Political Parties and Interest Groups Quiz

Which of the following is a significant reason for the two-party system of American politics?

• A) Political parties organize political action committees.

• B) Political parties must join together to obtain enough power to govern.

• C) Only one party has the power to run the country at one time.

• D) The two-party system is the basis of government organization.

How are interest groups and political parties similar?

• Both are only concerned with a few specific issues.

• Both try to nominate candidates for office.

• Both try to attract a wide range of people with varying ideas.

• Both try to influence government.

Which of these is the best title for this list at below?

-Voting

-Joining an Interest Group or Political Party

-Registering

• Participating in the Electoral College

• Filling Public Offices

• Taking Part in the Election Process

• Influencing PACs

The two-party system developed in the United States mainly because

• conflicts over the ratification of the Constitution created opposing viewpoints.

• the Constitution established a democratic government.

• a two-party system was voted on and approved by both houses of Congress.

• both leaders and voters agreed on the existence of two parties.

A member of the Republican Party would most likely support which platform concept/plank?

• Business, not government, will create jobs and opportunities for people to prosper.

• The government should start a program that allows students to eat a free dinner at school.

• The government should pay for universal health care with increased taxes.

• Tax money should be used to support alternative renewable energy sources.

Which of the following facts would be most relevant to a student learning about politics and interest groups?

• Public interest groups lobby Congress to influence legislation

• The purpose of lobbying Congress is to strengthen the power of political parties

• Lobbying is used to increase the speed and efficiency of the law-making process

• Interest groups reduce the number of candidates in political elections

During the 2000 presidential election Green Party candidate, Ralph Nader, caused a number of Democrats not to vote for the Democratic candidate, Al Gore. What role did the Green Party play in that election?

• Innovator Role

• Spoiler Role

• Decisive Role

• Critic Role

What is the first and most influential factor influencing political opinion?

• family

• opinion leaders

• historical events

• school

One of the minor/third party’s most important contributions has been

• contributing new ideas that are later adopted by the two major political parties

• winning elections and changing the government.

• placing their presidential candidates on the ballot.

• avoiding touchy political topics because they cause candidates to lose votes.

The ideas listed underneath characterize an individual’s —

-Serving in the Military

-Serving in a Jury

• -Following Laws

• natural rights

• civic responsibilities

• personal responsibilities

• constitutional principles