. d. direct primary. e. semi-closed primary. Answer: a. open primary. 55. Frontloading is the process by which a. candidates choose their running mates early so that voters have a chance to “get to know the running mate.” b. voters choose candidates from the same party by checking one box on their ballot. c. most party primaries and caucuses are held early in the nomination schedule so that the majority of the delegate support is locked up early. d. candidates choose their running mates at the last minute so there is little time for opponents to research their positions. e. open primaries are conducted. Answer: c. most party primaries and caucuses are held early in the nomination schedule so that the majority of the delegate support is locked up early. 56. In which state is the first presidential primary held? a. Texas b. Massachusetts c. New Hampshire d. Florida e. Iowa Answer: c. New Hampshire 57. Who won the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination? a. George Wallace b. Hubert Humphrey c. Jimmy Carter d. George McGovern e. Hillary Clinton Answer: d. George McGovern 58. The 1968 Democratic convention a. nominated Lyndon B. Johnson as president. b. was a typical convention in most ways. c. was unusually peaceful. d. was a watershed in American politics. e. was very similar to the Republican convention that year. Answer: d. was a watershed in American politics. 59. In which of the following years did both parties make substantial changes in their nominating processes? a. 1980. b. 1968. c. 1916. d. 1952. e. 1932 Answer: b. 1968. 60. Superdelegates are a. convention delegates who have donated huge amounts of money to the party. b. delegates whose votes count more than those of other delegates. c. delegates to the Democratic National Convention who are not bound to vote for any particular candidate. d. considered so because they are committed to a particular candidate. e. delegates to the Republican National Convention who are not bound to vote for any particular candidate. Answer: c. delegates to the Democratic National Convention who are not bound to vote for any particular candidate. 61. The McGovern-Fraser Commission a. closed meetings at national conventions. b. limited the presence of different party activists. c. made primaries rather than caucuses the common means of choosing convention delegates. d. had no effect on either primaries or caucuses. e. was used to assure Democrats would be favored in national elections. Answer: c. made primaries rather than caucuses the common means of choosing convention delegates. 62. Which of the following is NOT a reason that minor parties are largely unsuccessful? a. single member districts b. the electoral college c. unqualified candidates d. the two-party tradition e. all of the above. Answer: c. unqualified candidates 63. With respect to ideology, most Americans tend to locate themselves a. on the far right. b. in the middle. c. near the far left of center. d. on the far left. e. on the extreme fringes. Answer: b. in the middle. 64. The fact that so many Americans are centrists a. makes it easy for minor parties to develop. b. makes it difficult for minor parties to develop. c. is not important for the success of minor parties since they, like the two major parties, are centrist organizations. d. tends to energize extremists on both sides of the political spectrum. e. has no effect on the party system whatsoever. Answer: b. makes it difficult for minor parties to develop. 65. Which president broke with a major party and ran as a minor party candidate? a. Woodrow Wilson b. James Buchanan c. Dwight Eisenhower d. Theodore Roosevelt e. Richard M. Nixon Answer: d. Theodore Roosevelt 66. What percentage of the popular vote did George Wallace win in 1968? a. 29 b. 34 c. 48 d. 14 e. 5 Answer: d. 14 67. Eugene Debs was a member of the a. Communist party. b. Democratic party. c. Socialist party. d. Republican party. e. Green party. Answer: c. Socialist party. 68. Many of George Wallace’s policy proposals were adopted by a. Lyndon Johnson. b. Richard Nixon. c. Robert Kennedy. d. Jimmy Carter. e. Gerald Ford Answer: b. Richard Nixon. 69. The most frequent explanation for the emergence of the two-party system is a. lack of financial resources. b. strong political differences. c. the way the United States elects public officials. d. sectionalism based on regional differences. e. the strong influence that independents have in politics. Answer: c. the way the United States elects public officials. 70. In 1912, on what party did Theodore Roosevelt attempt to gain the presidency? a. Socialist b. Green c. Progressive d. Independent e. Democratic Answer: c. Progressive 71. Since 2000, the major third party in the United States has been the a. Green Party b. American Party. c. Independent Party. d. Progressive Party. e. Socialist Party. Answer: a. Green Party True or False 72. Political parties are organizations that exist to allow disparate members of the population to group together and magnify their individual voices. Answer: False 73. Political parties are nongovernmental institutions. Answer: True 74. Few framers of the Constitution feared the development of a political party system. Answer: False 75. Realignments are the result of a change in religious values. Answer: False 76. The Revolution of 1850 was the first election in world history in which one party (the Federalist party of John Adams) willingly gave up power because of a