Political Parties and Interest Groups

Why are political parties essential to democratic government?

• It is the only way for someone to run for office
• They are a link between representatives and their constituents
• They are the only way to get things to change
• Everyone fits into a major party

George Washington did not like political parties because...

• they were too cool
• they divided the country
• they lie to win elections
• they waste resources

People who join together to pursue a common interest in influencing legislation are known as what?

• Political Action Committees (PAC's)
• Public Opinion
• Mass Media
• Interest Groups

Third party candidates are typically...

• less informed
• popular
• more quiet
• honest

Candidates for the larger political parties are chosen at party meetings called:

• the Electoral College
• delegates
• campaigns
• conventions

A Political Party is?

• a supporter of a person, group, party, or cause, especially a person who shows a biased, emotional allegiance.
• a group of persons who seek to control government by winning elections and holding office.
• a person who favors a republican form of government.
• a group of like-minded individuals who like to party.

The ratification of the constitution led to the formation of America's first two political parties. They were:

• The Federalists who were against the constitution and the Anti-Federalists who were in favor of the constitution.

• The Democrats who were against the constitution and the Republicans who were in favor of the constitution.

• The Federalists who were in favor of the constitution and the Anti-Federalists who were against the constitution.

• The Democrats who were in favor of the constitution and the Republicans who were against the constitution.

What is the function of congressional campaign committees?

• To get incumbents reelected and to make sure that open seats remain in the party's control.

• To manage the campaign of presidential candidates.

• To decide which candidates are fit to run for positions in state government.

• To determine whether a sitting president should be impeached or not?

Which of the following best describes the impact of minor parties on presidential elections?

• Minor party candidates have won several presidential elections.

• Minor party candidates have had no impact on presidential elections.

• Minor party candidates have often times captured 50-75 electoral votes.

• Minor party candidates haven't won any presidential elections but have had an impact by puling away votes from major parties.

Third parties are formed by different means. When one is created by the separation of a major party that is based on:

• single issue support

• economic protest

• splinter

• ideological beliefs