Parties History
Is a two-party system set up in the Constitution?
No, it began when candidates differed on policies following the Constitutional Convention.
Which party favors:
a) universal health care?
b) private insurance reform and part based coverage?
a) Dem
b) Rep
What does it mean that our electoral system is "winner takes all"?
The candidate that receives the most votes wins the election.
What traits are political parties looking for as they recruit candidates?
Looking for candidates with strong knowledge of issues, deep ties to community, ability to raise money
What do RNC and DNC stand for?
Republican National Committee, Democratic National Committee
Why did the first-ever national convention get organized in 1832?
To try to get support for a single candidate for president
Which party favors:
a) broad based tax cuts?
b) tax cuts aimed at lower income Americans?
a) Rep
b) Dem
Are the GOPs Republicans or Democrats? Why is "Grand Ole Party" a misnomer?
Republicans
The Democratic party predates the Republican party
How much money do political campaigns raise?
Hundreds of millions!!!
What purposes do the RNC and DNC serve?
Organize party functions, raise money, advocate policy positions in media, provide strategic and tactical support for candidates
What was a national issue that led to the organization of a new party called the Republicans?
Slavery
Which party favors:
a) larger federal spending
b) reduced federal spending
a) Dem
b) Rep
Why do third party candidates rarely find success?
People feel it is a wasted vote, many issues/conflicts have only two sides
How could "soft money" (unlimited corporate and individual donations) affect campaigns?
The rich would have a lot of power to control and pick candidates.
What major announcement is made at the national conventions of the RNC and DNC?
Nominations for president and vice president
Since the Civil War, what are the names of the two major political parties?
Republicans and Democrats
Which party favors:
a) working with international organizations such as NATO to fight against terrorism
b) working as a sovereign nation and acting alone against threats?
a)Dem
b)Rep
Name one of the third parties that exists today.
Green, Reform, Libertarian
How do political parties affect how a president could influence the executive branch?
The President appoints the judges which rule on policies. Their views on issues affect their votes.
What percentage of Americans identify with the Democratic party? The Republican party? Independent?
One third each
Which party favors:
a) less federal spending and greater local control of education?
b) increased federal spending and control?
a)Rep
b)Dem
Are most nations two party systems or multiparty systems?
Most Western Democracies are multiparty
What are some issues that voters might look to political parties to help define issues and shape their views?
Human cloning, terrorism, taxation of internet, etc