lost election to another party (the Republican party of Thomas Jefferson) without bloodshed. Answer: False 77. The textbook identifies six historical eras in which party influence, allegiance, and control have changed. Answer: True 78. The period in American history during which there was very little party activity has come to be called the “Era of Good Feelings.” Answer: True 79. The election of 1824 was the first to be decided by the House of Representatives. Answer: False 80. After having the election of 1824 “stolen from them, Jackson’s outraged followers organized to take power in the next election.” Answer: True 81. When President Jackson sought to dismantle the national bank, business interests joined with slaveholding southerners to form the Whig party. Answer: True 82. Slavery splintered not only the party system, but American society as well. Answer: True 83. The Republicans dominated politics until the 1890s. Answer: True 84. The Democrats gained ground over an 1893 economic depression during Democrat Grover Cleveland’s presidency. Answer: False 85. William Jennings Bryan delivered his classic “Cross of Gold” speech in 1896 about the harm the monetary system did to farmers. Answer: True 86. Democrats dominated national politics between 1932 and 1968. Answer: True 87. Since 1968, the Republican Party won three of ten presidential elections. Answer: False 88. Since 1969, the Democratic Party has experienced uninterrupted loss of voter support. Answer: False 89. Vermont is the only state which has a nonpartisan, single-chamber legislature. Answer: False 90. An indication of the Republican Party’s rise can be seen in the balance of state legislative seats. Answer: True 91. The last election showed that the reasons people give for identifying with certain parties was in the process of changing. Answer: True 92. Republicans face the problem of uniting their new ultraconservative and religious voters with more moderate party members. Answer: True 93. A party’s most basic role is to nominate candidates and win elections. Answer: True 94. Once elections are over, parties help organize the country’s political institutions for governing. Answer: True 95. The fifty state party organizations have strikingly similar systems. Answer: False 96. The strength of the national party organization is most apparent during off-year presidential elections. Answer: False 97. The local party organization provides an initial point of entry for people who want to participate in politics as volunteers, organizers, or candidates. Answer: True 98. State party organizations organize elections and provide Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency. Answer: True 99. State parties work with state governments to conduct primary elections or caucuses. Answer: True 100. For decades, the national organization’s primary task was to organize the national party convention once every four years. Answer: True 101. A party platform is a statement of principles and policies, the goals that a party pledges to carry out if voters give it control of government. Answer: True 102. States that use primaries employ the same system for parceling out delegates. Answer: False 103. Machine politics is an organizational style of local politics in which party bosses traded jobs, money, and favors for votes and campaign support. Answer: True 104. Democrats are more likely to emphasize the creation and maintenance of effective administrative structures. Answer: False 105. A candidate’s sponsorship by a political party is referred to as a nomination. Answer: True 106. A primary is a meeting of party adherents who gather to discuss, to deliberate, and finally to give their support to a candidate for president. Answer: False 107. Proportional representation is defined as a system in which the winner of the primary or electoral college vote receives all of the state’s convention or electoral college delegates. Answer: False 108. A closed primary is a system of conducting primary elections in which only citizens registered as members of a particular political party may participate in that party’s primary. Answer: True 109. An open primary is the process by which most party primaries and caucuses are held early in the nomination schedule so that the majority of the delegate support is locked up early. Answer: False 110. Two states have blanket primaries. Answer: True 111. The traditional influence of Iowa and New Hampshire on the selection of a presidential candidate is increasing. Answer: False 112. Superdelegates are delegates to the Republican National Convention not bound to vote for any particular candidate; usually prominent members of the party or elected officials. Answer: False 113. Political Action Committees (PACs) promote specific interest groups agendas. Answer: True 114. The Electoral College is group of 538 electors who meet separately in each of their states and the District of Columbia on the first Monday following the second Wednesday in December after a national presidential election. Answer: True 115. A single-member system is a political system in which one party is selected from five to ten or more parties that regularly compete in elections, win seats, and have some chance of gaining power. Answer: False 116. Party identification is a psychological orientation or long-term propensity to think positively of and vote regularly for a particular political party. Answer: True 117. The Democratic Party