17.3 - Party Organization and Nominating Candidates

At a party's national convention, who selects the ticket?

• the leadership committee

• the nominating committee

• the delegates

• the platform committee

A candidate who wins a plurality of the vote has received

• at least 50 percent plus one vote.

• fewer votes than the winner.

• a super-majority of votes.

• more votes than any other candidate.

Which method of nominating candidates involves an election?

• direct primary method

• caucus method

• petition method

• canvass method

In choosing a running mate, presidential candidates often look for someone who

• agrees with them on almost all issues.

• appeals to the same voter segments.

• is from their home region.

• is demographically different from them.

In this type of primary, voters from both parties may participate.

• open primary

• direct primary

• indirect primary

• closed primary

What is one criticism of presidential primaries?

• Primaries don't run long enough for candidates to make a good showing.

• Relatively few people vote in primaries or attend caucuses.

• Caucus states have more voting power at the convention than do primary states.

• Candidates who win early primaries often must drop out later for lack of money.

In a proportional system, the candidate who wins a state's presidential primary gets

• all the state's convention delegates.

• delegates based on the state's population.

• delegates based on the number of popular votes he or she received.

• delegates based on the percentage of state party members who cast ballots.

Which of the following characterizes the relationship between levels of a party's organization?

• The national organization manages the state and local organizations.

• The national organization manages the state organization, and the state manages the local organization.

• The national, state, and local organizations operate independently.

• The state and local parties are made up of representatives from the national organization.

What is a plank in a party's platform?

• a controversial position that divides the party

• an overall mission statement of the party

• a principle that guides the choice of candidates

• a statement of position on one issue

People who join a political party are obligated to

• give money.

• vote.

• volunteer during campaigns.

• attend party meetings.