POD 1st Semester Exam

What is one of the main functions of political parties in the American Democratic System?

• To decentralize government
• To name those who will seek office
• To create laws
• To fund elections to keep them fair

In which type of primary do voters not have to declare a party affiliation?

• Closed Primary
• Open Primary
• Runoff Primary
• Non-Partisan Primary

What is a caucus primarily used for?

• Electing national officials
• Picking presidential candidates
• Selecting party delegates
• Holding closed and undemocratic meetings

How are voters in a precinct supposed to cast their votes?

• Online
• By mail
• At a polling place
• Through a party leader

What is the "coattail effect" in elections?

• When a strong candidate at the top of the ballot helps other candidates
• When a candidate rides the success of previous elections
• When a candidate loses votes due to negative campaigning
• When a candidate is supported by a famous person

Which type of ballot lists candidates according to their office?

• Party-Column Ballot
• Office-Group Ballot
• Open Ballot
• Closed Ballot

How are funds from Super PACs typically used?

• To endorse candidates
• For issue advocacy
• As direct contributions to candidates
• For personal expenses of candidates

What is the main drawback of primary elections?

• They are too expensive
• They are not well understood by the electorate
• They are only held in certain states
• They are influenced by international politics

When are federal elections held in the United States?

• The first Monday in November
• The first Tuesday following the first Monday in November
• The first Tuesday following the first Monday in October
• The second Tuesday in November

What is "dark money"?

• Money that is used without any disclosure
• Money used for legal campaign expenditures
• Money that is given to registered parties
• Money spent on official campaign ads