5.1 - 5.5 Practice

Which type of voting is based on displeasure with the incumbent?

• Retrospective

• Prospective

• Rational-choice

• Party-line

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Retrospective voting. This type of voting refers to when voters base their vote on past performance of the candidate or party. In this question, the person is voting for the challenger due to her dissatisfaction with the incumbent, which is a clear example of retrospective voting.

Buddy will vote for anyone as long as they are Republican. What type of voting is this?

• Retrospective

• Prospective

• Rational-choice

• Party-line

Answer explanation

Party-line voting refers to the practice of voting for candidates of the same party across different elections or ballot measures. In the question, Buddy's behavior of voting for anyone as long as they are Republican is a clear example of party-line voting. He is not basing his decision on individual candidate's policies or performance, but solely on their party affiliation.

What is the most likely result in states that require photo ID for voting?

• Lower voter turnout, especially among the low-income population

• Increased voter turnout

• No effect on voter turnout

• A significant decrease in instances of voter fraud

Answer explanation

States that require photo ID for voting are likely to experience lower voter turnout, particularly among low-income and older populations. This is because these groups may face difficulties in obtaining the necessary identification, leading to their disenfranchisement and a decrease in overall voter participation.

What is the best predictor of how a person will vote in an election?

• Gender

• Income level

• Character of the candidates

• Party identification

Answer explanation

Party identification is the best predictor of how a person will vote in an election. While factors like gender, income level, and character of the candidates can influence voting behavior, party identification remains the most consistent and reliable indicator of an individual's voting preferences.

What is the primary purpose of a political party?

• To influence public policy

• To gain power by winning elections

• To unite the nation

• To establish a one-world government

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a political party is to gain power by winning elections. This allows them to influence public policy and represent their constituents' interests. While uniting the nation and establishing a one-world government may be goals for some parties, the main objective is to win elections and gain power.

Which is NOT a function of political parties?

• Voter Education and mobilization

• Recruit and nominate candidates

• Establish a party platform

• Lobby congressmen and their staffs

Answer explanation

Political parties have several functions, including getting out the vote (GOTV) and mobilization, recruiting and nominating candidates, and establishing a party platform. However, lobbying congressmen and their staffs is not a primary function of political parties, as it is typically done by interest groups and lobbyists.

Which is NOT a barrier to third party success?

• Single-member congressional districts

• State laws banning minor parties

• Winner-take-all

• Plurality system

Answer explanation

State laws banning minor parties is the correct choice because it is not a barrier to third party success. Single-member congressional districts, winner-take-all, and plurality system are all barriers that make it difficult for third parties to gain traction and win elections in the United States.

Which model of democracy is the Electoral College an example of?

• Participatory democracy

• Pluralist democracy

• Elite democracy

• Direct democracy

Answer explanation

The Electoral College is an example of elite democracy because it involves a small group of electors who ultimately decide the outcome of presidential elections, rather than the popular vote. This system reflects the idea that a select group of knowledgeable individuals can make better decisions for the country than the general population.

What is a result of consumer-driven and ideologically oriented news programming?

• People are mostly exposed to sources that reaffirm their biases

• People are better informed

• People have fewer options and ways to receive news

• There is increased political unity and our political discourse has never been loftier

Answer explanation

Today's consumer-driven and ideologically oriented news programming often results in people being exposed to sources that reaffirm their biases. This is because such programming tends to cater to specific viewpoints, thereby reinforcing existing beliefs and biases rather than challenging them or presenting diverse perspectives.

if laws are unable to be passed in Congress this occurs. usually it happens when the house the Senate in the presidency are not of the same parties

• gridlock

• checks and balances

• pocket veto

• Rules Committee

Answer explanation

The term 'gridlock' refers to a situation where there is difficulty in passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people. This usually happens when the House, the Senate, and the Presidency are controlled by different parties. In such a scenario, there is a lack of consensus and hence, the process of law-making can come to a standstill. This is why 'gridlock' is the correct answer to the question.