Political parties

Question 1

Describe the key values and principles of the Democratic Party.

Answer 1

The Democratic Party values large government programs to lift the poorest Americans out of poverty, supports higher taxes on the wealthiest to fund social welfare programs, advocates for affordable healthcare for all, embraces civil rights for minorities including LGBTQ+ individuals, promotes pro-choice policies, favors the separation of church and state, seeks tighter gun control measures, supports judicial activism, celebrates a diverse multicultural society, advocates for humane immigration reforms, calls for policing reforms, and emphasizes the importance of environmentalism and climate change action.

Question 2

Explain the Republican Party’s stance on government involvement in economic decisions.

Answer 2

The Republican Party prefers limited government involvement in economic decisions and regulation, viewing major government programs as often wasteful and inefficient. They believe that poverty is best addressed by incentivizing individuals to find jobs and help themselves, rather than through government intervention.

Question 3

How do the Democratic and Republican parties differ in their approach to taxation?

Answer 3

The Democratic Party supports higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals to fund social welfare programs, on those earning over $400,000; 2020 tax policy pledged to reverse Trump’s tax cuts on wealthy; expand child tax credit; Republican Party tends to favor lowering taxes, including for the richest, based on the belief in trickle-down economics.

Question 4

Define the Democratic Party’s and Republican Party’s positions on healthcare.

Answer 4

The Democratic Party advocates for the expansion of affordable healthcare to all, including support for Medicare for All, while the Republican Party generally believes that healthcare provision should reflect personal choice and ability to pay, although they support existing federal Medicare for older Americans and certain disabled individuals.

Question 5

What is the Democratic Party’s view on civil rights?

Answer 5

The Democratic Party believes in embracing and extending civil rights for minorities, including LGBTQ+ Americans, and supports legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to combat voter suppression.

Question 6

Describe the Republican Party’s perspective on civil rights and affirmative action.

Answer 6

The Republican Party holds that civil rights do not need further extension and views measures like affirmative action as patronizing to minority groups.

Question 7

Explain the Democratic Party’s stance on gun control.

Answer 7

The Democratic Party advocates for tighter gun control measures and does not view the Second Amendment as sacrosanct.

Question 8

How does the Republican Party view LGBTQ+ rights?

Answer 8

The Republican Party shows strong apathy towards much of the LGBTQ+ rights agenda, accepting the reality of same-sex marriage but opposing transgender rights, such as bathroom bills.

Question 9

What immigration reforms does the Democratic Party support?

Answer 9

The Democratic Party supports humane and sensible reforms to the immigration system, including measures like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the DREAM Act to regularize the status of many currently illegal immigrants.

Question 10

Describe the Republican Party’s position on abortion.

Answer 10

The Republican Party tends to have a pro-life position and supports greater restrictions on abortion.

Question 11

How do the Democratic and Republican parties approach environmental issues?

Answer 11

The Democratic Party views environmentalism and climate change as real and imminent dangers, advocating for initiatives like the Green New Deal, while the Republican Party’s stance on is based on a skeptical view of science behind climate change and a belief in the need to break away from fossil fuels.

Question 12

Explain the significance of the New Deal Coalition in the context of the Democratic Party.

Answer 12

The New Deal Coalition, put together by FDR, included a diverse group of supporters such as blue-collar workers, unionized labor, minorities, conservative white segregationists, poorer sections of society dependent on welfare, and liberal intellectuals, reflecting the broad and inclusive nature of the Democratic Party.

Question 13

How did Eisenhower’s political affiliations evolve during his career?

Answer 13

Eisenhower was approached by leading figures from both parties to run for office, and although Truman offered to stand aside for him in 1948, he was persuaded by a Republican senator to run for the Republican ticket in 1953, indicating a relatively non-ideological stance over 70 years ago.

Question 14

Describe the role of religion in public life according to Republicans.

Answer 14

There is a belief that religion should have a place in public life, supporting issues such as prayers in public schools.

