Question 1

Of the following, which is the best example of a positive effect of social media on American political participation?

Accepted Answer

Social media platforms provide a space for individuals to engage with political content, discuss issues, and participate in political processes more actively, thereby increasing political engagement and participation among the public.

Question 2

Describe how polling methodology can influence respondents to give answers that are preferred by the pollsters.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of direct democracy in an otherwise representative system.

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

Which of the following is a type of illegal political engagement?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in civil disobedience is considered a type of illegal political engagement because it involves deliberately breaking laws to protest against policies or legislation.

Question 5

Explain how candidates use polls to tailor their message, and how they use those messages to approach voters.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Analyze how a participant in the American system might see a need to turn to illegal action in order to pursue political goals; consider in your response the responsiveness of government to peaceful and legal action.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

In general, how did the Founding Fathers view political parties?

Accepted Answer

The Founding Fathers initially viewed political parties negatively, seeing them as factions that could lead to division and conflict. Despite this, many of them, including key figures like Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, went on to form and lead the first political parties in the United States, the Democratic-Republican Party and the Federalist Party, respectively. This demonstrates the complexity of their views and actions regarding political parties.

Question 8

Examine the effects of large monetary contributions to political campaigns; in your opinion, is this healthy for democracy or an element of political corruption?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

How do political parties in federal systems organize themselves?

Accepted Answer

Political parties in federal systems organize themselves as state-based national organizations because they need to be able to operate at both the national and state levels.

Question 10

Explain how political parties in European parliamentary systems differ from parties in the American democratic system.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Explain why voting rates in the United States are lower than in other countries and what might be done to raise them.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a one-party dominant political system?

Accepted Answer

Mexico under the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) is an example of a one-party dominant system, as the PRI controlled the presidency and most government positions for an uninterrupted period of 71 years, from 1929 to 2000.

Question 13

What is a key advantage that political parties in multi-party systems have over American parties?

Accepted Answer

In multi-party systems, the presence of multiple parties allows for a broader range of policy positions and ideologies. This diversity enables parties to offer clearer and more distinct policy differences from their competitors, providing voters with a wider array of choices. This contrasts with the often more centrist or overlapping positions seen in two-party systems like that of the United States.

Question 14

Of the following, which is the best example of a special interest group?

Accepted Answer

The National Farmers Organization (NFO) is the best example of a special interest group because it is an organization that advocates for the interests of its members, in this case, farmers. Special interest groups focus on specific issues or sectors, aiming to influence public policy or opinion in favor of their particular interests.

Question 15

Describe the changes in American politics due to the rise in social media use. In general, have they been for the better, or has social media had an overall negative influence on political life? Be sure to use examples to demonstrate your point.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Historically, how have American presidential candidates tended to appeal to voters in elections?

Accepted Answer

Historically, American presidential candidates have often focused on "bread and butter" issues, which are everyday concerns like the economy, jobs, and healthcare, to appeal to a broad range of voters while generally avoiding deep ideological confrontations that might alienate moderate or undecided voters.

Question 17

Which presidential candidate pioneered the use of social media and the Internet to drive the candidate's campaign?

Accepted Answer

Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign is widely recognized for its innovative use of social media and the Internet to engage voters, organize volunteers, and raise campaign funds, setting a new standard for digital campaigning.

Question 18

Explain how political parties and interest groups differ in function and objectives.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 11: Political Participation: the Limits of Democracy