Election Process

Which factor is used to assign electoral votes to each state?

• geographic size of the state

• regional identification of the state

• number of representatives and senators

• proces for choosing governors and legislators

How are the U.S. presidential elections different from congressional elections?

• Candidates attempt to appeal to undecided voters in rural areas

• Candidates can win the electoral vote without winning the popular vote

• Political parties base campaigns on data from public polls

• Political parties influence the selection of the candidate

In the 1990, 2000, and 2010 census, western and southern states gained seats in the U.S. Congress.

Which conclusion is best supported by this information?

• Population growth in southern states has led to a decrease in voter turn-out in elections

• States in the South and West have voting districts that are larger than other regions in the country

• Population increase in urban centers have led to an equitable distribution of representatives

• States in the South and West have more influence in presidential elections in the past

The main effect of establishment of the direct primary for the U.S. political elections was that it

• reduced the need to travel during political campaigns

• reduced the influence of political party leaders

• increased the number of delegates to secure the nomination

• increased the number of independent voters

Which change most likely results from major shifts of population from one region to another?

• Presidential campaigns become more competitive

• Congressional representation is redistributed

• Interest groups gain more funding

• Third parties are introduced

Why would government official use the practice of gerrymandering?

• to increase presidential powers after an election

• to favor one political party during congressional redistricting

• to apportion the number of members to the House of Representatives

• to increase the number of Electoral College members from a particular state

Actions of a State Governor During a Reelection Campaign

Appears on a popular television talk show

Visits a manufacturing plant to discuss the economy

Organizes town hall meetings with full media coverage `

• to influence public opinion

• to establish public policy

• to promote the passage of new legislation

• to supervise government employees

How has the internet helped elected officials to communicate with American citizens?

• by eliminating the need for traditional media outlets

• by restricting access to political information

• by increasing campaign costs to pay for print advertising

• by reaching wider audiences through new technologies

Which factor Most affects the nomination of presidential candidates?

• establishment of third parties

• creation of an electoral college system

• conducting public opinion polls

• spending on campaign advertisements

Which action would best allow political candidates to meet the needs of their voters?

• using televised debates to promote a political agenda

• spending campaign money on polls to identify public opinion

• focusing campaign resources on web-based technology

• distributing information about the issues to people