Question 15

Explain the Republican perspective on the Second Amendment regarding gun ownership.

Answer 15

The Second Amendment is viewed as upholding an individual’s right to gun ownership for recreational activities like hunting and for legitimate self-defense, with moderate gun control measures seen as restrictions on the rights of all gun-owning Americans.

Question 16

Define the preferred judicial philosophy preferred for Supreme Court judges for Republicans.

Answer 16

Supreme Court judges who favor an originalist and judicial restraint position on the Constitution should be appointed.

Question 17

How is cultural and racial diversity perceived in the US according to Republicans beliefs?

Answer 17

There is a fear that the US is too culturally and racially diverse, leading to a belief that the traditional national identity has been sacrificed.

Question 18

What are Republican views on immigration enforcement?

Answer 18

There is a belief that immigration needs to be more tightly regulated and enforced, with general suspicion towards amnesty measures for illegal immigrants, support for a border wall, and swift deportation of illegal immigrants.

Question 19

Explain the attitude towards international organizations like WHO and NATO from Republicans.

Answer 19

There is a less favorable disposition towards international organizations, with a feeling that the US overly subsidizes these bodies, reflecting an ‘America first’ mentality.

Question 20

How does the separation of powers affect party leadership in the US?

Answer 20

The separation of powers means that even the president is not the formal party leader, having high authority within the party but lacking direct control over the party in Congress.

Question 21

Identify the current Senate Majority Leader and House Majority Leader.

Answer 21

The current Senate Majority Leader is John Thune and the House Majority Leader is Steve Scalise.

Question 22

What challenges do presidents face regarding party discipline?

Answer 22

A lack of party discipline can lead to presidents finding their will thwarted by congressional opposition, as seen with Trump’s inability to repeal the ACA despite a Republican-controlled Congress.

Question 23

Explain the influence of state-based parties in the US political system.

Answer 23

State parties have a degree of autonomy and independence, playing an important role in organizing primaries and having their own structures, though they have minimal direct role in candidate selection; eg Minnesota – local Dems run on ticket of Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labour Party.

Question 24

What is the role of the DNC and RNC in national politics?

Answer 24

The DNC and RNC are national party entities primarily responsible for organizing the national nominating convention, but their influence in national politics is limited.

Question 25

Describe the function of Hill committees in the US political system.

Answer 25

Hill committees aim to get members of their party elected to Congress, coordinating campaigns and guiding financial contributions from supporters to key seats, but they do not directly select candidates.

Question 26

Identify the chairs of the DNC and RNC.

Answer 26

The DNC chair is Ken Martin and the RNC chair is Michael Whatley.

Question 27

What is the nature of associated groups in relation to political parties?

Answer 27

Associated groups are loosely affiliated with political parties, sharing many characteristics with pressure groups but being more overtly party political.

Question 28

Describe the Democratic Socialists of America.

Answer 28

An independent organization, associated with the Dems, with around 50,000 members that works to secure the victory of progressive candidates, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Question 29

Explain the significance of Steve King's primary loss in June 2020.

Answer 29

Steve King, a Republican House member, lost his primary due to a history of racist comments and became ostracized by Republican leadership, losing endorsements from conservative evangelical leaders.

Question 30

How do groups and organizations within US parties exemplify unity within diversity?

Answer 30

They demonstrate a strong common purpose despite factionalism, showcasing how different groups can work together towards shared goals.

Question 31

Define the geographical changes in US party support over the last 50 years.

Answer 31

The South has become more reliably Republican, while the East and West coasts have solidified as Democrat strongholds.

Question 32

What was the last presidential election in which a Democrat comprehensively won the South?

Answer 32

The presidential election of 1976 was the last time a Democrat won comprehensively across the South.

Question 33

Explain the ideological transformation of the Republican Party since the 1960s.

Answer 33

The Republican Party has become more conservative, particularly through the influence of leaders like Reagan, Nixon, and Trump, focusing on law and order, opposition to desegregation, and conservative social policies.

