Unit 3: Politics & Elections

"Democratic" and "Republican" are two examples of a:

• Political Action Committee (PAC)

• Political Ideology

• Political Party

• Minor Party

Answer explanation

In the US, we have a Two-Party System, meaning that politics are dominated by two major parties: the Democratic Party, and the Republican Party (GOP).

TRUE or FALSE: George Washington supported the existence of political parties.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

FALSE: George Washington felt that political parties were a danger to the nation, and would create division.

What is the main job of a political party?

• Nominate candidates for office

• Educate voters

• Spend money to advertise against opposing candidates

• Regulate campaign and election finance

Answer explanation

While they have multiple purposes, political parties' essential function is to identify and nominate candidates for public office.

TRUE or FALSE: The two sides of the Political Spectrum are "Democrat" and "Republican".

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

FALSE: The Political Spectrum refers to political ideology, not political party.

Left Wing ; Liberal : :

Right Wing ; Conservative

Which political ideology promotes change, reform, and progressive ideas?

• Liberal

• Conservative

Answer explanation

A Liberal is someone who is not satisfied with the status quo. They believe that change and reform = progress. They tend to prefer government regulation, and federal funding of government-provided services.

Which political ideology promotes traditional ideals and values, and is cautious regarding change?

• Liberal

• Conservative

Answer explanation

A Conservative favors less government intervention, a free-market economy, and private property. They tend tofavor policy that is informed by tradition, and do not believe that new, different = better.

LIBERAL or CONSERVATIVE: "The government should regulate businesses to ensure fair practice."

• Liberal

• Conservative

Answer explanation

Liberal: A Liberal would believe that the government has the obligation to regulate business, where a Conservative would believe that the government and business should stay separate.

LIBERAL or CONSERVATIVE: "The United States is traditionally a Christian nation, and our policies should reflect that."

• Liberal

• Conservative

Answer explanation

Conservative: A Conservative feels that religion is traditional and should influence policy, while a Liberal feels that church and state should be separate.

LIBERAL or CONSERVATIVE: "Wealthy people should pay more in taxes."

• Liberal

• Conservative

Answer explanation

Liberal: Taxation itself is a Liberal idea, but a Conservative would believe that if paying taxes is required, everyone should pay the same amount.

LIBERAL or CONSERVATIVE: "The government should not be able to dictate how I use my own, private land."

• Liberal

• Conservative

Answer explanation

Conservative: A Conservative would view government regulation of private property as invasive, whereas a Liberal would have less of a problem with government involvement.