(Test) Political Parties/Campaigns & Elections

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

How has the internet changed the political process?

• You can vote online
• You can change your vote online
• Sample ballots can help prepare voters
• Candidates can order pizza for the road

George Washington did not like political parties because...

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

The media typically is _______ when reporting the news.

• Liberal
• Biased
• Conservative
• Unbiased

From the map, what can you infer about states voter registration laws?

• Most states have some laws in place
• All states have strict laws
• There are no voter registration laws in the United States
• States have discriminatory laws

Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• watching political debates on television

• discussing political issues at work

• collecting opinions for a yearbook

• gathering signatures for a petition

How might a political action committee influence government?

• send a letter to a U.S. Senator’s supporters

• contribute money to a U.S. Senate campaign

• write a letter to a newspaper about a U.S. Senator

• contribute money to a charity in a U.S. Senator’s state

Which example represents the media acting as watchdog?

• A journalist discovers that an office holder held a hearing.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder accepted a bribe.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder decided to retire.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder voted against a bill.

Which source would give the most accurate information about the views held by an incumbent running for Congress?

• special interest group ratings of that Congress member

• a television commercial sponsored by a political party

• the voting record of the candidate while in Congress

• flyers sent through the mail by the candidate

The conversation below is part of a political discussion.

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Lou: I am going to vote for the candidate who will support cutting government spending.

Bob: Yes, we spend too much on some programs.

Which party’s candidates are these voters most likely to support?

• Democratic

• Green

• Republican

• Socialist