Political Parties - AP Government and Politics
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Which of these best represents a "marginal district?"
Which of these best represents a "marginal district?"
A "marginal district" is a district in which the elected representative carries less than fifty-five percent of the popular vote is said to have won only marginally. The opposite of a marginal district is a "safe seat." Because marginal districts can change hands much more easily, they receive a disproportionate focus during campaign season.
A "marginal district" is a district in which the elected representative carries less than fifty-five percent of the popular vote is said to have won only marginally. The opposite of a marginal district is a "safe seat." Because marginal districts can change hands much more easily, they receive a disproportionate focus during campaign season.
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A is a more localized gathering that requires active participation by the attendees who often express their support for a candidate through debate and other more “town-hall” methods.
A is a more localized gathering that requires active participation by the attendees who often express their support for a candidate through debate and other more “town-hall” methods.
This is a straightforward vocab question. Caucus is the correct answer. Remember: caucuses are relatively active events, where participants will debate, express support, and even sometimes physically move (as in to one side of the room or another) to show which candidate they think is worthy. Caucuses were once the most popular way of picking a presidential nominee, however, states that use the caucus now are in the minority.
This is a straightforward vocab question. Caucus is the correct answer. Remember: caucuses are relatively active events, where participants will debate, express support, and even sometimes physically move (as in to one side of the room or another) to show which candidate they think is worthy. Caucuses were once the most popular way of picking a presidential nominee, however, states that use the caucus now are in the minority.
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Which of these mechanisms is currently legally allowed to be incorporated and/or utilized as part of the modern political process?
Which of these mechanisms is currently legally allowed to be incorporated and/or utilized as part of the modern political process?
Closed primaries– where only those voters who have registered beforehand as party members are permitted to vote – are legally allowed as part of the political process. While many more states choose to host open primaries, which allow any citizen (unregistered included) to partake, closed primaries remain a valuable tool that some parties continue to employ. Party machines, however, with their infamous fondness for dispensing overt patronage to those citizens who demonstrate loyalty but not necessarily ability, have been done away with by a series of new regulations put in place after the turn of the twentieth century. Soft money (funds stored aside by the party leadership to later distribute freely to candidates) has been more recently banned, as part of modern efforts to reduce corrupt party practices.
Closed primaries– where only those voters who have registered beforehand as party members are permitted to vote – are legally allowed as part of the political process. While many more states choose to host open primaries, which allow any citizen (unregistered included) to partake, closed primaries remain a valuable tool that some parties continue to employ. Party machines, however, with their infamous fondness for dispensing overt patronage to those citizens who demonstrate loyalty but not necessarily ability, have been done away with by a series of new regulations put in place after the turn of the twentieth century. Soft money (funds stored aside by the party leadership to later distribute freely to candidates) has been more recently banned, as part of modern efforts to reduce corrupt party practices.
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Which of these politicians is correctly matched with his primary political party?
Which of these politicians is correctly matched with his primary political party?
Although James Madison would have been called a "Federalist" during the ratification issue, by the time the first two American political parties (Federalists and Democratic-Republicans) had solidified, he was firmly a Democratic-Republican. George Washington belonged to no political party, although likely he would have leaned more towards the Federalists. The Federalists had died out before Andrew Jackson entered the political arena. The only politician who is correctly matched is Thomas Jefferson. Not only was Jefferson a Democratic-Republican, he formed the party. The Federalist Party was founded and led by Alexander Hamilton.
Although James Madison would have been called a "Federalist" during the ratification issue, by the time the first two American political parties (Federalists and Democratic-Republicans) had solidified, he was firmly a Democratic-Republican. George Washington belonged to no political party, although likely he would have leaned more towards the Federalists. The Federalists had died out before Andrew Jackson entered the political arena. The only politician who is correctly matched is Thomas Jefferson. Not only was Jefferson a Democratic-Republican, he formed the party. The Federalist Party was founded and led by Alexander Hamilton.
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Which of these groups would have been most likely to vote for the Populist Party in the 1890s?
Which of these groups would have been most likely to vote for the Populist Party in the 1890s?
The Populist Party arose very quickly in the 1880s and early 1890s and disappeared even quicker after the election of 1896. The Party was a coalition of the poor and farmers from the South and the western plains. They primarily wanted to see America come off the gold standardin order to put a stop to the rapid deflation that was affecting the price of agricultural products.
The Populist Party arose very quickly in the 1880s and early 1890s and disappeared even quicker after the election of 1896. The Party was a coalition of the poor and farmers from the South and the western plains. They primarily wanted to see America come off the gold standardin order to put a stop to the rapid deflation that was affecting the price of agricultural products.
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In the 1940s America was dominated by .
