Government_Ch9_Homework-1

=**Government Chapter 9 Homework #1**= Answer the questions from the reading passages:

1. A political party is a group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and thereby determine government policies. In a one-party system, that party is the government and party leaders set government policy. In some one-party nations, political differences arise within the party because the government tolerates no other opposition. One-party regimes usually include Communist nations in which other parties are not allowed to exist. Islamic radical theocracies are also examples. In nations that allow more than one political party, the most common political system today is the multiparty system. France, for example, has five major parties and Italy has ten. In such countries, voters have a wide range of choices on election day. The parties represent different ideologies, or basic beliefs about government. In multiparty systems, one party rarely gets enough support to control the government. Several parties often combine forces to obtain a majority and form a coalition government. When groups of differing ideologies share power, coalitions often break down and government power changes. The United States has a two party system, which is one in which two major parties exist and compete for power. Minor or third parties do exist but are not able to compete with the two major parties for power. The two major parties are Republican and Democrat. Most of the Founding Fathers distrusted parties. In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned of the dangers of parties. Parties began to emerge within Washington's cabinet between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson's supporters became known as the Democrat-Republicans, which favored agriculture, greater state power, and strict interpretation of the Constitution. Hamilton's supporters would be the Federalist Party, which favored industry, more central government power, and loose interpretation of the Constitution. The Federalists died out after John Adams' presidency and the Democrat-Republican Party was the only party to exist. Divisions within the party led the two groups. Democrats dropped the Republican part and were aligned to Andrew Jackson. The National Republicans favored opposite policies. They became the Whig Party in opposition of Jackson favoring more power with the Congress. The Whigs died out when slavery became an issue and the Republican Party formed as the party to end slavery. Despite the dominance of the two major parties, third parties have been part of the American political scene since the early days of the Republic. A third party is any party other than one of the two major parties. In any election, more than one party may run against the major parties, yet each of them is labeled a "third" party. Because they rarely win major elections, third parties are also called minor parties. Third parties offer another voice to be heard that might not be taken seriously by one of the two major parties of if neither party is addressing the issue. Some third parties are single-issue parties that focus exclusively on one major social, economic, or moral issue such as the Liberty Party in the 1840s and the Free Soil Party in the 1840s that formed to take a stance against slavery. Single-issue parties are short lived, either because the issue dies out or one of the major parties adopts the issue. Some third parties are ideological parties, which has a particular set of ideas on how to change society, not just one issue. Such parties include the Socialist Party, which wants government ownership of business and property and redistribution of wealth. The Libertarian Party is also an example, which wants a very very small government. Another type of third party is a splinter party, which breaks away from one of the major parties, such as the Bull Moose Progressive Party of Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. Third parties are able to promote new ideas. However, they run into obstacles. The two major parties have the recognition. Furthermore, many voters feel their vote is a wasted vote by voting for a third party.
 * Which is NOT a role of political parties? (A) determine policy (B) put up candidates to win elections (C) operate or control the government (D) influence policy (E) all (F) none**


 * Who formed the Democrat-Republican Party? Who formed the Federalist Party?**


 * The Democrat-Republican Party supported (A) stronger state governments and agriculture (B) Congress being stronger than the president (C) abolishing slavery (D) stronger federal government and manufacturing and industry (E) all (F) none**


 * The Federalist Party supported (A) stronger state governments and agriculture (B) Congress being stronger than the president (C) abolishing slavery (D) stronger federal government and manufacturing and industry (E) all (F) none**


 * The Whig Party supported (A) stronger state governments and agriculture (B) Congress being stronger than the president (C) abolishing slavery (D) stronger federal government and manufacturing and industry (E) all (F) none**


 * In Europe, many nations have a multiparty system. Numerous parties competing for power won't get a majority so need to form...(A) primary elections (B) caucuses (C) a coalition (D) new elections (E) all (F) none**


 * Which is an example of a one-party theocracy? (A) Communist party as the only party in China (B) Islamic clergy rule in Iran (C) coalition rule in Germany (D) when U.S. has the same party controlling Congress and the presidency (E) all (F) none**


