Module 4 Review: Political Participation and Culture

Consumer-driven media often contributes to partisan polarization by:

• Ignoring controversial topics

• Reinforcing existing political biases

• Emphasizing corporate sponsorship

• Covering mostly conservative issues

What is the typical outcome for electoral votes in most states during presidential elections?

• They are divided among all candidates

• The winner receives all electoral votes

• Smaller states get more votes per capita

• Votes are awarded by proportional representation

High political efficacy in an individual means they are likely to:

• Trust political officials

• Participate actively in elections

• Be cynical about politics

• Avoid political engagement

What role do interest groups often play in "iron triangles"?

• Establishing foreign policy

• Influencing policy through connections with agencies and Congress

• Serving as financial backers for campaigns

• Managing state-level election processes

What is one major criticism of the winner-take-all system in the Electoral College?

• Popular vote doesn't always match the winner

• All states receive equal electoral votes

• Electors can switch votes easily

• It is difficult to secure a majority vote

Which amendment gave African American men the right to vote?

• 13th

• 14th

• 15th

• 17th

Group that can raise limited amounts of funds for political candidates

• Labor unions
• Political Action Committees (PACs)
• Super PACs
• Nonprofit organizations

Organization that attempts to affect the political process by informing and influencing members of the Government to pass or block laws

• Interest Group

• Legislative Association
• Political Committee
• Advocacy Group

Which is a negative effect that political action committees (PACs) have had on public policy?

• Increased transparency in political funding
• Enhanced accountability of politicians
• Promotion of diverse viewpoints in decision-making
• Their economic power has diminished the voice of the people in politics.

“In United States history, the cruel measure of success for a third-party movement has been its own self-destruction.”  Which statement is the best interpretation of this quote?

• Third-party movements in the United States never face any challenges
• Third-party movements in the United States are always supported by the major political parties
• Third-party movements in the United States always succeed and thrive
• Popular third-party causes are sometimes later incorporated into a major party platform.