Topic 11 Test

Match the following vocabulary terms to its definition.

• Political Ideology

• A group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office

• Electorate

• A set of political beliefs (social, economic, and political) held by an individual or group of individuals

• Political Action Committees

• All the people in an area who are able to vote in an election

• Political Party

• Political arms of special interest groups, with a stake in the election

• Single-member District

• A district where one person is chosen for an elected office

Match the following vocabulary terms to its definition.

• Runoff primary

• Voters are given a long ballot with names of all candidates, regardless of party, and can vote however they want

• Presidential primary

• A preference election where voters can choose who will be the party’s presidential nomination

• Open primary

• Any qualified voter can cast a ballot (given two, a republican and democrat ballot)

• Blanket primary

• Only declared members can vote (must be registered as a certain political party member)

• Closed primary

• A primary in which the top two vote-getters in the first direct primary face each other

1. What is the primary goal of a political party?

• To promote individual interests to compete in elections

• To control government through winning elections and holding public office

• To focus solely on social issues and run in elections

• To serve as a non-partisan advisor

1. What role do political parties play in the electoral process?

• They exclusively represent business interests

• They select and nominate candidates for elections

• They eliminate the need for voter participation

• They discourage public debate on issues

1. What is a key characteristic of minor parties in the United States?

• They usually win federal elections

• They can sometimes play a spoiler role in elections

• They are usually backed by major corporations

• They are identical in platform to major parties

1. Why do Republicans typically advocate for less government involvement in social welfare?

• They prioritize social equality

• They favor private markets and individual responsibility

• They support increased taxation

• They believe in universal healthcare

What is the purpose of congressional campaign committees?

• To work to reelect incumbents and maintain party control of open seats

• To select presidential candidates based on party platforms

• To organize local elections and win seats

• To gather voter petitions

Self-announcement as a form of nomination is primarily used in which setting?

• Urban areas with high population density

• Small towns and rural parts of the country

• National elections

• Small State conventions

1. What is the main argument in favor of closed primaries?

• They prevent one party from raiding the other for weaker candidates.

• They increase voter turnout among independents.

• They ensure that all voters can participate equally.

• They prevent one party from raiding the other for stronger candidates.

Which statement is true about nominees for presidential candidacy?

• • They are usually randomly selected by party leaders.

• They usually have a long track record of public office.

• They are primarily selected based on social media presence.

• They are often newcomers without any political experience.