Unit 7: HIgher-Order Thought Questions

What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College in U.S. Presidential Elections?

• To directly elect the President

• To count the popular vote

• To elect the Vice President

• To determine the President based on state electors' votes

Which of the following best describes the role of media in elections?

• To provide entertainment to the public

• To report on the news and inform the public about the candidates and issues

• To donate money to political campaigns

• To officially endorse one candidate over another

What is a Special Interest Group?

• A group of voters within a political party

• A government agency that oversees elections

• An organization that seeks to influence public policy and legislation

• A group that organizes political campaigns

What is the main goal of lobbying by a technology company?

• To provide unbiased information to the public about technology

• To influence government decision-making that favors their business

• To raise funds for political campaigns for candidates

• To organize political protests against other companies

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

• A committee within a political party that decides party policy

• A group that collects money to fund media campaigns

• An organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates

• A government agency that regulates election spending

During the presidential elections, which two major political parties dominate the U.S. political landscape?

• Libertarian and Green

• Republican and Democrat

• Independent and Socialist

• Conservative and Liberal

How does the Electoral College affect campaign strategies?

• Candidates focus only on states with the largest populations

• Candidates may focus on "swing states" that could vote for either party

• Candidates ignore states they are sure to win or lose

• Both B and C

What role does media bias play in shaping public opinion during presidential elections?

• It has no effect on presidential elections

• It can significantly influence public opinion and voting behavior

• It is illegal and therefore does not exist in presidential elections

• It only affects local elections, not presidential ones

Why might a Special Interest Group decide to support a particular candidate?

• Because the candidate is a member of the group

• Because the candidate has promised to address issues important to the group

• Because the group is legally required to support a candidate

• Because the group supports all candidates equally

How do political parties influence government policy?

• By organizing protests and rallies

• By nominating candidates who support their policy goals

• By directly making laws

• By voting in elections