POSC 1010 Carey Assessment 2
What is the main goal of a political party? - ANS-To win elections and control
government.
What makes a political party different from an interest group? - ANS-Parties run
candidates for office; interest groups only try to influence policy.
Name two main things political parties do during elections. - ANS-They recruit
candidates and get voters to the polls (GOTV).
Who is the de facto leader of their political party? - ANS-The President.
What is the lowest level of party organization? - ANS-The voting precinct.
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of the two-party system. - ANS-
Advantage: stability and clear majorities. Disadvantage: lack of choices and
difficulty for third parties.
What does "realignment" mean in politics? - ANS-A major shift in which party
dominates government.
What is "divided government"? - ANS-When the presidency and Congress are
controlled by different parties.
Which party did Andrew Jackson found? - ANS-The Democratic Party.
What was the Republican Party originally founded to oppose? - ANS-The expansion
of slavery.
What are the two main steps in the election process? - ANS-Nomination and general
election.
What's the difference between a majority and plurality vote? - ANS-Majority = more
than 50%; Plurality = the most votes, even if under 50%.
Why did the U.S. switch from conventions to primaries? - ANS-Conventions were
controlled by party bosses and not democratic.
What's the difference between a closed and open primary? - ANS-Closed: only party
members vote. Open: any voter can choose one party's primary to vote in.
What does the Electoral College do? - ANS-It officially elects the president.
What is the main goal of a political party? - ANS-To win elections and control
government.
What makes a political party different from an interest group? - ANS-Parties run
candidates for office; interest groups only try to influence policy.
Name two main things political parties do during elections. - ANS-They recruit
candidates and get voters to the polls (GOTV).
Who is the de facto leader of their political party? - ANS-The President.
What is the lowest level of party organization? - ANS-The voting precinct.
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of the two-party system. - ANS-
Advantage: stability and clear majorities. Disadvantage: lack of choices and
difficulty for third parties.
What does "realignment" mean in politics? - ANS-A major shift in which party
dominates government.
What is "divided government"? - ANS-When the presidency and Congress are
controlled by different parties.
Which party did Andrew Jackson found? - ANS-The Democratic Party.
What was the Republican Party originally founded to oppose? - ANS-The expansion
of slavery.
What are the two main steps in the election process? - ANS-Nomination and general
election.
What's the difference between a majority and plurality vote? - ANS-Majority = more
than 50%; Plurality = the most votes, even if under 50%.
Why did the U.S. switch from conventions to primaries? - ANS-Conventions were
controlled by party bosses and not democratic.
What's the difference between a closed and open primary? - ANS-Closed: only party
members vote. Open: any voter can choose one party's primary to vote in.
What does the Electoral College do? - ANS-It officially elects the president.
