American Political Ideologies/Beliefs & Voting Behavior

Which of the following best matches a political ideology with that ideology’s position on the proper role of government in regulating the economy?

• Communitarian—The government should regulate monetary policy but not fiscal policy.

• Libertarian—Government regulation should increase when the economy is in decline.

• Conservative—The government should strictly limit its regulation of the marketplace.

• Liberal—The government should not intervene in economic decision-making.

Which of the following statements is supported by data in the graph?

• The higher the income, the more likely that the person will support smaller government.

• Liberals are less likely than conservatives to support bigger government.

• A decrease in income is likely to increase the possibility that a person will obtain a college degree.

• Women are more likely than men to be in favor of smaller government and fewer government services.

Which of the following scenarios explains how demographic factors affect voter participation in elections?

• Wealthier individuals are more likely to become involved in campaigns because they believe that their actions may influence the candidates.

• Individuals who belong to marginalized groups are likely to participate in elections because their issues are often highlighted by political party leaders.

• Political action committees (PACs) raise money from their donors, which they use to run television advertisements during campaigns.

• Gerrymandered districts are likely to produce competitive districts, which leads to lower turnout rates in elections.

Which of the following is most likely an effect of the data reported in the chart?

• Younger voters were more likely to vote in the 2016 presidential election.

• The California state government is more likely to address issues that affect older voters.

• Political parties will work to recruit more younger candidates to run for office.

• The media will likely be skeptical of the general election results.

Which of the following is the best explanation for the trend in voting behavior after the 2000 election?

• Many states lowered their voting age after 2000, which led to an increase in Democratic Party voters.

• Most younger voters who were Democrats in the 1980s became more conservative as they grew older and ended up supporting Republicans after 2000.

• The events that shaped the generation turning 18 after the year 2000 tended to create more liberal-minded voters who supported Democrats.

• Most younger voters after 2000 adopted political positions that were opposed to their parents’ point of view.

Which of the following best explains how political parties are likely to respond to the data in the chart?

• Political parties are likely to continue to stand by their traditional positions and not bother to appeal to groups that have not previously been included in their base.

• Political parties will adapt their positions and find ways to appeal to voters from growing demographic groups.

• Political parties will adapt by switching from candidate-centered campaigns to campaigns that strategically mobilize voters across the country with a consistent message.

• Political parties will advocate for proportional representational systems so that groups with larger populations are able to win seats and be represented more fairly in government.

Which of the following is a likely effect of the trend depicted in the bar graph on voting and elections?

• There will be fewer restrictions placed on voting.

• Voter turnout is likely to increase among non-Whites.

• Voter turnout will likely become more diverse.

• There will be more retrospective voting among young voters.

Which of the following statements about the trend is correct according to the line chart?

• The ideological difference between Southern and Northern Democrats in the House of Representatives has decreased since 1973.

• Republicans in the House of Representatives have gradually become more liberal since 1981.

• Southern Democrats in the House of Representatives have historically always been more conservative than Northern Democrats.

• There are less regional differences in the House of Representatives among Republicans than Democrats.

Which of the following best explains the ideological shifts of the Southern Democrats, as shown in the line chart?

• Republicans have become more liberal over time, forcing Southern Democrats to also become more liberal.

• Voters have been less willing to identify as Republican or Democrat, leading to a greater number of partisan candidates.

• Conservative Republicans have been more successful at winning seats in the South, replacing many of the conservative Democrats.

• Ideology has become less important to voters during elections, permitting Southern Democrats to endorse more conservative positions over time.

Which of the following illustrates an economic policy most likely supported by an ideologically liberal individual?

• The Federal Reserve increasing interest rates

• Congress placing regulations on the marketplace by increasing the minimum wage

• A bill that would decrease funding for the food stamp program

• A state lowering income taxes to attract businesses