unit 5 Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of political parties?
To organize elections and influence government policy.
True or False: Interest groups are the same as political parties.
False
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the main body of the legislative branch in the United States.
Congress
What is the significance of the Electoral College?
It is the mechanism established by the Constitution for the indirect election of the President and Vice President.
Which amendment granted women the right to vote?
The 19th Amendment
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democratic Party and Republican Party
True or False: Political action committees (PACs) can donate unlimited amounts to candidates.
False
What is a primary election?
An election in which voters select candidates to run for office in the general election.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is an organization that seeks to influence public policy.
lobby
What role do third parties play in the political system?
They can influence major party platforms and bring attention to specific issues.
What is the main function of the media in politics?
To inform the public and act as a watchdog on government actions.
True or False: Voter turnout is typically higher in midterm elections than in presidential elections.
False
What is the purpose of a party platform?
To outline the principles and policy goals of a political party.
What does the term ‘gerrymandering’ refer to?
The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.
Fill in the blank: The _______ Act of 1974 regulates campaign financing.
Federal Election
What is a general election?
An election where voters decide among candidates from different parties for a specific office.
True or False: The Supreme Court has ruled that money is a form of speech under the First Amendment.
True
What are swing states?
States where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters.
What is the role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?
To enforce federal election laws and regulate campaign financing.
What is a caucus?
A meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is an election held in the middle of a term for office.
midterm election
What is the difference between a closed primary and an open primary?
A closed primary is restricted to party members, while an open primary allows any registered voter to participate.
True or False: All states require voter ID for elections.
False
What is the purpose of voter registration?
To ensure that only eligible individuals can vote in elections.