is considered to be a minor party in the United States. Answer: False Essay Questions 118. Comment on the emergence of a political party system in the United States, focusing on the views and events associated with our early political leaders. Answer: The political party system in the United States emerged in the 1790s due to ideological differences among early leaders. Despite George Washington's warning against factions, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson formed opposing parties. Key Figures and Events: • George Washington: Warned against political parties in his Farewell Address, fearing they would divide the nation. • Alexander Hamilton: Led the Federalist Party, advocating for a strong central government and a robust financial system. • Thomas Jefferson: Co-founded the Democratic-Republican Party, promoting states' rights and limited federal government. Major Events: • Hamilton's Financial Plan: Sparked opposition, highlighting the need for organized political groups. • Jay's Treaty (1794): Deepened divisions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. • Election of 1796: First election with clear party affiliations; John Adams (Federalist) won, Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) became vice president. • Alien and Sedition Acts (1798): Federalist laws suppressing dissent, strengthening Democratic-Republican opposition. • Election of 1800: Marked the first peaceful power transfer between parties, with Jefferson's victory over Adams. These events and figures solidified the two-party system, shaping the democratic processes in the United States. 119. Discuss pre-Civil War political party activity concentrating on the Second Party System. Answer: The Second Party System (1820s-1850s) saw the emergence of the Democratic and Whig parties in pre-Civil War America. Key Features: 1. Democratic Party: • Led by Andrew Jackson. • Advocated for greater democracy and appealed to the common man. 2. Whig Party: • Formed in opposition to Jackson. • Supported modernization, banking, and economic protectionism. Major Events: 1. Bank War: • Jackson opposed the Second Bank of the United States; Whigs supported it. 2. Tariffs and Internal Improvements: • Democrats favored lower tariffs and state control of infrastructure. • Whigs supported higher tariffs and federal funding for infrastructure. 3. Elections: • 1828: Jackson’s victory solidified the Democratic Party’s dominance. • 1840: William Henry Harrison’s "Log Cabin Campaign" showed Whigs adopting mass political mobilization. 4. Sectional Tensions: • Slavery and expansion increasingly divided both parties. • Compromise of 1850: Attempted to address slavery in new territories, highlighting sectional divides. 5. Collapse of the Whig Party: • Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): Split the Whigs, leading many Northern Whigs to join the Republican Party. Impact: • The Second Party System established structured political processes and modern campaigning. • It collapsed due to sectional tensions over slavery, paving the way for the Civil War. 120. Indicate how slavery affected not only the party system in the United States but society as well. Answer: Impact on the Party System 1. Formation of Parties: • Democratic Party: Supported slavery and its expansion. • Whig Party: Split on slavery; weakened and eventually collapsed. 2. Emergence of the Republican Party: • Anti-Slavery: Opposed the extension of slavery into new territories. 3. Key Events: • Missouri Compromise (1820): Temporarily balanced slave and free states. • Compromise of 1850: Addressed new territories but increased tensions. • Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): Led to violence and further divided parties. • Dred Scott Decision (1857): Inflamed sectional tensions by ruling against African American citizenship and the Missouri Compromise. Impact on Society 1. Economic Divide: • South: Depended on slavery for its agricultural economy. • North: Industrialized, less reliant on slavery. 2. Social and Cultural Divisions: • South: Slavery was integral to social and cultural life. • North: Increasingly saw slavery as morally wrong; rise of abolitionism. 3. Abolitionist Movement: • Activism: Led by figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. • Publications: "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" stirred anti-slavery sentiment. 4. Sectional Tensions and Violence: • Conflicts: Nat Turner's Rebellion, John Brown’s raid heightened fears. • Polarization: Increased sectional tensions, making compromise difficult. 5. Path to Civil War: • Unresolved tensions over slavery led to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War. Conclusion Slavery created deep political, economic, and social divides, leading to the formation and collapse of political parties, increased sectional tensions, and ultimately the Civil War. 121. Indicate how Franklin Roosevelt and the Great Depression affected the American political party system. Answer: Impact of Franklin Roosevelt and the Great Depression on the American Political Party System 1. Realignment of Parties: • Democratic Dominance: The Great Depression led to a major shift, with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies creating a strong Democratic coalition that dominated from the 1930s to the 1960s. 2. New Deal Coalition: • Broad Support: Included urban workers, African Americans, farmers, immigrants, and Southern whites, reshaping the Democratic Party. 