Unit 4 Political Parties 2021

A political party is a group of persons who join together in order to

• Lobby for issues they want changed

• Educate the public about the need for political activism

• Gain control of the government through the election process

• Alert the public to problems that need government action

What role best described both the Democrats and Republicans parties in the United States?

• Ideological Parties

• Major Parties

• Economic Protest Party

• Third Parties/Minor Parties

In the United States, third parties are sometimes called minor parties because they

• Draw attention to social issues

• Influence government policies

• Support independent candidates

• Have never won a presidential election and hold very little power in our government

Why are Interest groups usually centered around the government?

• Interest groups do not center around government, but instead go after local voters

• Because interest groups are not limited to political maps but instead reflect the broad interests of the members

• Because interest groups exist to shape public policy and the government influences public policy

• Because the government has the most money at their disposal

Special Interest Groups putting pressure on legislatures and the law making process in order to influence public policy is called

• Lobbying

• Petitioning

• Strong-arming

• Propaganda

Why are American election laws purposely written to discourage minor parties? (Select All That Applies) 4 Choices

• Constitution would not allow it

• Electoral College System in "Winner Takes All"

• The two party system is rooted in the beginnings of the nation itself

• Because American election laws are typically written by Democrats and Republicans

• Nearly all elections in this country are single-member district elections

Which of the following topics would a Democratic candidate typically tend to be in support of? (Select All that Apply)

• Open to Change 

• Support Individual Rights

• Goal is to win elections

• Favors Government Involvement

• Higher taxes for the wealthy

Which of the following topics would a Republican candidate typically tend to be in support of? (Select All that Apply)

• Supports higher budget for military defense

• Not as open to change 

• Supports more rights given to the states

• Goal is to win elections

• Favors Traditional Values

Please Select if it is a Civic Duty

• Paying Taxes

• Voting

• Obeying Laws

• Supporting a campaign for a political party

Please Select if it is a Civic Responsibility 

• Paying Taxes

• Voting

• Obeying Laws

• Supporting a campaign for a political party