Question 34

Describe the impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on party dynamics.

Answer 34

The Civil Rights Act did not immediately flip the South to Democrats, but it led to conservative Republicans targeting disillusioned white voters, contributing to the Southern strategy.

Question 35

How did the Republican Party's stance on law and order evolve during the late 1960s?

Answer 35

In response to urban riots and racial tensions, many Republicans adopted a strong law and order platform.

Question 36

What demographic trends are evident in Republican and Democratic voter bases?

Answer 36

Republican voters are more likely to be white, rural, and religious, while Democrats are more urban, diverse, and less religious, with higher levels of education.

Question 37

Explain the role of party campaigns in shaping voter perceptions.

Answer 37

Party campaigns increasingly play to the prejudices and principles of different voter groups, with Democrats portraying Republicans as racists and bigots, and Reps portraying Dems as unpatriotic and enemies of faith-based values.

Question 38

How did the Republican Party's approach to social issues change over time?

Answer 38

The party embraced a strongly conservative stance on issues like sexual morality and abortion, aligning with white evangelical preachers.

Question 39

What happened to conservative southern Democrats in the political landscape?

Answer 39

Some conservative southern Democrats, like Strom Thurmond, switched party labels to become Republicans.

Question 40

Describe the trend of liberal/moderate Republicans in the party.

Answer 40

Liberal and moderate Republicans have been defeated in primaries or have switched to the Democratic Party, reflecting a shift in the party's ideological base eg John Lindsay, former congressman and mayor of NY, in 1971.

Question 41

What was the last time Republicans won California in a presidential election?

Answer 41

Republicans last won California in the presidential election of 1988.

Question 42

How did the geographical distribution of party support change in the Northeast?

Answer 42

Republican support has dropped significantly in the Northeast, with Democrats becoming the dominant party in that region.

Question 43

Explain the significance of the term 'Solid South' in US politics.

Answer 43

The term 'Solid South' originally referred to the dominance of the Democratic Party in the South until the early 1960s, which has since shifted to a Republican stronghold.

Question 44

Explain the impact of the growing partisan divide on congressional operations.

Answer 44

The growing partisan divide has resulted in more united voting among parties, leading to less bipartisanship, with major policies like Obamacare and Trump tax cuts passing with minimal support from the opposing party.

Question 45

How did President Johnson achieve support for civil rights measures in the 1960s?

Answer 45

President Johnson relied on Republican votes to pass civil rights measures, with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 receiving 81% support from Republicans compared to 69% from Democrats.

Question 46

What does the impeachment process reveal about party cohesion in Congress?

Answer 46

The impeachment process illustrates increased party cohesion; during Nixon's impeachment in 1974, some Republicans broke ranks, while in Trump's 2019 impeachment, not a single Republican sided with Democrats.

Question 47

Define the main reasons for divides within US political parties.

Answer 47

Divides within US political parties arise from ideology, geography, and personalities, influencing how elected representatives vote.

Question 48

How united were Republicans and Democrats in congressional votes in 2018?

Answer 48

In 2018, Republicans voted with their party an average of 91% of the time, while Democrats did so 89% of the time, indicating high levels of party unity.

Question 49

Explain the trend of party unity in Congress over recent decades.

Answer 49

There has been a relentless trend towards growing party unity in Congress, with fewer legislators breaking ranks compared to previous decades, particularly intensified by Trump's 2016 victory.

Question 50

What controversial policy issues show increasing cohesion among both parties?

Answer 50

Both parties have become increasingly cohesive on controversial issues such as abortion and gun control, making it rare to find pro-life Democrats or pro-choice Republicans.

Question 51

Describe the significance of Trump's influence on the Republican Party.

Answer 51

Trump's effective takeover of the Republican Party has led to a lack of enthusiasm among Republican legislators to openly criticize him, indicating a unification around a controversial figure.

Question 52

What was the 'Contract with America' and its significance?