3. Government Expansion: • Economic Intervention: The New Deal significantly expanded federal government roles in providing relief, recovery, and reform, becoming a core Democratic principle. 4. Republican Opposition: • Limited Government: Republicans opposed many New Deal programs, advocating for smaller government and fiscal conservatism. 5. Key New Deal Programs: • Social Security Act (1935): Established a social safety net. • Wagner Act (1935): Strengthened labor unions. • Public Works: Created jobs and stimulated the economy. 6. Electoral Success: • 1932 Election: Roosevelt’s landslide victory began Democratic dominance. • Subsequent Elections: Roosevelt won four terms (1932, 1936, 1940, 1944). 7. Long-Term Effects: • Policy Influence: New Deal programs and principles became ingrained in American politics. • Party Ideologies: Democrats became associated with progressive reforms, while Republicans emphasized conservatism and limited government. Conclusion Roosevelt and the Great Depression transformed American politics by establishing Democratic dominance, expanding the federal government's role, and reshaping the platforms and identities of both major parties. 122. Discuss The Sixth Party System and what effect those changes are likely to have on future elections. Answer: The Sixth Party System Features: 1. Party Realignment: • Southern Shift: Southern white voters moved from Democratic to Republican due to civil rights and cultural issues. • Social Issues: Abortion, gun rights, and LGBTQ+ rights became central in political debates. 2. Demographics: • Diversity: Growing influence of Hispanic, Asian, and African American voters, benefiting Democrats. • Urban vs. Rural Divide: Urban areas lean Democratic, rural areas lean Republican. 3. Economic Concerns: • Globalization and Inequality: Republicans favoring free markets, Democrats advocating for more government intervention. 4. Technology: • Digital Campaigns: Internet and social media have transformed campaign strategies. Effects on Future Elections: 1. Increased Polarization: • Partisan Divides: Ideological gap between Republicans and Democrats will likely continue. • Base Mobilization: Both parties focus on energizing core supporters. 2. Demographic Shifts: • Minority Influence: Growing minority populations may benefit Democrats. • Youth Vote: Younger, more progressive voters could reshape politics in favor of Democrats. 3. Urban-Rural Split: • Geographic Divide: Urban-rural political differences will influence electoral strategies. • Electoral College Impact: Campaigns may focus on swing states with urban-rural mix. 4. Technology's Role: • Data-Driven Campaigns: More use of data analytics and micro-targeting. • Social Media Influence: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter will play significant roles. 5. Policy Focus: • Climate Change: Increasingly important, especially to younger and diverse voters. • Healthcare and Economy: Debates over these issues will remain central in elections. Conclusion The Sixth Party System has led to increased polarization, demographic shifts, and technological advancements, shaping future elections' strategies, voter behavior, and policy priorities. 123. What characteristics are associated the political parties today? Answer: Characteristics of Today's Political Parties Democrats: • Liberal Ideology: Progressive policies on social issues, healthcare, and the environment. • Diverse Base: Support from minorities, young voters, urban residents, and college-educated individuals. • Government Intervention: Support for larger government involvement in healthcare, education, and social welfare. • Climate Change: Priority on addressing climate change through regulations and renewable energy. Republicans: • Conservative Ideology: Support for traditional values, free-market principles, and limited government intervention. • White, Rural Base: Strong support from white, rural, and older voters, and those with conservative religious beliefs. • Business-Friendly Policies: Focus on reducing regulations, lowering taxes, and promoting economic growth through free-market solutions. • National Security and Law Enforcement: Emphasis on issues related to national security, border security, and law enforcement. Campaign Strategies: • Messaging: Democrats focus on inclusivity, diversity, and social justice. Republicans emphasize law and order, patriotism, and economic prosperity. • Voter Base: Targeting key demographics, such as swing voters, based on policy priorities and messaging. • Fundraising: Relying heavily on fundraising efforts from individuals, corporations, and interest groups. Partisan Divide: • Polarization: Significant ideological divide with limited bipartisan cooperation. • Political Rhetoric: Both parties engage in divisive rhetoric, attacking each other's policies and leadership. 124. Comment on various functions of American political parties. Answer: Functions of American Political Parties • Recruiting and Nominating Candidates: Identify and select candidates for elections. • Organizing Campaigns: Coordinate campaign efforts and support candidates. • Educating and Mobilizing Voters: Inform voters about platforms and mobilize them to vote. • Setting Policy Agendas: Develop and promote policy priorities. • Organizing Government: Structure government leadership and agendas. • Providing Accountability: Hold elected officials accountable through monitoring and elections. • Facilitating Compromise: Bridge ideological divides and promote cooperation. • Representing Diverse Interests: Provide a platform for diverse groups in society. • Fostering Stability: Maintain political order and continuity. 