In the 1940s America was dominated by .
From the beginning of Roosevelt’s government in the 1930s—during The Great Depression—all the way through to the mid 1960s, American politics was dominated by the Democratic Party. This dominance fell apart in the dealignment election of 1968, when much of the Democratic Party’s support base migrated towards the Republicans.
From the beginning of Roosevelt’s government in the 1930s—during The Great Depression—all the way through to the mid 1960s, American politics was dominated by the Democratic Party. This dominance fell apart in the dealignment election of 1968, when much of the Democratic Party’s support base migrated towards the Republicans.
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Which political party became the dominant political party in America in the election of 1860?
Which political party became the dominant political party in America in the election of 1860?
The election of 1860 was the last election before the Civil War, and it demonstrated a stark sectional divide in political preference. Lincoln, and the Republican Party, carried every Free Soil state and won the electoral vote with only thirty-nine percent of the popular vote. This election propelled the Republican Party into a period of national dominance.
The election of 1860 was the last election before the Civil War, and it demonstrated a stark sectional divide in political preference. Lincoln, and the Republican Party, carried every Free Soil state and won the electoral vote with only thirty-nine percent of the popular vote. This election propelled the Republican Party into a period of national dominance.
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Which of these third-parties has had the most success in an American election?
Which of these third-parties has had the most success in an American election?
The Progressive Party, led by Theodore Roosevelt in the election of 1912, is the third party which has had most success in American political history. Roosevelt carried eight states in the electoral college; however, Roosevelt’s success ended up splitting the Republican support base, ensuring that Wilson, a Democrat, was elected with only forty-two percent of the popular vote.
The Progressive Party, led by Theodore Roosevelt in the election of 1912, is the third party which has had most success in American political history. Roosevelt carried eight states in the electoral college; however, Roosevelt’s success ended up splitting the Republican support base, ensuring that Wilson, a Democrat, was elected with only forty-two percent of the popular vote.
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Which of these political parties fell apart during the election of 1856?
Which of these political parties fell apart during the election of 1856?
From the early 1830s through 1856, American politics had been dominated by the Democrats and the Whigs, but in the election of 1856 the Whig Party fell apart, as many of the politicians and its support base migrated and formed the Republican Party.
From the early 1830s through 1856, American politics had been dominated by the Democrats and the Whigs, but in the election of 1856 the Whig Party fell apart, as many of the politicians and its support base migrated and formed the Republican Party.
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Eugene Debs was .
Eugene Debs was .
Eugene Debs was one of the most famous socialists in American history. He ran for Presidency as the candidate of the Socialist Party of America on five separate occasions, once attracting over five percent of the popular vote.
Eugene Debs was one of the most famous socialists in American history. He ran for Presidency as the candidate of the Socialist Party of America on five separate occasions, once attracting over five percent of the popular vote.
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Which of these politicians was affectionately known as "The Great Commoner?"
Which of these politicians was affectionately known as "The Great Commoner?"
It is probable you had not heard this nickname before. As such you would have to try and infer the correct answer from what you know about the five men who are given as options. William Jennings Bryan was the representative of the Populist movement with the Democratic Party throughout the waning decades of the nineteenth century and early years of the twentieth century. He supported many issues that favorably affected the common man and had great faith in the ability of the common man to make informed decisions. For this faith he was affectionately called "The Great Commoner."
It is probable you had not heard this nickname before. As such you would have to try and infer the correct answer from what you know about the five men who are given as options. William Jennings Bryan was the representative of the Populist movement with the Democratic Party throughout the waning decades of the nineteenth century and early years of the twentieth century. He supported many issues that favorably affected the common man and had great faith in the ability of the common man to make informed decisions. For this faith he was affectionately called "The Great Commoner."
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Which of these political figures is incorrectly matched with his political party?
Which of these political figures is incorrectly matched with his political party?
Of these political figures, only Henry Clay is incorrectly matched with his political party. Henry Clay was the leader of the Whig party during the Second Party System in the United States; as such, he was a rival of the Jacksonian Democrats.
Of these political figures, only Henry Clay is incorrectly matched with his political party. Henry Clay was the leader of the Whig party during the Second Party System in the United States; as such, he was a rival of the Jacksonian Democrats.
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Which of these Presidential or political actions is most antithetical to the political beliefs of that President or politician?
Which of these Presidential or political actions is most antithetical to the political beliefs of that President or politician?
All of these politicians are matched with political actions that are consistent with their political parties and the political beliefs that they held, apart from Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was an ardent Democratic-Republican. As such, he purported to favor a weak central government, stronger power for the States, and many protections against the possible tyranny of the Executive Branch; however, as President, he unilaterally acted to purchase the Louisiana territory, greatly expanding both the territory of the United States and the powers of the President. Few Americans would suggest he acted wrongly, but he certainly acted contrary to his own public conscience.
