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Political Process
Interest Groups
Electoral College
Political Parties
Campaign Finance
100
What is the difference between a primary and caucus? Which one normally takes longer? Which one is more popular?
A primary is an election whereas a caucus is a meeting where people can voice their opinions. A caucus takes longer. A primary is more popular.
100
What is a lobbyist and can they represent foreign countries?
Lobbyists are people who work for interest groups and try to inform and persuade legislators. Lobbyists CAN represent foreign countries.
100
How many votes are in the Electoral College and how many does Virginia have?
There are 538 votes in the Electoral College and Virginia has 13 of those votes.
100
What is a political machine?
A political organization that recruits its members by the use of money and perks.
100
What is the name of the federal group that regulates campaign funds? Which act created it?
FEC or Federal Election Commission - Federal Election Campaign Act
200
Which state is known to have their caucus first? Which state is known to have their primary first?
Iowa and New Hampshire
200
Name 3 of the 4 linkage institutions.
Interest Groups, Political Parties, Elections/Campaigns, Media
200
What is gerrymandering? Who decides how the borders of the districts are created?
Manipulation of the the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class. The state legislatures choose how the borders of districts are drawn.
200
What is political socialization? Which factor is the strongest when it comes to a person's political socialization?
Political socialization is how a person gains their political ideology. The family is the strongest factor that affects a person's political affiliation or ideology.
200
What is hard money? What is soft money?
Hard money is money given directly to a campaign or candidate. Soft money is money given to third groups such as PACs, Super PACs, 501(c)(4)s, or Interest Groups.
300
What is the difference between an open primary and closed primary? Which one does Virginia have?
An open primary is a primary in which any voter, no matter which party they are affiliated with, can vote in that primary. A closed primary does not allow anyone affiliated with the opposite party to participate. Virginia has an open primary.
300
Name 3 of the 4 ways lobbyists persuade legislators.
Private meeting with public officials, testifying before congress, assisting legislators/bureaucrats with legislation/regulations, inviting legislators to social occasions
300
Which two states do not have a winner-take-all system when it comes to the Electoral College?
Maine and Nebraska
300
Where does the power of political parties lie in the United States?
Political party power is broken up between the local, state, and national levels.
300
What is another name for the McCain-Feingold Bill? What did it try to do?
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) and it tried to limit, and possibly get rid of, soft money.
400
What is a critical election? What happens during a critical election?
A critical election is an election characterized by the emphasis on a large issue. A critical election normally leads to voters clinging to a specific party.
400
What is the difference between a plurality election and a majority election?
In a plurality election, there are more than two candidates and a candidate just has to get more than the other candidates in order to win the election. A majority election requires that, in order to win, one of the candidates must receive above 50% of the votes.
400
Registered voters directly elect candidates running for which federal, political office(s)?
House of Representatives and Senate
400
Name 4 issues and how each political party would stand on that issue.
Answers may vary.
400
Which campaigns can be financed with public money?
Presidential only
500
What are realignment and dealignment?
Realignment is when one single party is the dominant party and voters gravitate toward that party. Dealignment happens when there is no, single, dominant party and voter loyalties are at their weakest.
500
What is the name of the powers given to the federal government in the constitution? What is the name of the powers that are not necessarily in the Constitution, but are used by the federal government? What is the name of the powers that are given to the states? Which amendment deals with these powers?
Enumerated powers are powers that are specifically given to the federal government. Implied powers are powers that are not mentioned in the Constitution, but the federal government still utilizes them. Reserved powers are those that are given to the states in the Constitution or given to the states as a result of the 10th Amendment. These powers are mentioned in the 10th Amendment.
500
What are those that vote in the Electoral College called? How are they chosen?
"Electors" are chosen by state parties for their service over a certain period of time.
500
During which election was there a peaceful transfer of power between political parties? Who won that election?
Election of 1800 - Thomas Jefferson
500
What was the outcome of the court case of Buckley vs. Valeo?
The Supreme Court ruled that the limitations on the amount of money persons could contribute to their own election campaigns violated free speech, and was unconstitutional.