 * What does the Libertarian Party emphasize? (A) dictatorship (B) redistribution of wealth (C) major reduction in the size of government (D) environmentalism (E) all (F) none**


 * Why do third parties form? (A) they want a coalition (B) candidates are rejected by a major party (C) to replace a major party (D) belief that neither party is meeting certain needs (E) all (F) none**

2. Republicans and Democrats are organized into 50 state parties and thousands of local parties that operate independently of the national organization. Voters can join a political party when they register to vote. Joining a party is an option as is being independent or not associated with either political party. Voters choose the major party that they most associate with. Rarely does a voter agree with every single idea that a party has but most voters generally support one over the other. Registering with a political party does not obligate a voter to vote for all candidates from that party. Many voters register with a political party but are more independent minded in terms of being open to vote for candidates from either party. Some citizens get more involved in the political process beyond simply registering with a party and voting. Some contribute money, while others do volunteer work during elections. The basic local unit in terms of elections is the precinct, or a voting district ranging in size form just a few voters to more than 1,000 voters, all of whom cast their ballots at the same polling place. Several adjoining precincts comprise a larger district called a ward. Party members in each ward select a person, also unpaid, to represent the ward at the next level of party organization - the party's county committee. At the state level, the state central committee is usually comprised largely of representatives from the party's country organizations. Its main function is to help elect candidates for state offices. The national convention takes place every four years during presidential elections. This is the time when each party writes its party platform, or the party's agenda, goals, and views on the issues. Party leaders assemble at the chosen site for the convention along with the delegates who will formally select the nominee. A rules committee develops the rules for the convention. The credentials committee approves of the delegations from each state. It's at the convention that the presidential nominee selects the vice presidential running mate. Parties have several functions. One is to recruit candidates, or find good candidates to present to voters. A second is educate the public on why their point of view is what is best for the nation. A third is operate the government since parties aim to determine or make policy. Parties may play the role of loyal opposition if not the party in power. Parties aim to reduce conflict by being willing to compromise for the good of the nation. Parties also reward those who are loyal with government jobs or appointed positions.
 * A party's goals, agenda, and views on the issues is the party's .**


 * Which is a function of political parties? (A) recruit candidates (B) educate the public (C) operate the government (D) reward party loyalty (E) all (F) none**

3. Early in our nation's history, caucuses, or private meetings of party leaders, chose nearly all candidates for office. As America entered the 1900s, this system was changing. The method most commonly used today to nominate candidates is the direct primary, an election in which party members select people to run in the general election. Pennsylvania uses a closed primary, in which only members of a political party can vote for candidates of the same party to run in the general election. Some states (including PA) require all candidates to file petitions with a certain number of signatures from voters in order to run for office. Primary elections take place in the spring of the election. There are primary elections each year (primaries are not ONLY for presidential elections). The general election takes place in November and is when the nominees from each party who won their primary run against each other to win the elected office.
 * What is the difference between a primary election and the general election?**

4. Candidates for president begin organizing their campaigns more than a year before the election. It costs a lot of money to run so candidates have to start fundraising early. To be elected president, a candidate must win over 50% of the electoral votes since the electoral college elects the president. There are a total of 538 electoral votes, which is based on the number of representatives (435) plus senators (100) plus three electoral votes from D.C. Over 50% is 270, which is the minimum number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency. Typically, a candidate wins all of the electoral votes in a state by winning the popular vote, or the vote of the people, in that state. Candidates develop their strategy early. A campaign manager, who is responsible for the overall strategy and planning, advises the candidate throughout the campaign. Television has grown in importance for campaigning. The image voters have of a candidate has proven to be extremely important for their voting decisions. Campaign ads on television are very common during campaigns. Televised debates are perhaps the best way for a candidate to show the voters his or her ideas. Use of the Internet has steadily grown in both fundraising and putting out campaign ads. In terms of campaign financing, the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (amended several times in the 1970s) provides regulations that apply to campaign financing. Candidates are required to disclose (make public) every dollar of campaign contributions and spending. Direct donations to candidates or parties can come by way of PACs, or political action committees, which are established by interest groups to raise money to support candidates or parties. There are limits to how much a person, group, or business can contribute to keep any one group or person from dominating a campaign.
 * What do political action committees do? (A) hire lobbyists (B) donate money to campaigns (C) help write bills (D) put up candidates for office (E) all (F) none**


