Political Parties and Population Projections Quiz

Political parties have less influence in mobilizing voters in the age of the candidate-centered campaign than in eras of the past. Which is the BEST way political parties still mobilize voters?

• they run primary elections

• they nominate the candidate

• they vote for bills in Congress

• they compete against each other

According to the map, which states are in danger of losing Electoral College votes?

• California, Texas and Florida

• Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania

A popular vote for President was considered by the Founders of the Constitution, but they settled on the Electoral College, instead. How is the Electoral College a form of representative democracy?

• Although the people do not chose the electors, it is still a representative democracy because the electors must vote to reflect the will of the people.

• Although the people do not chose the electors, it is still a representative democracy because the electors are chosen by state legislators who are elected.

• Although the people do not chose the electors, it is still a representative democracy because the electors must consider the requirements for the office of the president before they cast their votes.

• Although the people do not chose the electors, it is still a representative democracy because the electors meet and discuss the characteristics of the candidates and the popular vote results before they cast their official vote.

When a candidate plans their strategy to run for President of the United States, what is the ultimate goal?

• to win the most states in order to become president

• to win the most-populous states to become president

• to win 320 or more electoral college votes to win the presidency

• to win 270 or more electoral college votes to win the presidency

One criticism of the Electoral College is that it can exaggerate a win for a candidate in an election. How is this phenomenon shown in the map provided?

• The electoral vote and the popular vote are equal for all candidates.

• Having four candidates skews the results between the popular vote and electoral vote.

• Lincoln received only 40 percent of the popular vote but 59 percent of the electoral vote.

• Breckinridge and Bell received roughly equal percentages in the popular vote and the electoral vote.

Which statement BEST describes the main criticism of the Electoral College?

• The system allows candidates who lost the popular vote to win the presidency.

• The system prevents most third-party candidates from appearing on the ballot.

• The system encourages candidates to focus only on voters from their own parties.

• The system allows for the possibility that two candidates would tie in the election.

What potentially controversial problem with the Electoral College does the chart reveal?

• It gives more power to smaller states.

• It accurately represents the popular vote.

• It ensures equal representation for all states.

• It simplifies the election process.

States with higher populations have more say in determining who becomes president.

• States with higher populations have more say in determining who becomes president.

• States that joined the union first have more say in determining who becomes president.

• States on the coasts have more electoral votes than states in the center of the country.

• States closer to the capital have more electoral votes than states that are farther away.

Which is a power of the President that encourages accountability within the bureaucracy?

• creating bureaucratic budgets

• making bureaucratic appointments

• establishing bureaucratic agencies

• confirming bureaucratic appointments

In a general election, it is MOST important that a candidate

• gain support from the President.

• appeal to as many voters as possible.

• win enough support from his or her party.

• get enough signatures to be placed on the ballot.