All of these politicians are matched with political actions that are consistent with their political parties and the political beliefs that they held, apart from Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was an ardent Democratic-Republican. As such, he purported to favor a weak central government, stronger power for the States, and many protections against the possible tyranny of the Executive Branch; however, as President, he unilaterally acted to purchase the Louisiana territory, greatly expanding both the territory of the United States and the powers of the President. Few Americans would suggest he acted wrongly, but he certainly acted contrary to his own public conscience.
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The States’ Rights Party (The Dixiecrats) was led by .
The States’ Rights Party (The Dixiecrats) was led by .
The States’ Rights Party, also popularly called the Dixiecrats, was led by Strom Thurmond, who ran for President on the platform of States’ Rights and the continuation of segregationist policies in the election of 1948. The Dixiecrats carried four states—South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
The States’ Rights Party, also popularly called the Dixiecrats, was led by Strom Thurmond, who ran for President on the platform of States’ Rights and the continuation of segregationist policies in the election of 1948. The Dixiecrats carried four states—South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
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Which of the following were the two parties in the first party system?
Which of the following were the two parties in the first party system?
The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans (sometimes just called the Republicans) were the first party system to emerge out of George Washington’s presidency.
The Federalists tended to favor in political concentration in the hands of the elite, along with a more business-favored outlook. Thus, people like Hamilton and Adams were preeminent Federalists.
The Democratic-Republicans, on the other hand, believed that political power should be more diffuse, and were a much more diverse bunch. That said, don’t get too confused—they were just more diverse than Federalists; they were not all-welcoming by any means. Jefferson and Madison were leaders of the party. The D-Rs believed in a much more agrarian-based economy, and were less enthusiastic about northern business interests. The first party system lasted from c.a. 1796 – c.a. 1824.
The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans (sometimes just called the Republicans) were the first party system to emerge out of George Washington’s presidency.
The Federalists tended to favor in political concentration in the hands of the elite, along with a more business-favored outlook. Thus, people like Hamilton and Adams were preeminent Federalists.
The Democratic-Republicans, on the other hand, believed that political power should be more diffuse, and were a much more diverse bunch. That said, don’t get too confused—they were just more diverse than Federalists; they were not all-welcoming by any means. Jefferson and Madison were leaders of the party. The D-Rs believed in a much more agrarian-based economy, and were less enthusiastic about northern business interests. The first party system lasted from c.a. 1796 – c.a. 1824.
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Which of the following were the two parties in the second party system?
Which of the following were the two parties in the second party system?
At the end of the First Party system, we see the Democratic-Republicans deeply fractured, internally. A lot of students assume that the “Era of Good Feelings” (Monroe’s presidency, \[elected in\] 1816-1824) means that there was no party competition at all, but this is not necessarily true. During the Era of Good Feelings there was INTRA-party competition. The Democratic - Republican Party was deeply divided over issues such as internal improvements, tariffs, and more. Remember: historians coined the term “Era of Good Feelings” because the Federalists had essentially fallen into obsolescence after the War of 1812, thus leaving only the Democratic-Republicans extant.
This division, of course, leads us into the Second Party system (c.a. 1828 - c.a. 1854). The remnants of the Federalists, and some similar-thinking Democratic-Republicans formed the Whig party. The Democratic – Republicans dropped the “Republican” part, and began calling themselves “Democrats.” Many political scientists and historians refer to them as “Jacksonian” Democrats because Andrew Jackson was the first duly elected “Democrat” president.
At the end of the First Party system, we see the Democratic-Republicans deeply fractured, internally. A lot of students assume that the “Era of Good Feelings” (Monroe’s presidency, \[elected in\] 1816-1824) means that there was no party competition at all, but this is not necessarily true. During the Era of Good Feelings there was INTRA-party competition. The Democratic - Republican Party was deeply divided over issues such as internal improvements, tariffs, and more. Remember: historians coined the term “Era of Good Feelings” because the Federalists had essentially fallen into obsolescence after the War of 1812, thus leaving only the Democratic-Republicans extant.
This division, of course, leads us into the Second Party system (c.a. 1828 - c.a. 1854). The remnants of the Federalists, and some similar-thinking Democratic-Republicans formed the Whig party. The Democratic – Republicans dropped the “Republican” part, and began calling themselves “Democrats.” Many political scientists and historians refer to them as “Jacksonian” Democrats because Andrew Jackson was the first duly elected “Democrat” president.
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Which of the following were the two parties in the third party system?
Which of the following were the two parties in the third party system?
