Voting and Elections Quiz

Why do parties prefer closed primaries to open primaries?

Susan is currently working two part-time jobs and is frustrated about the poor economy. On Election Day, she votes for every challenger on the ballot, because she feels the president and Congress are not doing enough to help her. What type of vote did she cast?

• gerrymandering of the candidate's district

• media's support of the candidate

• candidate's political party

Which factor is most likely to lead to the incumbency advantage for a candidate?

• candidate's socioeconomic status

• voters propose something but the governor approves it

• government proposes something and the voters approve it

• government proposes something and the legislature approves it

In what ways is voting your party identification an informed choice? In what ways is it lazy?

Do physical characteristics matter when voters assess candidates? If so, how?

Which of the following is not a step in the initiative process?

• approval of initiative petition by state or local government

• collection of signatures

• state-wide vote during a ballot election

• signature or veto by state governor

What problems would a voter face when trying to pass an initiative or recall?

Why do some argue that direct democracy is simply a way for the wealthy and businesses to get their own policies passed?

What factors determine whether people turn out to vote in U.S. elections?

What can be done to increase voter turnout in the United States?