 * Who elects the president? (A) voters (B) state legislatures (C) primary elections (D) electors (E) all (F) none**

5. Voting at America's founding was restricted to ownership of property. Suffrage means the right to vote. The 15th amendment of 1870 guaranteed African-Americans the right to vote in each state. This was the final of the three Civil War Amendments, which attempted to ensure equality after the Civil War, which ended slavery. Southern states attempted to block the voting rights of African-Americans by establishing literacy tests (a restriction that was made tougher for African-Americans than whites - whites merely had to read their names, while blacks were given a much tougher test of literacy) and a poll tax (tax charged to be able to vote). The Voting Rights Act of 1965 empowered the federal government to register voters and ensure all Americans were given the equal right to vote. In addition, the 24th amendment to the Constitution banned the poll tax. Women were ensured the right to vote in all states in the 19th amendment in 1920. The 26th amendment was added onto the Constitution after Vietnam in which the voting age was set at 18. The basic premise was if one was old enough to be drafted and sent to war, then that person should also be old enough to vote. In all, there are three requirements to be able to vote today - one must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of a state or D.C.


 * Which is a way the right to vote has changed over time? (A) blacks got the right to vote in the 15th amendment (B) women got the right to vote in the 19th amendment (C) the poll tax was outlawed by the 24th amendment (D) literacy tests were outlawed in the Voting Rights Act (E) 18-year-olds got the right to vote in the 26th amendment (F) all (G) none**


 * Who can vote in America today (three requirements)?**

6. Voting is the most important way that citizens voice their opinions. Every vote matters since every citizen matters. The first step is to register to vote, or enroll with the appropriate level of government. Voters vote at a polling place in their home precinct. A precinct is a voting district. Today, most ballots are cast by electronic machines. The law requires that a person's vote be secret. It's important to be informed on who is running and what the issues are. It is possible to vote by absentee ballot, which allows one to vote without going to the polls. There is a certain time frame and requirements before election day to have this done. There are various influences on voters. One is personal background such as age. Age matters since older voters tend to hold Social Security and Medicare as high priorities. Other personal background aspects could differences on what is seen as important being based on gender, race, religion, job, or income. A second influence is one's loyalty to a political party. Some voters are very committed to their party regardless of the candidate and vote a straight party ticket (vote for every candidate from your party only) while others are more independent minded, or willing to vote for a candidate from the other party. A third influence is the issues that are important at a particular election. The issues in 1920 wouldn't be the same as the issues in 1960 and so on. Voters tend to want solutions to the major problems facing the nation in the current election year. A fourth influence is the candidate's image. Voters want a president/leader with morals, integrity, and strength. A fifth influence is propaganda, which involves using ideas, information, or rumors to influence opinion. This is usually played out by the large volume of campaign ads on TV and radio. It is important as a voter to watch out for spin, or interpreting a political event or statement from a particular point of view to make one's self seem better than without the spin. An issue in terms of voting is the decreasing of voter turnout. It's important for Americans to see the importance of voting.
 * Why should people vote?**


 * What do you think is the most important influence on how people vote or who people vote for?**

