Unit 5 Practice Test

What did the 23rd amendment accomplish?

• Gave women the right to vote

• Gave Washington DC 3 electoral votes

• Limits the president to 2 terms in office

• Abolished poll taxes

Answer explanation

The 23rd amendment granted Washington D.C. three electoral votes in presidential elections, allowing residents to participate in the electoral process, which was not previously possible.

Kai examines a candidate’s past record. What kind of voting model is this?

• Rational choice

• Retrospective

• Prospective

• Party-line

Answer explanation

Kai's examination of a candidate's past record reflects a retrospective voting model, where voters assess candidates based on their previous performance rather than future promises.

Which constitutional amendment did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 seek to enforce?

• 14th amendment

• 15th amendment

• 26th amendment

• 27th amendment

Answer explanation

Congress sought to enforce the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, not the 27th Amendment. The 27th Amendment deals with congressional pay and is unrelated to voting rights.

Which amendment changed how US Senators are elected?

• 15th

• 17th

• 19th

• 26th

Answer explanation

The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, established the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, replacing the previous system where Senators were chosen by state legislatures.

Grace evaluates candidates' policies for personal impact. Which voting model is this?

• Rational choice

• Retrospective

• Prospective

• Party-line voting

Answer explanation

Grace is using the rational choice model as she evaluates candidates based on their policies and how these align with her personal interests, aiming to make a decision that maximizes her benefits.

Hispanics generally support Democrats. In this scenario, Hispanics would be considered a(n)

• Political party

• Voting bloc

• Electorate

• Interest group

Answer explanation

Hispanics are considered a voting bloc because they tend to vote similarly, often supporting Democrats. This term refers to a group of voters who share common interests and voting patterns, distinguishing them from political parties or interest groups.

What did the 26th amendment accomplish?

• Called for the direct election of Senators

• Gave Washington DC 3 electoral votes

• Lowered the voting age to 18

• Gave women the right to vote

Answer explanation

The 26th amendment, ratified in 1971, lowered the voting age to 18, ensuring that younger citizens could participate in elections, reflecting the belief that if they could be drafted for war, they should be able to vote.

During a class discussion, Maya asked about swing states and learned that they are those that

• Have a governor that is from a different party than the senators from that state

• Cannot be considered solidly red or blue in presidential elections

• Have one senator from the Democratic party and another from the Republican party

• Have roughly an equal amount of Congress members from each party

Answer explanation

Swing states are those that cannot be considered solidly red or blue in presidential elections, meaning they can be won by either major party in different election cycles.

What term refers to when a political party is so badly defeated it fades into obscurity or when large blocs of voters shift allegiance from one party to another?

• Divided government

• Party realignment

• Political socialization

• Political polarization

Answer explanation

The term 'party realignment' describes a significant shift in political allegiance, where a party may fade into obscurity as new parties emerge or voters change their support, making it the correct answer.

Which best illustrates a critical election?

• An intense election with many controversial issues

• An election that is so close it requires a recount

• An election that reveals a lasting shift in voting bloc loyalties

• An election in which a challenging party replaces the incumbent party

Answer explanation

A critical election is characterized by a significant and lasting change in voter alignment. The correct choice highlights an election that reveals a lasting shift in voting bloc loyalties, indicating a fundamental change in political dynamics.