Answer 52

The 'Contract with America' was a unified party platform introduced by Republicans in 1994, marking the beginning of a trend towards cohesive party platforms, which continued with the Democrats' 'Better Deal' in 2018.

Question 53

How do bipartisan votes and party rebellions challenge the notion of party unity?

Answer 53

Bipartisan votes and party rebellions, such as the Senate's resolution limiting Trump's military powers and the bipartisan CARES Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate that divisions still exist within and between parties; ten House Reps voted to impeach Trump in January 2021.

Question 54

What did the Congressional Quarterly annual vote study reveal about party unity in 2018?

Answer 54

The study showed that the total number of party unity votes in the Senate fell from 69% in 2017 to just under 50% in 2018, indicating a decline in party cohesion.

Question 55

Identify areas where common ground exists between Republicans and Democrats.

Answer 55

Common ground exists in policy areas like financial regulation of Wall Street and lowering prescription charges, as well as some criminal justice issues, despite differing motives.

Question 56

What has been the reaction of some Republicans to Trump's unconventional policies?

Answer 56

Some of Trump's less conventional policies have led to unease among certain Republican quarters, indicating internal divisions within the party eg foreign policy and tariffs.

Question 57

Describe the role of tariffs in US foreign policy.

Answer 57

Tariffs are used as a tool in US foreign policy to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and influence international relations.

Question 58

Explain the concept of pork-barrelling and its impact on party loyalty.

Answer 58

Pork-barrelling refers to the practice of elected officials using their influence to secure federal funding for projects in their home state or district, which can enhance re-election prospects and foster party loyalty; a so-called ending to it has reduced direct incentives for party loyalty.

Question 59

Define the main factions within the Democratic Party.

Answer 59

The main factions include Progressives, who prioritize working Americans and civil rights; Blue Dog Democrats, who are fiscally conservative; and Justice Democrats, who endorse progressive candidates and policies.

Question 60

How do candidates secure nominations within their party?

Answer 60

Candidates secure nominations by campaigning and winning their own primary races, allowing them to be selective in their campaign pledges; no compulsion for party's candidates to subscribe to entire policy platform.

Question 61

Explain the significance of the lame duck period in a presidency.

Answer 61

During the second half of a two-term presidency, known as the lame duck period, party loyalty may decrease as legislators have less incentive to align with the president's agenda.

Question 62

Describe the characteristics of the Freedom Caucus within the Republican Party.

Answer 62

The Freedom Caucus is the most right-wing faction, advocating for small government and libertarian principles, and holds socially conservative views on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights; 31 members eg Lauren Boebert.

Question 63

What is the impact of media fragmentation on political polarization?

Answer 63

Media fragmentation leads to echo chambers where individuals consume customized information, contributing to increased political polarization.

Question 64

Define negative partisanship and its effect on voter behavior.

Answer 64

Negative partisanship occurs when voters are more motivated by opposition to the other party than by support for their own, influencing electoral outcomes and party dynamics.

Question 65

Explain the role of the Republican Governance Group.

Answer 65

The Republican Governance Group is a moderate faction that seeks bipartisan cooperation on key policy issues and takes a pragmatic approach to governance; 41 members eg Nancy Mace.

Question 66

Describe the debate over party decline and renewal in US politics.

Answer 66

The debate centers on whether US political parties have weakened and lost influence or if they remain central and have grown in importance in contemporary politics.

Question 67

What are the main goals of the Problem Solvers faction in the Republican Party?

Answer 67

The Problem Solvers aim to foster bipartisan cooperation on key policy issues, such as making childcare more affordable and immigration reform; members involve Chuck Edwards.

Question 68

Explain the significance of party sorting and gerrymandering in US politics and polarisation.

Answer 68

Party sorting and gerrymandering have led to more ideologically distinct party platforms, as voters align themselves along ideological lines, impacting electoral dynamics.

Question 69

Describe the priorities of the Progressive faction in the Democratic Party.

