short answer questions

Question 1

What are the key factors used to assess the level of democracy in the United States?

Answer 1

Electoral integrity, political freedoms, institutional checks and balances

These factors help evaluate the overall health of democracy in the U.S.

Question 2

What recent trends have raised concerns about the stability of democracy in the U.S.?

Answer 2

Restrictive voting laws, gerrymandering, challenges to election results

These issues question the strength of democratic norms.

Question 3

How does the influence of money in politics complicate the democratic process?

Answer 3

Gives disproportionate power to wealthy donors through Super PACs and corporate donations

This can undermine the principle of equal representation.

Question 4

What event highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions in the U.S.?

Answer 4

January 6th Capitol riot in 2021

This event showcased the dangers of extreme political polarization.

Question 5

True or False: Press freedom in the U.S. is absolute.

Answer 5

False

Restrictions exist for national security, defamation laws, and corporate influence.

Question 6

What role does a free press play in a democracy?

Answer 6

Ensures accountability and transparency by investigating government actions

It informs the public about important issues.

Question 7

What is news media bias?

Answer 7

The tendency of media outlets to present information aligned with particular political or ideological perspectives

This can shape public opinion and influence voter behavior.

Question 8

What has contributed to political polarization in the U.S.?

Answer 8

Partisan media, gerrymandering, social media algorithms

These factors reinforce ideological divides.

Question 9

What is political socialization?

Answer 9

The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs and values

Influenced by family, education, peers, and media.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Social tolerance refers to a society’s acceptance of _______.

Answer 10

[diverse cultural, racial, religious, and social identities]

Question 11

What is Inglehart’s theory of political culture?

Answer 11

As societies develop, citizens shift from materialist values to post-materialist values

This explains generational differences in political attitudes.

Question 12

What is cultural backlash?

Answer 12

A reaction against progressive social and cultural changes often driven by conservative populations

Movements like the Tea Party exemplify this phenomenon.

Question 13

What does partisan identification refer to?

Answer 13

An individual’s psychological attachment to a political party

Influences voting behavior and political beliefs.

Question 14

What is the first-past-the-post electoral system?

Answer 14

A system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of majority

This favors the two major parties and discourages third-party candidates.

Question 15

What factors affect voter turnout in the U.S.?

Answer 15

Age, education, income, race

Older, wealthier, and more educated individuals are more likely to vote.

Question 16

What does political participation encompass?

Answer 16

All activities through which citizens engage in politics

Includes voting, campaigning, protesting, and lobbying.

Question 17

What are the activities included in political participation?

Answer 17

All activities through which citizens engage in politics, including voting, campaigning, protesting, and lobbying.

Political participation encompasses various forms of engagement beyond just voting.

Question 18

What is the most common form of political participation?

Answer 18

Voting.

While voting is prevalent, other forms of participation also exist.

Question 19

What are some examples of political actions Americans engage in besides voting?

Answer 19

• Attending town hall meetings
• Signing petitions
• Donating to political campaigns

These actions reflect a broader engagement in the political process.

Question 20

How does socioeconomic status affect political participation?

Answer 20

Higher levels of education and income correlate with greater engagement.

Socioeconomic disparities influence who participates in politics.

Question 21

What role do digital platforms play in political participation?

Answer 21

They expand participation opportunities through online activism, social media campaigns, and grassroots organizing.

Digital engagement has become increasingly important in modern political participation.

Question 22

Why is political participation important beyond elections?

Answer 22

It plays a crucial role in shaping public policy and governance.

Active participation influences legislative priorities and national debates.

Question 23

What movements demonstrate the influence of activism on political participation?

Answer 23

• Black Lives Matter
• Tea Party
• March for Our Lives

These movements have significantly impacted legislative agendas.

Question 24

Which groups often have less political influence due to disparities in participation levels?

Answer 24

Low-income and minority communities.

These groups face systemic barriers to political engagement.

Question 25

What strategies can encourage broader political participation?

Answer 25

* Civic education * Voter outreach * Campaign finance reform ## Footnote These strategies aim to create a more representative democracy.

Question 26

True or False: Same-day registration has shown promise in increasing voter turnout.

Answer 26

True. ## Footnote Implementing same-day registration can enhance voter participation.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Efforts to increase turnout, such as _______ and automatic voter registration, have shown promise.

Answer 27

mail-in voting. ## Footnote Mail-in voting is part of a broader strategy to enhance voter accessibility.

Question 28

What is a major challenge for U.S. elections?

Answer 28

Ensuring broad participation while maintaining election integrity. ## Footnote Balancing participation and integrity is critical to the democratic process.

Question 29

Give a recent example of restrictions on press freedom

Answer 29

Trumps 2018 administration temporarily revoked press passes of reporters who asked tough questions like CNN’s Jim Acosta, requiring lawsuits to reinstate them. The white house’s have just announced itll now determine which news outlets get close access to Trump and areas like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Notably, prominent news outlets have been excluded from covering certain presidential events like AP, Bloomberg and Reuters.

Question 30

How do social media platforms contribute to news media bias?

Answer 30

create 'echo chambers' where people are primarily exposed to content that aligns with their beliefs- distrust in mainstream media

Question 31

example of news media bias

Answer 31

Conservative-leaning outlets like Fox News and liberal-leaning outlets like MSNBC contribute to polarization by reinforcing partisan views

Question 32

what events can shift political socialization/attitudes

Answer 32

9/11 or ecnomic crises like the 2008 recession can shift attitudes as well as social media, exposing individuals to diverse perspectives & also reinforcing ideological divides through echo chambers

Question 33

examples of reducing social tolerance

Answer 33

cultural backlash from Cons.segments of society led to ongoing conflicts over issues like gender identity- Supreme Court recent decision to decline a challenge to Tennessee law restricting drag performances

Question 34

what has cultural backlash contributed to

Answer 34

fuelled movements like Trumpism which gained traction by opposing immigration, globalization&changing cultural norms

Question 35

what is gerrymandering

Answer 35

where district boundaries are redrawn to favour a particular party

Question 36

how does gerrymandering contribute to polarization

Answer 36

limits electoral competition by creating safe districts that favour extreme candidates, discourage compromise, and deepen political division.