Review: Elections and US Gov't

What is one primary role of a political party in the U.S.?

• Writing laws

• Informing and engaging supporters

• Overseeing judicial decisions

• Conducting foreign policy

What were the first two political parties in the U.S.?

• Democrats and Republicans

• Federalists and Anti-Federalists

• Whigs and Federalists

• Democrats and Whigs

How does the winner-takes-all electoral system impact third parties?

• It strengthens their influence.

• It limits their ability to win elections.

• It makes them the main competitors in elections.

• It eliminates the need for political parties.

What is the "spoiler effect" in elections?

• A major party dominating all elections

• Third parties drawing votes away from major parties

• Electoral College votes splitting evenly

• A candidate winning with fewer popular votes

What is political polarization?

• Equal cooperation between parties

• The gap between party ideologies widening

• Parties uniting on major legislation

• Creation of a third major political party

What are the two stages of elections in the U.S.?

• Presidential and Congressional

• Local and General

• Primary and General

• Closed and Open

What type of primary requires voters to declare their party affiliation?

• Closed primary

• Semi-closed primary

• Open primary

• General primary

What was the Citizens United v. FEC ruling?

• Limited corporate donations to candidates

• Allowed unlimited corporate spending in elections

• Reduced individual campaign contributions

• Banned all political advertisements

What is the purpose of gerrymandering?

• To create fair voting districts

• To redraw districts for political advantage

• To eliminate voter fraud

• To determine Electoral College votes

How many electoral votes are required to win the U.S. presidency?

• 100

• 270

• 435

• 538