Answer 69

Progressives prioritize working Americans, fight inequality, and advocate for policies like universal healthcare, climate change action, and debt-free college; 98 members including Bernie Sanders and Jasmine Crockett.

Question 70

What is the stance of Blue Dog Democrats on social issues?

Answer 70

Blue Dog Democrats are fiscally conservative and neutral on social issues, such as gun control and gay rights; example = Adam Gray.

Question 71

How do Justice Democrats differ from traditional Democratic candidates?

Answer 71

Justice Democrats endorse candidates such as Ilhan Omar; reject corporate PAC money and advocate for progressive policies like the Green New Deal and Medicare for All, and removing the use of big money in politics.

Question 72

Explain the historical perspective on US political parties as described by Lord Bryce.

Answer 72

Lord Bryce described US political parties as lacking ideological substance, comparing them to empty bottles labeled with their party names.

Question 73

What is the Republican Study Committee's position on social issues?

Answer 73

The Republican Study Committee is socially conservative and has opposed legislation supporting same-sex marriage while advocating for building a southern border wall; 158 members eg French Hill.

Question 74

Describe the thesis presented in David Broder's book 'The Party's Over'.

Answer 74

Broder's thesis argues that American political parties are experiencing a decline due to weakening party unity, voter dealignment, and neglect by both leaders and voters, leading to inefficiencies in governance.

Question 75

Explain the concept of voter dealignment as discussed in Broder's work.

Answer 75

Voter dealignment refers to the trend of voters increasingly identifying as independents rather than aligning with a political party, which results in split-ticket voting and diminishes party influence.

Question 76

How does Broder view the impact of weakened party structures on governance?

Answer 76

Broder believes that weakened party structures lead to stalemate and inefficiency in governance, as strong parties are necessary to organize and discipline government action, making policy-making more fragmented.

Question 77

What solutions does Broder propose to restore effectiveness in American politics?

Answer 77

Broder calls for stronger party unity and a more engaged electorate, suggesting the elimination of the Electoral College, banning filibusters, and implementing campaign finance restrictions.

Question 78

Define the role of primaries in the context of American political parties.

Answer 78

Primaries have grown at all levels, rendering the candidate selection role of parties largely redundant, which reinforces a sense of party weakness and intra-party divisions.

Question 79

How have political campaigns shifted in focus?

Answer 79

Political campaigns have shifted to focus more on individual candidates rather than party affiliation, with party names and symbols often absent from campaign materials.

Question 80

Explain the impact of social media on political communication in the US.

Answer 80

Social media has accelerated the trend of candidates creating, paying for, and delivering their own campaign messages, reducing the role of political parties in communication.

Question 81

What does the trend of split-ticket voting indicate about American political parties?

Answer 81

The trend of split-ticket voting suggests that parties have less importance than individual candidates, as voters choose candidates from different parties for different offices.

Question 82

Discuss the implications of decreased voter turnout in recent elections.

Answer 82

Decreased voter turnout suggests a wider disenchantment with US politics and its party system, indicating a potential crisis in political engagement.

Question 83

How do US parties maintain their broad, 'big tent' nature despite internal divisions?

Answer 83

US parties remain broad and 'big tent' by encompassing conflicting outlooks and policies, as seen in the various approaches within the Democratic Party regarding issues like immigration and policing.

Question 84

What evidence suggests that US parties may be experiencing renewal?

Answer 84

Evidence of renewal includes the reinforcement of party brands through primaries eg True Blue, candidates aligning with one of the two dominant parties, and a decrease in split-ticket voting in recent elections.

Question 85

How did voter turnout in the 2020 election compare to previous trends?

Answer 85

Voter turnout in the 2020 election increased considerably, contrasting with the trend of decreasing turnout in earlier elections.

Question 86

Describe the current state of US political parties in terms of policy platform and support base.

Answer 86

US political parties have become increasingly narrow and homogeneous in their policy platforms and support bases, with polarization and hyper-partisanship dominating the political landscape.

