Exit Ticket Ch 11

Why is the nomination step important in our two-party system?

• It determines the party's election date
• It sets the party's policy agenda that they will follow for the next four years
• It allows each party to name the individual who will seek an office
• It finalizes the election results

Answer explanation

The nomination step is crucial because it’s when each party officially chooses the candidate who will represent them in the general election. Without this step, voters wouldn’t know which individual stands for each party. It doesn’t set the election date, decide the policy agenda, or finalize results, it simply identifies who will carry the party’s banner into the race.

In a closed primary, who is allowed to vote?

• Any qualified voter
• Only independent voters
• All registered voters
• Only declared party members

Answer explanation

In a closed primary, only voters who are officially registered with a political party can vote in that party’s primary. This rule prevents independents or members of other parties from influencing the choice of candidates. The goal is to ensure that each party’s nominee is chosen solely by its own members, not by outsiders.

How does Indiana conduct its primary elections?

• Closed primary
• Open primary
• Blanket primary
• Top-two system

Answer explanation

Indiana uses an open primary system, meaning any registered voter can choose which party’s ballot to vote on during the primary election in MAY . Voters don’t have to declare a party affiliation when registering.

What is the "top two" primary system followed by California and Washington?

• nominees from both parties are on the same ballot, and the top two face off in the general election
• Only independent candidates are on the ballot and the top two face off in the general election
• Each party has its own primary and selects a single candidate then these two candidates face off in the general election.
• Candidates are selected only by party leaders

Answer explanation

In California and Washington, all candidates, regardless of party, appear together on a single primary ballot. Voters can choose any candidate they like, not just those from their own party. After the votes are counted, the two candidates with the most votes overall advance to the general election. This means the final race could be between two candidates of the same party or of different parties.

What is an advantage of a closed primary?

• It allows independent voters to participate
• It prevents other party members from nominating a weak opponent
• It ensures voter secrecy regarding party affiliation
• It reduces the cost of elections

What is one advantage of an open primary?

• It forces voters to make their party affiliation public
• It reduces voter turnout
• It ensures only party members can vote
• It allows those who see themselves as independents to participate

Answer explanation

A closed primary limits voting to people who are registered members of a political party. This prevents members of rival parties from crossing over and deliberately voting for a weaker candidate in hopes of hurting that party’s chances in the general election. By keeping the nomination process within the party, it protects the integrity of the candidate selection.

What is the difference between a majority and a plurality in elections?

• A majority requires more votes than any other candidate, while a plurality requires over 50% of the votes
• A majority requires the most votes, while a plurality requires unanimous votes
• A majority requires over 50% of the votes, while a plurality requires more votes than any other candidate
• A majority requires equal votes, while a plurality requires more votes than the runner-up

Which offices typically fall into the category of nonpartisan elections?

• Governors
• Senators
• Judges
• Mayors

Answer explanation

Nonpartisan elections are those where candidates’ party affiliations are not listed on the ballot. Judicial offices are often chosen this way to emphasize fairness and impartiality, since judges are expected to apply the law without political bias.

Why might voters be poorly informed during primaries?

• They always vote based on detailed policy knowledge
• They often vote based on name recognition
• They have unlimited access to candidate information
• They only vote in general elections

Answer explanation

During primaries, voters may not have as much information about the candidates compared to the general election. Campaigns are smaller, media coverage is lighter, and many people don’t research deeply at this stage. As a result, voters often rely on familiar names rather than detailed knowledge of policies or qualifications.

What is an incumbent?

• A candidate running for the first time
• A candidate running for reelection
• A candidate who has never held office
• A candidate from a third party

Answer explanation

For example, if a sitting senator runs again, they are the incumbent.