125. How are political parties organized to express popular political views? Answer: Expressing Popular Political Views • Party Structure: Hierarchical levels (national, state, local) with leaders guiding views. • Platform Development: Conventions and committees draft platforms outlining views. • Candidate Selection: Primaries and endorsements choose candidates aligning with views. • Campaigning: Consistent messaging and advertising promote views. • Voter Mobilization: Get-Out-the-Vote efforts and door-to-door canvassing engage supporters. • Media and Communication: Press releases, social media, and other platforms used to express views. • Fundraising: Donations and campaign finance support view promotion. • Legislative Action: Caucuses and voting behavior in line with party views. • Community Engagement: Local organizations and events connect with communities to express views. 126. Explain what is meant by the “party machine.” Answer: Party Machine • Control: Centralized control by a small group of leaders. • Patronage: Exchange of political favors and jobs for support. • Electioneering: Effective tactics like voter mobilization and propaganda. • Urban Influence: Strong presence in urban areas, often controlling local government. • Organization: Precinct captains and ward bosses ensure party loyalty. • Decline: Influence waned in 20th century due to reforms and changing political landscape. 127. Discuss the role of political parties in the nomination of president. Answer: Role of Political Parties in Presidential Nomination • Primary Elections and Caucuses: Parties organize these to select delegates for the national convention. • National Party Convention: Delegates officially nominate the candidate and adopt the party's platform. • Superdelegates: Party leaders who can support any candidate at the convention. • Party Endorsements: Parties may endorse a candidate before the primaries. • Campaign Support: Parties provide funding, staff, and resources to the nominee. • Unity and Coordination: Parties unite behind the nominee and coordinate campaign efforts. • Representation of Party Ideals: Nominee reflects party's views and platform. • Promotion of Voter Turnout: Parties mobilize supporters to increase voter turnout. 128. Comment on the 2008 Presidential primaries. Answer: 2008 Presidential Primaries • Democratic Race: Historic contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. • Prolonged Contest: Neither candidate secured a decisive lead early on. • Obama's Victory: Obama won the Democratic nomination. • Republican Race: John McCain emerged as the Republican nominee. • Significance: Historic milestones with the possibility of the first female or African American president. • High Voter Turnout: Especially among young and minority voters. • Campaign Issues: Iraq War, economy, and healthcare were major issues. • Outcome: Obama won the general election, becoming the first African American president. 129. Why has the American political system evolved into a two-party structure? Answer: Evolution of the Two-Party System in the U.S. • Historical Origins: Emerged from Federalist-Anti-Federalist debate. • Winner-Takes-All System: Favors two largest parties. • Historical Precedent: Pattern of dominance by two major parties. • Political Culture: Favors stability and pragmatism. • Money and Resources: Major parties have significant advantages. • Access to Ballot: Requirements are often stringent for third parties. • Media and Public Perception: Media focus reinforces major parties. • Duverger's Law: Winner-takes-all system leads to two-party dominance. 130. Why are minor political parties so unsuccessful? Answer: Challenges Faced by Minor Political Parties • Duverger's Law: Winner-takes-all systems favor two-party dominance. • Ballot Access Laws: Stringent requirements limit minor parties' access. • Funding and Resources: Lack financial and organizational support. • Media Coverage: Focus on major parties limits visibility. • Limited Debate Participation: Exclusion from major debates hinders exposure. • Voter Perception: Viewed as lacking credibility or as protest votes. • Historical Precedent: Dominance of two-party system marginalizes minor parties. • Strategic Voting: Voters may choose major party candidates for perceived electability. 131. Where are the political parties going next, and what will bring about that evolution? Answer: Future Evolution of Political Parties • Demographics: Adaptation to a more diverse and younger population. • Technology: Continued use of social media and technology for campaigning. • Policy Focus: Shift towards addressing healthcare, climate change, and income inequality. • Populism: Response to rising populism and anti-establishment sentiment. • Coalition Building: Increased focus on building coalitions and alliances. • Campaign Finance Reform: Potential impact on fundraising and spending strategies. • Third-Party Influence: Influence on political discourse and party strategies. • Globalization: Addressing issues like trade, immigration, and international relations. Test Bank for Approaching Democracy Larry A Berman, Bruce Allen Murphy 9780205903825
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