Political Parties and Their Role in American Politics

What is the main goal of a political party?

• To influence policies

• To control government

• To support interest groups

• To win elections

What is the main role of interest groups in politics?

• To win elections

• To control government

• To influence policies

• To support political parties

Why do political parties facilitate collective action in the electoral process?

• To make it easier for voters to form groups

• To control government

• To support interest groups

• To win elections

How do political parties facilitate policy making?

• By influencing elected officials

• By supporting interest groups

• By working together with other parties

• By forming alliances among party members

What is the purpose of political parties in dealing with politicians' ambition?

• To prevent politicians from acting in their own self-interest

• To provide a structure for politicians' careers

• To encourage competition among politicians

• To strengthen party discipline

What is the first thing that parties have to do to win elections?

• Recruit candidates

• Nominate candidates

• Get out the vote

• Influence national government

What is the process through which a potential candidate is chosen to represent a particular party in an election?

• Recruitment

• Nomination

• Primary election

• Convention

What is the main purpose of primary elections?

• To choose candidates for the general election

• To select party delegates

• To determine the party's brand

• To encourage voter participation

What is the main role of political parties in mobilizing voters?

• To coordinate volunteers for voter registration drives

• To provide direct mail and advertisements

• To encourage participation in primary elections

• To narrow down political choices for non-partisan voters

How do political parties influence the way the national government works?

• By determining the Speaker of the House

• By shaping Congress' agenda

• By supporting the president's initiatives

• All of the above