03: Government Policies & Political Processes

SS.7.C.2.8 (L1)

What are the names of the two major political parties in the United States today?

• Democratic and Republican

• Democratic and Libertarian

• Socialist and Republican

• Socialist and Libertarian

Answer explanation

The Democratic and Republican parties are the two major political parties in the United States today. 

SS.7.C.2.8 (L2)

This statement is from a political party platform.

Which political party’s position is represented in the statement?

• Communist

• Democratic

• Republican

• Socialist

Answer explanation

The Communist Party focuses on the needs and concerns of working persons which include shifting power from those who are wealthy and who own corporations. 

SS.7.C.2.8 (L2)

Which spending increase would the Democratic Party likely support?

• homeland security

• space exploration

• education

• military

Answer explanation

The Democratic Party platform more often supports increases in education spending for public schools compared with the Republican Party platform.

SS.7.C.2.8 (L2)

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. 

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

• Democratic

• Green

• Republican

• Socialist

Answer explanation

The Republican Party platform focuses on cutting government spending and reducing spending on some programs such as social welfare. 

SS.7.C.2.8 (L3)

This table describes political party associations of governors.

Based on the table, what has been an impact of political parties on policy making?

• More Republican issue positions have shaped federal policy.

• More Democratic issue positions have shaped federal policy.

• The number of Democrats nominated for governor increased.

• The number of Republicans nominated for governor increased.

Answer explanation

In a federal system power is shared between the national and the state governments.  The more Republican governors there are the more likely that the issue positions of these governors will be heard by national lawmakers

SS.7.C.2.9 (L1)

Which is a constitutional requirement to run for Congress?

• U.S. permanent resident

• at least 25 years old

• at least 30 years old

• U.S. citizen

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution requires that only citizens may hold public office.  However, there are differences in the minimum age requirement to serve in either the House of Representatives (25 years) or the Senate (30 years). 

SS.7.C.2.9 (L2)

After serving as a U.S. Senator, Laura decided to run for governor of Florida.  Liz, Laura’s opponent, claims in court that Laura is not qualified to run.   A judge rules in Liz’s favor.

What was the basis for the lawsuit?

• Laura has never owned land in Florida.

• Laura is not a Florida resident.

• Laura is not yet 40 years old.

• Laura has never voted.

Answer explanation

The question does not give any information as to where Laura lives, but the judge ruled she was not qualified. Candidates for governor in Florida must have resided in Florida for at least seven years, so this suggests she has not met that requirement.

SS.7.C.2.9 (L2)

This newspaper headline below describes a government process.

Why might this have been a difficult election for Richards to win?

• Richards is a homeowner.

• Richards is a party leader.

• Richards has less political experience than his opponent.

• Richards has less employment experience than his opponent.

Answer explanation

Prior political experience is very often, though not always, a key characteristic that voters look for when choosing a candidate. 

SS.7.C.2.9 (L2)

A local newspaper endorsed Mayor Sanford in a state senate race over his opponent.

Why might the newspaper endorse Mayor Sanford?

• Mayor Sanford owns a local farm.

• Mayor Sanford is an elected official.

• Mayor Sanford is an experienced teacher.

• Mayor Sanford owns a local radio station.

Answer explanation

Political experience plays one of the most important factors in whether candidates will be endorsed by newspapers or interest groups, most of the time. 

SS.7.C.2.9 (L3)

The poster below is from a recent election.

Based on the poster, what conclusion can be drawn about the candidate?

• Doug is running for judge.

• Doug is running for mayor.

• Doug is running for president.

• Doug is running for city council.

Answer explanation

Presidents are national level elected officials.  Immigration and military issues are delegated to the federal government.  Candidates for national office focus on national-level issues including immigration and the military.