The third party system (c.a. 1854 – c.a. 1890s) is where we see the development and the solidification of the two parties that still exist today, the Democrats and Republicans. Remember: Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president.
Having said that, it’s important to note that make-up of the parties (no, not the kind you wear on your face) has changed tremendously throughout the years. This is a product of what political scientists call realignment, which if beyond the scope of this particular question. For now, just know that 1854 is the first Democrat v. Republican election, and that it’s pretty much been Democrat v. Republican since then.
The third party system (c.a. 1854 – c.a. 1890s) is where we see the development and the solidification of the two parties that still exist today, the Democrats and Republicans. Remember: Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president.
Having said that, it’s important to note that make-up of the parties (no, not the kind you wear on your face) has changed tremendously throughout the years. This is a product of what political scientists call realignment, which if beyond the scope of this particular question. For now, just know that 1854 is the first Democrat v. Republican election, and that it’s pretty much been Democrat v. Republican since then.
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Which of the following was not one of the core groups of the influential New Deal Coalition?
Which of the following was not one of the core groups of the influential New Deal Coalition?
The New Deal Coalition came together in the early years of the 1930s to promote and keep in office President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This coalition was immensely strong, mainly due to its wide inclusion of diverse citizens from all walks of life, including Southerners, African Americans, Catholics, Jews, members of labor unions, people who lived in cities, and the poor. While the very wealthy were not likely to support the New Deal Coalition, the other groups joined together because of their respect and support for the numerous programs which FDR put into action to help the nation hold itself together during the difficult years of the Great Depression. This Coalition would prove so strong in its Democratic Party allegiance that it continued to vote Democratic leaders into office up through the 1960s.
The New Deal Coalition came together in the early years of the 1930s to promote and keep in office President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This coalition was immensely strong, mainly due to its wide inclusion of diverse citizens from all walks of life, including Southerners, African Americans, Catholics, Jews, members of labor unions, people who lived in cities, and the poor. While the very wealthy were not likely to support the New Deal Coalition, the other groups joined together because of their respect and support for the numerous programs which FDR put into action to help the nation hold itself together during the difficult years of the Great Depression. This Coalition would prove so strong in its Democratic Party allegiance that it continued to vote Democratic leaders into office up through the 1960s.
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Which of the following statements about party eras throughout US history is true?
Which of the following statements about party eras throughout US history is true?
Our current party system, with the Democrats and Republicans as the two main parties, came into being right before the start of the Civil War and has held sway ever since. The Federalist Party, however, actually vigorously promoted the US Constitution, with its leaders Alexander Hamilton and John Adams lobbying intensely for its adoption. Abraham Lincoln was actually the very first Republican candidate to become President and the Jacksonian Democrats took their name from their most famous and popular member, Andrew Jackson, whose ideas the party aggressively supported for decades.
Our current party system, with the Democrats and Republicans as the two main parties, came into being right before the start of the Civil War and has held sway ever since. The Federalist Party, however, actually vigorously promoted the US Constitution, with its leaders Alexander Hamilton and John Adams lobbying intensely for its adoption. Abraham Lincoln was actually the very first Republican candidate to become President and the Jacksonian Democrats took their name from their most famous and popular member, Andrew Jackson, whose ideas the party aggressively supported for decades.
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Which of the following is not a correct example of prominent third parties that have existed over the course of US history?
Which of the following is not a correct example of prominent third parties that have existed over the course of US history?
Out of the above list, the Jeffersonians are the only example of a mainstream political party. The Jeffersonians formed at the beginning of the 1800s to support Thomas Jefferson and eventually transitioned into the Democratic-Republican Party, which continued to uphold Jefferson’s ideals. Every other party listed is an example of an influential third party – from the Free Soilers who campaigned throughout the 1850s to halt the spread of slavery to Ralph Nader’s environmentally-conscious Green Party to Theodore Roosevelt’s reform-minded Progressives. While none of these parties ever successfully managed to win the White House, nevertheless they each forced the public and the mainstream party system to take notice and respond to the crucial issues each championed.
Out of the above list, the Jeffersonians are the only example of a mainstream political party. The Jeffersonians formed at the beginning of the 1800s to support Thomas Jefferson and eventually transitioned into the Democratic-Republican Party, which continued to uphold Jefferson’s ideals. Every other party listed is an example of an influential third party – from the Free Soilers who campaigned throughout the 1850s to halt the spread of slavery to Ralph Nader’s environmentally-conscious Green Party to Theodore Roosevelt’s reform-minded Progressives. While none of these parties ever successfully managed to win the White House, nevertheless they each forced the public and the mainstream party system to take notice and respond to the crucial issues each championed.
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