Political Parties
Which two political parties dominate politics in the United States?
The Democratic and Republican parties.
What is the purpose of a political advertisement?
To persuade voters to support a candidate or issue.
What is the minimum voting age in federal elections?
18 years old.
What group officially elects the president?
The Electoral College.
What is one role of third parties in U.S. politics?
Bringing attention to issues major parties may ignore.
What is the main purpose of a political party?
To help candidates get elected and influence government policy.
What are candidates trying to gain when they campaign across states?
Votes and public support.
What must citizens usually do before voting?
Register to vote.
How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?
270 electoral votes.
What is an example of an interest group activity?
Lobbying lawmakers or running advertisements.
What is a third party?
A political party outside the two major parties.
What type of appeal uses emotions instead of facts?
Emotional appeal.
Why is voting important in a democracy?
It allows citizens to participate in government and choose leaders.
What usually happens to a state’s electoral votes when a candidate wins the popular vote in that state?
The winner receives all or most of the state’s electoral votes.
What does lobbying mean?
Trying to influence government officials or legislation.
Which political party was founded in the 1850s partly in opposition to slavery expansion?
The Republican Party.
What organization tries to influence public policy and elections without running candidates?
Interest groups.
What amendment gave women the right to vote?
The 19th Amendment.
Why can a candidate win the presidency without winning the national popular vote?
Because the Electoral College determines the winner.
Why are swing states important in presidential elections?
Because either major party could win them, making them crucial for electoral votes.
Why do third parties rarely win presidential elections?
The two-party system, winner-take-all elections, lack of funding/media exposure, and Electoral College structure.
Name two major ways political campaigns raise money.
Donations, fundraising events, PACs/Super PACs, online fundraising.
Name one issue or debate related to voting today.
Voter ID laws, mail-in voting, voter turnout, access to polling places, election security.
Which two states do NOT use the winner-take-all system for electoral votes?
Maine and Nebraska.
Explain one advantage and one criticism of the Electoral College.
Advantage: Protects smaller states or encourages national campaigning.
Criticism: A candidate can win without the popular vote.