American Government Quiz

What is the main criticism leveled against the Electoral College system for electing presidents?

• A. It takes too long.

• B. It is undemocratic.

• C. It discourages voting.

• D. It costs too much money.

What is the main source of funding for election campaigns?

• A. public financing

• B. contributions from PACs

• C. personal wealth of candidates

• D. donations from individual citizens

In which type of election is voter turnout likely to be the greatest?

• A. primary election

• B. midterm election

• C. off-year election

• D. presidential election

The most common way people become candidates for public office is through

• A. popular drafts.

• B. party caucuses.

• C. petition drives.

• D. self-announcement.

In which kind of primary election would a registered independent be unable to vote?

• A. open

• B. closed

• C. blanket

• D. nonpartisan

Which of the following groups benefited most from the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

• A. women

• B. 18- to 20-year-olds

• C. Native Americans

• D. African Americans

The founders of our country saw a free press as a safeguard against

• A. negative campaigning.

• B. the abuse of power.

• C. the rise of parties.

• D. political gridlock.

The release of confidential information to the news media by an unnamed source is known as which of the following?

• A. a staged event

• B. a trial balloon

• C. a sound bite

• D. a leak

Which of these is found in a party platform?

• A. a description of the party's structure

• B. a statement of the party's principles

• C. a list of the party's campaign contributors

• D. a plan for getting the party's candidates elected

Which of these is the most common form of individual involvement with a political party?

• A. attending a party rally or meeting

• B. making a financial contribution to the party

• C. registering to vote as a member of the party

• D. working on the campaign of a party candidate