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WorksheetsPolitical Spectrum
Total questions: 102
Worksheet time: 2hrs 39mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
What are the two sides of the political spectrum?
a)
Liberals and Conservatives
b)
Radicals and Reactionaries
c)
Democrats and Republicans
d)
Dumb and Dumber
2.
Which side favors government bringing about change?
a)
Liberals
b)
Conservatives
3.
Which side is more traditional in views?
a)
Liberals
b)
Conservatives
4.
The Republican Party falls on which side of the spectrum?
a)
Left
b)
Right
5.
Which group demands immediate change, by any means necessary?
a)
Reactionaries
b)
Progressives
c)
Radicals
d)
Neo-Conservatives
6.
Which side believes the government should tax the wealthy and spend it on people in need?
a)
Liberals
b)
Conservatives
7.
Which side believes the best defense is a strong military?
a)
Conservatives
b)
Liberals
8.
People in the middle of the spectrum, who can see both sides of the argument, are called
a)
Progressives
b)
Moderates
c)
Mediocre
d)
Undecided
9.
This group tries to influence government by recruiting strong candidates and winning elections:
a)
Third parties
b)
Reactionaries
c)
Major political parties
d)
Radicals
10.
This group focuses on specific issues but rarely wins elections:
a)
Democrats
b)
Republicans
c)
Third parties
d)
Independents
11.
This term refers to when the two, major political parties work together:
a)
Partisanship
b)
Plurality
c)
Bipartisanship
d)
Majority
12.
Which political beliefs fall between liberal and conservative and include ideas from both sides?
a)
Liberal
b)
Moderate
c)
Conservative
d)
Radical
13.
What are the two major political parties in the US?
a)
Democrats and Greens
b)
Republicans and Libertarians
c)
Democrats and Republicans
d)
Libertarians and Greens
14.
What do reactionaries want?
a)
keep things the way they are
b)
go back to the way things were
c)
change things from how they are
d)
go forward to make things better
15.
Radicals often use _______ to try to bring about immediate change
a)
protests
b)
negotiations
c)
violence
d)
voting
16.
What side of the spectrum is most associated with total government control?
a)
conservative
b)
moderate
c)
liberal
d)
radical
17.
What side of the spectrum is most associated with total individual freedom?
a)
conservative
b)
moderate
c)
liberal
d)
radical
18.
Which of the following would be considered a liberal approach to marijuana use?
a)
total ban
b)
no restrictions
19.
Which of the following would be considered a conservative approach to marijuana use?
a)
total ban
b)
no restrictions
20.
Which political party has a donkey as their logo?
a)
Democratic Party
b)
Republican Party
c)
Green Party
d)
Libertarian Party
21.
Which group believes that government should be more involved in the lives of citizens?
a)
Moderates
b)
Conservatives
c)
Liberals
d)
Republicans
22.
On the linear political spectrum, which group is known for being on the far right?
a)
Liberals
b)
Moderates
c)
Democrats
d)
Conservatives
23.
What is a moderate?
a)
Someone who favors liberalism
b)
Someone who doesn't follow politics
c)
Someone who has some liberal and some conservative beliefs
d)
Someone who favors conservatism
24.
The elephant is the symbol associated with which political party?
a)
Democratic Party
b)
Republican Party
c)
Green Party
25.
Which of the following best describes conservatives' beliefs about government?
a)
It should be less involved in people's lives to promote independence
b)
It should be more involved in people's lives to promote equality
c)
It should be non-existent (anarchy)
26.
Which of the following political parties is more liberal?
a)
Democratic Party
b)
Republican Party
27.
A group of people who come together based on shared political beliefs is known as what?
a)
Majority party
b)
Minority party
c)
Political party
d)
Political platform
28.
Which of the following groups traditionally largely supports the Republican Party?
a)
Citizens in the Midwestern United States
b)
Citizens in the Northeastern United States
c)
Minority groups
d)
Citizens in major cities/urban areas
29.
Which political party traditionally supports tax cuts for all Americans?
a)
Republicans
b)
Democrats
30.
Which political party traditionally supports equal rights with regards to marriage?
a)
Republicans
b)
Democrats
31.
What does the U.S. Constitution say about political parties?
a)
Political parties are necessary for a united country
b)
Political parties are unconstitutional
c)
The Constitution says nothing about political parties
d)
Political parties are beneficial
32.
George Washington suggested that political parties would lead to which of the following in America?
a)
An end to democracy
b)
A stronger democracy
c)
Monarchies
d)
Division among Americans
33.
Although third parties traditionally don't win elections in America, what benefit do they provide?
a)
They raise awareness on issues
b)
They raise money for Republicans and Democrats
c)
They serve no purpose
d)
None of the above
34.
How do voters who vote for third party candidates “disrupt” the two-party system in American politics?
a)
They could “split” the vote from their candidate and the other party would win.
b)
They don't disrupt the two-party system.
35.
