Study Guide: Political Parties

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the first two political parties develop? P273
  2. What group did Thomas Jefferson lead? What did Jefferson’s party believe? P273
  3. What group did Alexander Hamilton lead? What did Hamilton’s party believe? P273
  4. What happened to the Democratic Republican Party? What were the two new parties called? P273
  5. What was the new party that developed in 1854 to oppose slavery? Who was this party’s first president? P274
  6. How have third parties influenced American politics? P274
  7. Describe the following types of third parties: Single Issue Party, Ideological Party, and Independent Candidate. P275
  8. Why do third parties in America rarely win major elections? P275
  9. Explain how multi-party systems and one-party systems work. P276
  10. What are the differences between the Democrats and Republicans? P277
  11. How are the Democrats and Republicans similar? P277
  12. What is the purpose of the party’s platform? P277
  13. What do political parties national committees do? P279
  14. What is the purpose of the national convention? When is it held? P279
  15. Name and explain the three primary elections. P283
  16. What is the main purpose of state committees? P280
  17. Name a famous political machine. Who was its leader? What happened to it? P282
  18. What did political machines provide to the people that allowed them to survive? P282
  19. Why do people today think political machines are harmful? P282
  20. What roles do political parties play in American politics? P282
  21. What is a grassroots movement? P281

Chapter 10

  1. According to FDR who is the “rulers of our democracy”? p293
  2. Why is it important to vote? p293
  3. Today in America, who can’t vote in elections? P293
  4. What are the qualifications to vote? P293
  5. What questions are on registration to vote forms? What must you show when you register? P295
  6. At the polling place, what do the following people do: clerk, challenger, and judge? P295-296
  7. Why are many states upgrading the voting machines? P296-297
  8. What Americans often use absentee ballots? P297
  9. What does it mean to vote a split ticket? P297
  10. Why is it important to stay informed about the candidates and issues? How can you stay informed? P298
  11. List reasons why citizens do not vote. P299
  12. What is a general election? When does it take place? P301
  13. What is an issue? P301
  14. How does a recall election began?P301
  15. What is the purpose of a campaign? P306
  16. Explain the Electoral College and the winner-take-all system. P303
  17. What is canvassing? P307
  18. How are campaigns financed? P308
  19. Why are limits and laws on how political campaigns are financed important? P308

Chapter 11

  1. What factors influence public opinion? P319
  2. List and explain the features of public opinion? p321
  3. What is the purpose of public opinion polls? P323
  4. What are some criticisms of public opinion polls? P323
  5. How do media managers decide what news to run? P327
  6. How do the media affect the public agenda? P327
  7. What is the purpose of leaks? P328
  8. Explain how mass media acts as a “watchdog” over government activities. P328
  9. List the ways that freedom of press is limited.P330
  10. In recent years, the government and media have fought over what issue? P330
  11. How does government regulate the media? P330
  12. What are interest groups? What amendment supports interest groups? P333
  13. What is an economic interest group? Give three examples. P333
  14. What other types of interest groups are there? P334
  15. What do interest groups hope to achieve? P334
  16. What do interest groups do to influence policy? P334
  17. Where did the term lobbyist come from? P335
  18. How do lobbyists try to influence lawmakers? P335
  19. List and explain the types of propaganda techniques. P336
  20. How are interest groups regulated? P337
  21. What are the pros and cons of interest groups? P337