Question 87

What is a main weakness of American political parties as identified in the content?

Answer 87

A main weakness of American political parties is the lack of a single leader, which can hinder cohesive action and decision-making.

Question 88

Describe the role of national nomination conventions in the selection of candidates.

Answer 88

National nomination conventions formally select candidates, not party leaders.

Question 89

Explain the focus of election campaigns and political ads in the United States.

Answer 89

Most election campaigns and political ads focus on individual candidates rather than party labels.

Question 90

How is power distributed within political parties in the U.S.?

Answer 90

Power within parties is dispersed and resembles the Constitution, with each congressional chamber having its own leader, and state parties retaining significant control.

Question 91

What impact do direct primaries have on political parties?

Answer 91

The rise of direct primaries makes parties weaker, as most elected politicians operate independently and are not primarily concerned with powerful pressure groups or constituents; Trump opposed by nearly all Republican Party establishment but won primary.

Question 92

Define the significance of two-party domination in American politics.

Answer 92

Two-party domination means that there is no tradition of third parties or independents having a sustained presence in Congress or state legislatures; Sanders made two unsuccessful bids for Democrat presidential nomination.

Question 93

Explain the historical context of third-party candidates in U.S. elections.

Answer 93

No third-party or independent candidate has directly won any electoral votes since George Wallace in 1968, and the last significant independent presidential contender was Ross Perot in 1992; in 2020, the two-party share of the vote was 98%.

Question 94

Describe the characteristics of third parties in the U.S.

Answer 94

Third parties often have a narrow set of policies, small platforms, lack funding, and are unable to do much between elections.

Question 95

How do major parties respond to the platforms of third parties?

Answer 95

Major parties often co-opt the platforms of smaller parties, acknowledging special interests presented by third parties.

Question 96

What are the requirements for third parties to participate in national debates?

Answer 96

Third parties must consistently poll 15% to be invited to large national stages, such as debates, leading to a lack of media coverage.

Question 97

Explain the significance of the Libertarian Party's performance in the 2016 election.

Answer 97

In 2016, the Libertarian candidate won around 3% of the vote and was on the ballot in all 50 states.

Question 98

Describe the focus of the Green Party's policies.

Answer 98

The Green Party focuses on policies that protect the environment, such as the Green New Deal.

Question 99

What is the primary goal of the Libertarian Party?

Answer 99

The Libertarian Party seeks to reduce the size and scope of government and enhance individual rights, including the legalization of drugs, prostitution, and abortion.

Question 100

How did the 2020 election illustrate the impact of third-party candidates?

Answer 100

In 2020, the Libertarian candidate received more than 1.8 million votes, and media outlets speculated that vote-splitting was significant enough to be decisive in Biden’s victory.

Question 101

What challenges do third parties face in gaining media coverage?

Answer 101

Third parties struggle to gain media coverage, making it hard for them to participate in debates and receive attention compared to the two major parties.

Question 102

Explain the concept of co-optation in the context of U.S. political parties.

Answer 102

Co-optation refers to the process where major parties absorb the platforms of smaller parties, often to address the special interests they represent eg Green New Deal.

Question 103

Describe the historical significance of independent candidates like Angus King and Bernie Sanders.

Answer 103

Angus King and Bernie Sanders are notable independent senators who caucus with the Democrats, highlighting the limited presence of independents in Congress.

Question 104

What was the last significant independent presidential contender before 2020?

Answer 104

The last significant independent presidential contender before 2020 was Ross Perot in 1992, who won around 19% of the vote.

Question 105

How do state parties influence primary elections in the U.S.?

Answer 105

State parties retain significant control over many aspects of primary elections due to the federal nature and size of the U.S.

Question 106

What was Jill Stein's participation in the 2020 election?

Answer 106

In 2020, Jill Stein was on the ballot in 44 states and was a write-in candidate in three states.

Question 107

Describe the First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system.