7. An interest group is a group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government. Many early leaders believed that interest groups, or factions as they called them, would make governing difficult. In Federalist Paper #10 James Madison referred to "factions" as groups of people who are united to promote special interests that were "adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." He believed that the Constitution would be a safeguard against factions. While political parties put up candidates for office, interest groups endorse or support a candidate whose ideas are close to the group's ideas. Furthermore, political parties are concerned about a wide range of issues, while interest groups focus on one or a small number of issues. Interest groups help to bridge the gap between the citizen and the government. Citizens can voice their opinions to their elected leaders through interest groups. Interest groups follow the old principle "there are strength in numbers." By representing more than one individual, an interest group has a stronger bargaining position with leaders in government, but only proportionally. Interest group leaders strengthen the political power of the group by unifying its members. They keep members informed of the group's activities through newsletters, mailings, and telephone calls. They plan the group's strategy, raise money to run the group, and oversee the financial decisions of the group. There are various types of groups. Business groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce (helps small businesses), Business Roundtable, and National Association of Manufacturers, work to convince the government about ways to give businesses incentives to hire and expand, such as lower taxes and limits to the large number of regulations. Labor groups or unions include the AFL-CIO (largest and most powerful and includes the auto workers, miners, and the teamsters) and try to influence the government to promote the goals of the labor unions. There are agricultural groups look to improve the farming communities and include the American Farm Bureau, the National Farmers' Union, and the oldest group - the Patrons of Husbandry, or the Grange. Professional associations include the American Bar Association (lawyers) and the American Medical Association (doctors) that represent specific professions. Environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, are big supporters of the EPA and urge higher costs and regulations on businesses involved in the extraction of natural resources. There are single issue groups that have one issue that they work with such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), the NRA (National Rifle Association on protection of the 2nd amendment), as well as others.
 * What is the major role of interest groups? (A) develop a platform (B) influence policy (C) speak out on issues (D) put up a candidate for office (E) all (F) none**


 * Who wrote The Federalist #10 warning about factions but also saying that the Constitution guards against the negatives of factions? (A) George Washington (B) Alexander Hamilton (C) Thomas Jefferson (D) James Madison (E) all (F) none**


 * The Chamber of Commerce works to help (A) small businesses (B) unions (C) corporations (D) farmers (E) all (F) none**


 * The Patrons of Husbandry, or the Grange, works to help (A) workers (B) owners (C) farmers (D) voters (E) all (F) none**

8. Interest groups affect public policy (government decisions). One way is that interest groups hire lobbyists, or those who represent interest groups and aim to influence policy. Lobbying is the terms for having direct contact with policy makers aiming to convince them of a certain policy position. There are legalities when it comes to lobbying and rules that lobbyists have to follow. Lobbyists must register with Congress and keep records (that can be made public) of all lobbying contacts and meetings. Interest groups can impact an election by endorsing candidates, running ads on TV (including ads critical of an opponent of the group), and donating to campaigns, but interest groups can also be involved in the legislation process. Lobbyists and interest groups often assist in the writing of bills by helping research staffs and literally help to write bills. Interest groups seek support in various ways. They use the mass media - TV, radio, newspapers, Internet - to get their message out and inform the public of their views. Groups often urge members to write letters or send emails to their lawmakers. This is again a 'strength in numbers" approach since lawmakers do respond to a high number of citizens/voters who have a certain stance on an issue. Interest groups do have limitations. Many in the public feel that only the groups with money are able to have influence, so many citizens have a negative view of interest groups. PACs, or political action committees, are organizations (many within an interest group) that are specifically designed to collect money and provide financial support for a political candidate. There are laws that govern PACs to keep a few wealthy individuals from controlling the campaign process at election time. The Federal Election Commission regulates the activities of PACs. PACs tied to corporations, labor unions, trade groups, or health organizations are called affiliated PACs. Independent PACs are ones that are not tied or connected to any existing interest group. 527 organizations (named that way due to the part of the tax code that allows them exemptions) are groups that escape the regulations of PACs since their groups are "advocates" on an issue and not actively pushing an issue and don't urge voters to vote for a certain candidate. PACs use their money to gain access to lawmakers in terms of hired lobbyists and lobbying efforts to influence policy and also use their money in election campaigns.
 * Interest groups influence lawmakers by hiring (A) candidates (B) platform writers (C) lobbyists (D) PACs (E) all (F) none**


 * How do interest groups impact elections? (A) endorse a candidate (B) donate money to a campaign (C) put ads on TV (D) criticize opponents (E) all (F) none**


