Political Systems: AKS 29a

What two political parties have been in power the longest in the history of the United States?

• Green Party and Liberty Party

• Free Soil Party and Whig Party

• Democratic Party and Republican Party

• Federalist Party and Libertarian Party

What is the name for the series of declarations that detail a political party’s positions on election issues?

• plank

• caucus

• platform

• initiative

A platform is a series of statements expressing a political party's principles, beliefs, and positions on election issues. When is a political party's platform written?

• At the state and local caucuses

• After the party's candidate wins

• After the exit polls have closed

• At the party's national convention

Political parties appeared in the United States shortly after the Constitution was adopted because

• Washington disliked Jefferson.

• Great Britain had a two-party system.

• the Constitution provides for a two-party system.

• differences arose over political and economic issues.

The MAIN function of political parties in the United States is to

• narrow down choices for citizens voting in elections.

• ensure that country remains a representative democracy.

• keep certain types of political candidates out of power.

• help people with similar political ideas express their views.

Minor political parties have MOST often contributed to US politics by

• causing major parties to adopt their ideas.

• placing their presidential candidates on the ballot.

• providing more candidates from which a voter can choose.

• throwing presidential elections into the House of Representatives.

Which term BEST describes the American political party system?

• multi-party

• one-party

• third-party

• two-party

Philosophical political ideas have changed since the founding of our Constitution. Which political party currently reflects the liberal voter's view?

• Democratic

• Libertarian

• Republican

• Socialist

Which statement would MOST likely be made by a person who supports the Democratic Party platform?

• "The Federal government has no place in determining marriage laws."

• "More Federal programs are needed to protect the natural environment from pollution."

• "Businesses that are unburdened by regulations and help grow the national economy efficiently."

• "Programs funded at the state level can best address the needs of people who need economic assistance."

Which statement would MOST likely be made by a person who supports the Republican Party platform?

• "More Federal programs are needed to protect the natural environment from pollution."

• "The national debt is a burden on our American economy, and a stronger economy can reduce that debt."

• "The separation of church and state is vital to our success as a nation of many faiths and cultures."

• "Some people cannot escape poverty in their current jobs, so the Federal Minimum Wage should be increased."