wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

NEW

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

The American Political System

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

_________ plays a major role and has a large impact on the American political system.

a)

Democratic law

b)

Political parties

c)

Republican law

d)

rule of law

2.

The political party that wins more seats in one house of the national or state legislature becomes the _________.

a)

majority party

b)

Democratic Party

c)

Republican Party

d)

third party

3.

The party that wins fewer seats in the national or state legislature becomes the ___________ in that house of the legislature.

a)

majority party

b)

minority party

c)

Democratic Party

d)

Republican Party

4.

The following is part of a political parties platform from 2008.


"Planks...called for the United States to assume a leadership role in the fight against global warming, amending NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) to reflect concerns about labor and the environment, and a call for more service through an expansion of the AmeriCorps and Peace Corps programs" Source: Library of Congress


Which political party is this likely from?

a)

Republican Party

b)

Libertarian Party

c)

Democratic Party

d)

Freedom Party

5.

The following is from a political parties platform in 2008.


"...support for the Armed Forces, including better economic opportunities and health and disability care for veterans; opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants and support for legislation to designate English as the official language of the United States; United Nations reform; tax relief to grow the economy and promote small business; and government reform, including the adoption of a balanced budget act and ending earmarks in legislation.


Which political party is this likely from?

a)

Democratic Party

b)

Libertarian Party

c)

Republican Party

d)

Green Party

6.

Interest groups use their _______ rights to peaceable assembly, free speech, and petition to monitor and influence the government.

a)

Second Amendment

b)

First Amendment

c)

Third Amendment

d)

Fourth Amendment

7.

In which ways do interest groups influence the political system?

a)

work with members of Congress

b)

contribute to campaigns of candidates they support

c)

influencing people

d)

all of these are true

8.

Which issue is likely to be addressed by both major political parties?

a)

the environment

b)

health care

c)

support for public education

d)

support for charter schools and private schools

9.

A large plot of land in a major city is available for development. The city is asking for suggestions that would enable many people to use the site. What are two likely results of this current issues?

a)

one group proposes a new major league baseball stadium, another wants a park and recreation center

b)

one group wants to leave the area undeveloped, another wants to build one large house

c)

a nature group wants to plant trees

d)

a group wants to build luxury town homes, another group wants to an expensive high rise

10.

The United States has a long history of a two party system. What does this mean?

a)

third parties almost always win major elections

b)

since the nation's founding the Democratic and Republican parties have won all major elections

c)

two parties often get the most voter participation

d)

all of these are true

11.

The following are Constitutional requirements to hold office.


"Members of the House of Representatives must be U.S. citizens for at least 7 years. They must also be at least 25 years old. They also must live in the district they wish to represent."


Which federal office is described here?

a)

Members of the House of Representatives

b)

Members of the Senate

c)

President of the United States

d)

Vice President

12.

Which method is most likely used by voters to determine a candidates belief on the issues?

a)

experience

b)

political platform

c)

television commercials

d)

opinion polls

13.

What role does the media play in the political system?

a)

inform voters on the issues

b)

a watchdog for the public

c)

some media can promote their own agenda

d)

all of these are true

14.

When a politician uses the American flag in a social media post what is this an example of?

a)

symbolism

b)

political platform

c)

federalism

d)

liberalism

15.

Conservative beliefs are most likely aligned with which political party?

a)

Democratic Party

b)

Green Party

c)

Republican Party

d)

Liberal Party

16.

The following is a political scenario.


Larry wants to run for office of the President of the United States. He was born in Florida and has lived in the United States for at least 14 years as a U.S. resident.


What other requirement does Larry need to meet before running for this office?

a)

He must pay his taxes

b)

He must be at least 35 years of age

c)

He must have already previously run for political office

d)

He must have been a citizen of Florida for at least 14 years

17.

The current Democratic and Republican parties disagree on the answer to which question?

a)

Should the government play a role in the economic affairs of American citizens?

b)

Does the Constitution permit the judicial branch to use judicial review?

c)

Should power be divided between the federal and state governments?

d)

Should the political system use the principle of separation of powers?

18.

The following is a common idea held by one of the major political parties in the United States.


Increased taxes and government spending are sometimes needed to pay for social programs.


The list best describes which political party?

a)

Green

b)

Libertarian

c)

Republican

d)

Democratic

19.

In a presidential election year, the economic indicators are moving slowly and unemployment is high. Survey results show that Americans are not confident in the economy.


Which qualifications for office would a candidate most likely emphasize in such this fictional election cycle?

a)

military leadership with no previous connection to politics

b)

executive political experience and strong relationships with industries

c)

having a background in education

d)

success in building and developing businesses

20.

Which statement describes a requirement for holding office in state or local office?

a)

Candidates must live in the areas they seek to represent.

b)

Candidates are required to be known by a majority of voters.

c)

Candidates must have been born in the community most affected by their decisions.

d)

Candidates are required to have served as appointed officials prior to running for office.