 * What do political action committees (PACs) do? (A) hire lobbyists (B) donate money to campaigns (C) help write bills (D) put up candidates for office (E) all (F) none**


 * How do interest groups impact the government?**

9. Most Americans have opinions or preferences about many matters that affect their lives. Public opinion includes the ideas and attitudes that a significant number of Americans hold about government and political issues. Three factors characterize the nature of public opinion. One is diversity. Public opinion varies especially in a nation as large as the U.S. Different groups of people hold different opinions on different issues. A second factor is communication. People's attitudes and ideas must in some way be expressed and communicated to the government. The third factor is significant numbers. The more people that feel a certain way on a certain issue, the more likely the politicians will respond accordingly. Political socialization is the process of how people learn their beliefs or positions on political topics. Family is the major way people are politically socialized. Children learn many of tehir political beliefs from their parents. Most 18-year-olds will register with the same political party as their parents regardless of their personal position on the issues. Other ways people are politically socialized include schools and peer groups. In school, all students learn about our nation, its history, and its political system. An individual's close friends, religious group, clubs, and work groups - called peer groups - are yet another factor in the political socialization process. Economic and social status is another aspect. Mass media plays a role as well. Mass media is any form of communication that transmits information, such as newspapers, TV, radio, magazines, movies, books, and Internet. Most media today in terms of big city newspapers, TV, and Hollywood are progressive in their views and it is noticeable in their products. Presidents and Congresses try to influence opinions as well by touting previous policies that they claim have worked. Political culture is a set of basic values and beliefs about a nation and its government that most citizens share. Examples include beliefs that freedom and justice are good. An ideology is a set of basic beliefs about life, culture, government, and society. One's political ideology provides the framework for looking at government and public policy. The main ideologies are conservative and liberal.
 * The process of how people learn political beliefs is (A) public opinion (B) political culture (C) political socialization (D) ideology (E) all (F) none**


 * What is the biggest influence? (A) education (B) mass media (C) the economy (D) family (E) all (F) none**


 * How does public opinion impact the government?**

10. Public opinion polls measure the public's position on certain issues over a certain period of time. Scientific polling involves three basic steps: selecting a sample of the group to be questioned, presenting carefully worded questions, and interpreting the results. A representative sample is a small group of people who are typical of the area being polled. A sampling error is a measurement of how much the sample results might differ from the total population. Most national polls will poll between 1,000 and 1,500 Americans and give a percentage as to how many feel a certain way on an issue. This sample should represent the general population in terms of race, gender, religion, ideology, and so forth. Of course there is room for error though - sampling error. The idea is to get a random sample of the public. Some polls (like Rasmussen and Gallup) are good at this and have results that have been very reliable. Others are not. Another important aspect of polls is how the questions are asked. For example, in Vietnam, when the public was asked "Do you support bringing all troops home by year's end," about 67% said yes. But when the phrase "regardless of what might happen once the troops our out," to the end of the question, less than 50% said yes. Politicians pay attention to the polls because it tells them what the voters are thinking and the stances of the voters on the various issues.
 * Why do you think opinion polls are important?**

11. The mass media is any form of communication that transmits information. The media includes TV, radio, newspapers, and the Internet. The White House Press Corps follow the president and report daily on the presidency. The president has a press secretary that handles the day-to-day questions from the reporters and gives daily briefings on the president. A government news release is a ready-made story prepared by officials for members of the press. During a news briefing, a government official makes an announcement or explains a policy, a decision, or an action. Sometimes, top officials try to influence the flow of information to the press through a leak, or the release of secret information to the media by anonymous government officials. The media often impacts who runs for office. Certainly running for president would require a candidate to look good and sound good on TV. Especially in presidential elections, the media usually declares a front runner, or an early leader for winning his/her party's nomination for office. Candidates also use the media to advertise themselves by putting out commercials and campaign ads. Television has diminished the role of political parties as the link between candidates and the people. Candidates have become less dependent on the political party organization to get their message out to the voters. Candidates can appeal to voters by using the TV. Nearly every member of Congress also has a press secretary to give reports to the media. Representatives and senators have staff who run their offices and handle the media, including social media. The media reports on congressional committee hearings, oversight activities (Congress reviewing how programs are being carried out), as well as personal business of Congress. C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) offers 24-hour coverage of congressional proceedings. Typically, the Supreme Court receives less daily coverage since justices are appointed and not elected by the people. Certainly the media reports on the decisions handed down by the Supreme Court, but not on the daily activities of the Court. Overall, the media can play a key role in setting the public agenda by reporting the list of societal problems that both parties and citizens agree need government to solve.
 * How can the media impact government?**


