Unit 4 Test: Executive Branch Review

Why do political parties typically adopt platforms during major election years?

• to give voters influence over who the party will select to represent it

• to announce the party's desired candidates in each electoral race

• to give voters influence over what the objectives of the party will be

• to announce the party's goals and explain its stance on complicated issues

Read the information about two candidates for mayor of a town and answer the question.

In a close election, Candidate A wins the mayoral race. How will the outcome of the election likely affect the city?

• Local schools will likely gain access to additional resources.

• A new law protecting freedom of speech will likely be passed.

• Business profits will likely increase due to less regulation.

• Repairs and new infrastructure projects will likely be delayed.

Use the table to answer the question.

Based on the table, which informal requirement for presidential candidates of the United States has become less important to voters?

• nomination by a major political party

• prior experience in public service

• ability to appeal to a large voter base

• skillful at raising large amounts of money

This question has two parts on the test Part A - Part B.

Answer A, then B

What does the trend in the data illustrate?

• How the use of the filibuster can impact the makeup of federal legislatures.

• How minority party members in Congress check the power of the president.

• How dissatisfaction with government policy leads to shifts in congressional balance of power.

• How presidents gain support for their legislative agendas through the power of appointment.

This question has two parts on the test Part A - Part B

Answer A, then B.

Based on the trend in the table, what was the likely outcome of the 1994 midterm elections?

• Democrats likely gained seats in both the House and the Senate.

• Democrats likely gained seats in the House but lost seats in the Senate.

• Republicans likely gained seats in the House but lost seats in the Senate.

• Republicans likely gained seats in both the House and the Senate.

Use the data concerning recent elections to answer the question.

Based on this data and your knowledge of social studies, what conclusion can be drawn?

• There is often a change in power in Congress during midterm elections because more people vote in midterm elections than in presidential elections.

• The incumbent party usually retains control in Congress during midterm elections because the electorate is different in midterm and presidential elections.

• The incumbent party usually retains control in Congress during midterm elections because more people vote in midterm elections than in presidential elections.

• There is often a change in power in Congress during midterm elections because the electorate is different in midterm and presidential elections.

In US presidential elections, voters are engaging in. . .

• representative democracy by voting directly to elect the presidential candidate they support.

• representative democracy by voting to indicate how they want state electors to vote.

• direct democracy by voting directly to elect the presidential candidate they support.

• direct democracy by voting to indicate how they want state electors to vote.

In US presidential elections, citizens. . .

• engage in direct democracy by voting directly for electors who support their candidate.

• vote to indicate how they want state electors to vote.

• vote to indicate how they want Congress to vote.

• engage in direct democracy by voting directly to elect the candidate they support.

Use the table to answer the question.

Which statement about the modern American two-party system is supported by the chart?

• It is key to the growth and success of American democracy.

• The features that create its advantages also create its disadvantages.

• Its disadvantages outweigh its advantages.

• There is no measurable difference between the two parties.

Use the chart to answer the question.

Based on the chart, which statement BEST characterizes the media's role in the United States?

• It is part of the constitutional system of checks and balances.

• It provides a check on the government and empowers the people.

• It gives Americans direct access to their elected officials.

• It is a government institution used to implement policies.