Why do Republicans and Democrats traditionally keep their political platforms broad?
a)
To attract as many votes as possible.
b)
They don't have strong political platforms.
36.
a group of people who seek to control government through the winning of elections and holding public office
a)
political spectrum
b)
political party
c)
partisanship
partisanship
partisanship
d)
single member districts
37.
the range of political views
a)
political spectrum
b)
political party
38.
government action based on allegiance to a political party
a)
single member district
b)
plurality
c)
partisanship
39.
the right to vote
a)
precinct
precinct
precinct
b)
ward
c)
suffrage
d)
faction
40.
the smallest unit of election administration
a)
suffrage
b)
ward
c)
precinct
41.
parties that concentrate on only one issue
a)
single issue party
b)
splinter parties
splinter parties
splinter parties
c)
economic protest parties
42.
a temporary alliance of several groups
a)
suffrage
b)
faction
c)
consensus
d)
coalition
43.
a conflicting group
a)
splinter party
b)
faction
c)
plurality
44.
a narrow minded concern for or devotion to the interest of one section of the country
a)
ideological parties
b)
consensus
c)
sectionalism
45.
Set of beliefs that one can apply to policies and events; one’s political “moral” code and world view
a)
Political Spectrum
b)
Political Ideology
c)
Political party
d)
Political Candidate
46.
The party of the Elephant and considered right on the political Spectrum are the..
a)
Democrats
b)
Green party
c)
Republicans
d)
Independents
47.
The party of the Donkey and considered left on the political spectrum are the...
a)
Republicans
b)
Democrats
c)
Tea Party
d)
Green party
48.
Organizations of people with a common goal that try to influence government policies and decisions are known as..
a)
Political parties
b)
Pressure Groups
c)
Interest Groups
d)
Fraternities
49.
A person running for office.
a)
candidate
b)
delegate
c)
write-in candidate
d)
speaker
50.
During a debate, candidates discuss their views on various ________.
a)
issues
b)
opinion polls
c)
endorsements
d)
contributors
51.
Candidates seek __________ from large organizations, celebrities and other big name companies.
a)
endorsements
b)
opinion polls
c)
issues
d)
contributors
52.
Which of the following is a country with a two-party system?
a)
United States of America
b)
Japan
c)
Canada
d)
Cuba
53.
The person who is chosen to run as a party's candidate in the national election.
a)
write-in candidate
b)
candidate
c)
delegate
d)
nominee
54.
A collection of all the efforts a candidate makes to win an election.
a)
party platform
b)
campaign
c)
public policy
d)
political vies
55.
What is one of the main purposes of political parties?
a)
To cast electoral votes
b)
To set the age for voting
c)
To administer literacy tests
d)
To nominate candidates for office
56.
Political parties try to influence the government by -
a)
lobbying members of Congress
b)
donating money to the opposing party's elected officials
c)
getting their members elected
d)
proposing amendments to the Constitution
57.
Political parties inform supporters by
a)
using the media
b)
censoring the media
c)
discouraging communication
d)
discouraging the use of social media
58.
the right to vote
a)
precinct
precinct
precinct
b)
ward
c)
suffrage
d)
faction
59.
What is it called when a person's opinion is one sided?
a)
Propaganda
b)
Bias
c)
Incumbent
d)
Lobbying
60.
With which of the following statements would a liberal Democrat MOST likely agree?
a)
It is unnecessary for the government to provide help to those in need
b)
Businesses and communities should be able to make their own choices
c)
Strong government action is necessary to help people receive equal treatment
d)
Government's job is to protect the freedoms of individuals and states
61.
Which which of the following statements would a liberal Democrat MOST likely agree?
a)
Public schools run by the government should be shut down in favor of more private schools
b)
The government should pass laws that require businesses to pay workers a higher minimum wage
c)
The government should lower taxes on wealthy Americans so that they have more money to hire workers
d)
Farmers should be able to use whatever pesticides and fertilizers they want without the government interfering with polllution laws
62.
The Democrats traditional stance in support of Women's Choice to Abortion and the Republicans stance against is is part of the parties __________.
a)
values
b)
platform
c)
website
d)
stance
63.
Candidates who run for office almost always identify with ___________________.
a)
average Americans
b)
the values of their region
c)
a major political party
d)
candidates who have already has success in politics
64.
Would favor build up of the military
a)
Democrats
b)
Republicans
65.
Would favor making regulations to protect the environment
a)
Democrat
b)
Republican
66.
Would favor higher taxes
a)
Demcrats
b)
Republicans
67.
Would favor pro-choice
a)
Democrats
b)
Republicans
68.
Would favor gun control
a)
Democrats
b)
Republicans
69.
supported by the liberal voters
a)
Democrats
b)
Republicans
70.
A Liberal is usually referred to as a Republican and a Conservative is a Democrat.
a)
True
b)
False
c)
Maybe
71.
The United States has a
a)
two-party system.
b)
multi-party system.
c)
one-party system.
72.