 * What is the role of the media?**


 * Which TV station offers non-stop government proceedings?**

12. In terms of media protection, the First Amendment guarantees the press as a fundamental freedom. This means that the press is free from prior restraint, or government censorship of information before it is published. However, freedom of the press is not absolute. The press is not free to commit libel, which is a written lie that hurts a person's reputation. The press also has the right to gather information. Free press is meaningless if the media is unable to gather necessary information to report. The press has gone to court many times to fight for its right of access to information on the decisions of government. There are some restrictions on the press in terms of access (such as a crime scene), but generally the press does have a right to gather information. When the press is conducting its own investigation, such as into a government scandal, many times the press relies on information from people who would not give the information unless they can remain an anonymous source. Many states have shield laws that protect reporters from being forced to reveal their sources. The media is regulated by the FCC, or Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has broad powers to make rules that require stations to operate under. The FCC cannot censor broadcasts. It can, however, influence the content of broadcasts by fining stations that violate rules and by threatening not to renew a station's license. In 1949, the fairness doctrine was established, which required broadcasters to provide airtime to both sides of a controversial issue. The Supreme Court upheld it in 1969. Many argued that this violated freedom of speech since it mandated how private companies operated. The FCC dropped it in 1987. Congress passed a law renewing it but it was vetoed by President Reagan since it violated free press as well as free speech. Reagan also added that the rise of cable TV gave all sides of the issues a much larger forum for debates. Today, with the Internet, both sides of any issue are easy to find. Media bias is common and so it's important for viewers to be aware of the presentation of a TV program, radio program, newspaper report, web site, or even a movie.
 * What does the FCC regulate? (A) campaign spending (B) Internet (C) media (D) news reported (E) all (F) none**


 * Why is it important to consult multiple sources of news? (A) one source could lie (B) it's more accurate to view various ideological opinions since many have bias (C) some are more interesting (D) it's a bad idea (E) all (F) none**


 * How does the Constitution protect media?**

13. The Internet offers several distinctive benefits for politics and government. One benefit is a widespread audience. Younger generations are starting to get more and more of their information from the Internet. This changes the dynamics of how candidates get their messages out. Another benefit is interactivity since it allows individuals to debate in forums and discuss issues. A third benefit is its global scope. Every day more and more Americans are using the Internet for information on political issues and to access government at all levels. Web sites devoted to political issues are everywhere online. Newspapers and TV channels have web sites as well. It's important to remember than many web sites are partisan, meaning they offer information and ideas that support only their own point of view on issues. There are several web sites that track legislation. One specific site is the Library of Congress THOMAS site (name THOMAS after Thomas Jefferson) gives viewers up-to-date information on legislation. There are numerous electronic mailing lists that allows citizens to get automatic messages from politicians and interest groups. All levels now provide services and information over the Internet. Citizen impacts have a lot of impacts. E-mail has become the method most used to contact government officials about certain issues. Groups are able to use the Internet to spread "action alerts" to urge members of the group to contact lawmakers. Another tool is an electronic petition to "sign" for government officials to see. Individuals often set up their own personal web sites to support a certain candidate. Political blogs have increased, which is an online journal and gives people and groups a new way to participate in politics. In terms of voting, states are using more electronic means of voting. There are a lot of positives that come from the new technology, but negatives as well with obscene material. This has let to new legislation especially protecting children.
 * How has the Internet impacted politics?**

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