Political Parties & Interest Group Summative Assessment

Which of the following are considered the "BIG THREE" minor parties in the U.S.?

• Libertarin

• Constitution

• Democrat

• Green

• Republican

Which of the following is the best source of information on a political party's position on a specific issue?

• Political Cartoons

• Speeches

• the Party's Platform

Listed below are examples of statements from political party platforms. Select one statement that fit what Republicans support.

• Government should reduce access to firearms for all Americans

• Life begins at conception so a human embryo should have the same rights as any person

• Same-sex marriage should be legal in all 50 states

One reason the U.S. has a two party system is because

• the Constitution makes minor parties illegal

• laws discourage minor political parties

• so many Americans don't bother to vote

• Americans have widely different political beliefs about social class & religion

Ross Perot ran for President in 1992 as a candidate for a minor political party. Which of the following correctly describe the importance of this?

• his party is an example of a minor party which fades away

• he was the last minor party candidate to win electoral votes

• his campaign proves that minor party candidates can win

How successful have minor parties been in winning the U.S. presidency?

• completely unsuccessful - they seldom win any electoral votes

• not much - they seldom have won the presidency

• a bit - they've won several elections and often present a challenge

• very - they've often won

_________ tend to be liberal while _________ tend to be conservative.

• Independents, Minor Parties

• Democrats, Republicans

• Republicans, Democrats

• Minor Parties, Independent

George Wallace ran for president in 1968 as a candidate for a minor political party. Which of the following correctly describe the importance of this?

• he is an example of a candidate from an ideological party

• he had the support of enough voters to prevent one of the major party candidates from winning

• he was the last minor party candidate to win electoral votes

What is the most important function of political parties?

• get laws passed

• support their candidates

• win

• raise money for campaigns

Which best describes a political party platform?

• a statement of the party's history and past candidates for office

• an organization plan for the party to win elections

• a written statement of the beliefs of the party

• the campaign strategy of a political party