In order to win the presidency
a)
the candidate must earn 1/2 of the states nomination
b)
the candidate must win the popular vote
c)
the candidate must win 270 electoral college votes
d)
the candidate must be selected by the house or represenatives
73.
Which of the following is NOT a major party?
a)
Republicans
b)
Democrats
c)
Libertarian
74.
A _____________ system characterizes the American political process.
a)
multi-party
b)
two-party
c)
three-party
d)
dual party
75.
All of the following are characteristics of third parties EXCEPT
a)
often revolve around a political personality
b)
typically win elections
c)
often takes votes away from the two main parties
d)
introduce new ideas and/or press for a particular issue
76.
The differences between political parties are stated in the
a)
party strategies
b)
party platforms
c)
functions of the parties
d)
party handbooks
77.
All of the following are examples of modern day third parties EXCEPT
a)
Whig Party
b)
Green Party
c)
Constitution Party
d)
Libertarian Party
78.
Beliefs of a political party
a)
strategies
b)
foundations
c)
theories
d)
ideology
79.
A Presidential debate is an example of which function of political parties?
a)
monitoring officeholders
b)
helping candidates win
c)
recruiting and nominating candidates
d)
educating the voters about issues
80.
Republicans ask Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, a Republican, to resign after he was accused of blackmail. Which function?
a)
recruiting and nominating candidates
b)
helping candidates win
c)
monitoring actions of officeholders
d)
educating the voters about issues
81.
A/an ______________ is where the beliefs (and differences) of political parties are listed.
a)
forum
b)
editorial
c)
platform
d)
op-ed
82.
This group believes in discarding old ideas and embracing new behaviors and opinions.
a)
Conservatives
b)
Liberals
c)
Reactionary
d)
Radical
83.
This group likes to hold on to old traditions and ideas and does not want to change or reform anything in relation to politics and religion.
a)
Liberals
b)
Republican
c)
Reactionary
d)
Conservatives
84.
Someone who has mixed views other than those of the two major political parties.
a)
Third Party
b)
Libertarian
c)
Liberal
d)
Conservative
85.
When it comes to the economy and taxes, conservatives want ___ and liberals want ___.
a)
lower taxes and less government involvement; higher taxes on wealthy and more government involvement
b)
higher taxes on middle class and more government regulation; lower taxes and less government regulation
c)
full government regulation; minimal government regulation
d)
control of economy by corporations; control of economy by citizens
86.
When it comes to gun control, conservatives are ___ and liberals are ___.
a)
anti- gun control; pro- gun control
b)
pro- gun control; anti-gun control
c)
neutral; against
d)
advocates; dissenters
87.
When it comes to immigration, conservatives want to ____ immigration laws and liberals want to ____ immigration laws.
a)
strengthen; loosen
b)
loosen; strengthen
c)
eliminate; advocate
d)
keep; get rid of
88.
Support "Right to Choose" (Abortion)
a)
Liberal
b)
Conservative
89.
Favor less government regulation of the economy.
a)
Liberal
b)
Conservative
90.
Support "Right to Life"
a)
Liberal
b)
Conservative
91.
Favor greater government support for those in poverty.
a)
Liberal
b)
Conservative
92.
Which political party wants to keep the status quo?
a)
Democract
b)
Republican
c)
Liberal
93.
What is the earliest and one of the most significant agents in the political socialization process?
a)
Peers
b)
School
c)
Family
94.
People who are willing to go to extremes (break the law, disrupt business as usual etc.) in order to change society to make it more equal.
a)
Conservatives
b)
Libertarians
c)
Radicals
d)
Capitalists
95.
What do reactionaries want?
a)
keep things the way they are
b)
go back to the way things were
c)
change things from how they are
d)
go forward to make things better
96.
All of the following are functions of political parties EXCEPT-
a)
recruiting and nominating candidates
b)
educate the electorate about campaign issues
c)
nominate Supreme Court justices
d)
monitor actions of office holders
97.
agreement of many people
a)
concur
b)
consensus
c)
compose
d)
conservative
98.
A splinter party is:
a)
rooted in a period of economic discontent
b)
one that split away from one of the major parties
c)
focused on a single public question
d)
based on a particular set of beliefs
99.
The most common process of choosing a nominee for President involves voters selecting their nominee for Presidential candidate by marking a ballot. This nominating method is known as
a)
Self-announcemnet
b)
Caucus
c)
Primary
d)
Petition
100.
Which may be said of a moderate?
a)
Moderates are considered to be further to the right than Republicans
b)
Moderates disagree with both Conservatives and Liberals on every issue
c)
Moderates are not interested in politics
d)
Moderates share some beliefs of liberals and some of convervatives
101.
This body is responsible for for electing the President
a)
The People
b)
The Electoral College
c)
The Supreme Court
d)
The Pope
102.
Which of these means of nominating a candidate involves a long meeting in which members representing candidates may try to persuade voters to vote for their candidate?
a)
Self-announcement
b)
Petition
c)
Primary
d)
Caucus
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