Political Ideology
A person’s overall set of beliefs about government and politics is called what?
Answer: political ideology
Name one major factor that influences political beliefs besides family.
Answer: media or education
What is a swing state?
Answer: a competitive state
What is the purpose of a primary election?
Answer: to choose party candidates
What is the main purpose of the Electoral College?
Answer: to elect the president
On the political spectrum, the two main opposing viewpoints are what?
Answer: liberal and conservative
Which factor is NOT a typical influence on political ideology: family, weather, or education?
Answer: weather
Why do candidates focus heavily on swing states?
Answer: they can be won by either party
In what type of primary can any registered voter participate?
Answer: open primary
How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win?
Answer: 270
Which ideology generally supports more government programs and social services?
Answer: liberal
Why might people in the same family still have different political beliefs?
Answer: different experiences, media, education, etc.
Name one example of a swing state.
Answer: Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, etc.
In a closed primary, who is allowed to vote?
Answer: registered party members only
How are electoral votes determined for each state?
Answer: senators + representatives
Which ideology usually supports limited government and lower taxes?
Answer: conservative
What does conservatism often develop in response to concerns about?
Answer: government size and spending
What is one criticism of the Electoral College?
Answer: candidate can win without popular vote
What is a caucus?
Answer: local party meeting to discuss candidates
What does “winner-take-all” mean in most states?
Answer: winner gets all electoral votes
What type of political belief combines both liberal and conservative ideas?
Answer: moderate / Centrist
What type of government programs are liberals more likely to support?
Answer: social welfare programs
What is the best description of U.S. elections overall?
Answer: combination of primaries, parties, and Electoral College
Why is Super Tuesday important?
Answer: many states vote on the same day
Why can a candidate win the popular vote but still lose the election?
Answer: Electoral College system