Answer 107

In the FPTP voting system, only the candidate with the greatest number of votes becomes the winner, while parties or candidates with the second-greatest number of votes do not receive any representation, regardless of how small the margin of loss is; voters rationally vote for one of major parties which they predict have highest chance of winning.

Question 108

Explain the challenges faced by third parties in gaining funding.

Answer 108

Third parties often struggle to secure sufficient funding due to their smaller or narrower platforms, the need to raise money for media coverage, and campaign finance laws that complicate their financial support; third parties must have 5% of vote + appear on ballot in at least 10 states to receive grants.

Question 109

How do ballot access rules affect third-party candidates?

Answer 109

Ballot access rules, controlled by legislatures dominated by either Republicans or Democrats, determine who qualifies to be on the ballot, making it difficult for third-party candidates to gain access without major funding and a large number of signatures in a short time.

Question 110

Define the Electoral College (EC) and its significance in elections.

Answer 110

The Electoral College is a body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States, requiring candidates to win the majority of electoral votes rather than just the popular vote; would require constitutional amendment to change.

Question 111

Explain how third parties can influence election outcomes.

Answer 111

In close elections, third parties or independents can act as spoilers, influencing the final outcome by drawing votes away from major party candidates, as seen in the 2000 Bush/Gore race.

Question 112

Describe an example of a third-party candidate influencing a congressional election.

Answer 112

In the 2018 Maine 2nd District election, the Republican winner in the first round lost the seat when independent second preference votes were redistributed.

Question 113

How can major parties respond to the policies of third parties?

Answer 113

Major parties may co-opt attractive policies from third parties, as seen with Ross Perot's balanced budget pledge being adopted by Clinton, and the 'Green New Deal' gaining traction among progressive Democrats.

Question 114

Discuss the impact of third parties in presidential elections.

Answer 114

In most presidential elections, such as in 2012, third-party and independent candidates have failed to significantly impact the final outcome.

Question 115

What is the significance of Maine's voting system in relation to third parties?

Answer 115

Maine is the only state using a voting system other than FPTP for congressional elections, highlighting the dominance of the two-party system in the U.S. and the perception that votes for other parties are wasted.

Question 116

Explain the media challenges faced by third parties and independents.

Answer 116

Third parties and independents often lack a high-profile media presence, struggle to participate in televised debates, and are frequently labeled as extremist or irrelevant.

Question 117

How do the coalitional nature of the major parties affect third-party candidates?

Answer 117

The coalitional nature of both major parties allows them to incorporate a range of ideologies, such as socialists and environmentalists in the Democratic Party and libertarians in the Republican Party, which can diminish the appeal of third-party candidates.

Question 118

House Minority Leader (Dem)

Answer 118

Hakeem Jeffries

Question 119

Senate Minority Leader (Dem)

Answer 119

Chuck Schumer

Question 120

House Speaker (Rep)

Answer 120

Mike Johnson

Question 121

How does leadership in the Republican Party reflect informal dynamics and personal influence, particularly in the context of Trump's control and the fear of being primaried?

Answer 121

Leadership in the Republican Party is often informal and revolves around personalities. Trump's control over the Republican Party is attributed to his strong personal following, as well as the fear among members of being primaried, exemplified by Liz Cheney's situation.

Question 122

How did Trump influence the Republican National Committee (RNC)?

Answer 122

Trump cemented control of the RNC after pressuring the former chair to resign, and Lara Trump was also co-chair.

Question 123

What strategy did the NRSC employ before the 2020 Senate elections?

Answer 123

Before the 2020 Senate elections, the NRSC ran a billboard campaign in various states, adapting Democratic candidates' names to suit each state.

Question 124

What are the key campaign committees for the Democratic and Republican parties?

Answer 124

The key campaign committees include the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

Question 125

When did Democrats last win Texas in a presidential election?

Answer 125

The Democrats last won Texas in 1976.

Question 126

What was the fallout from desegregation regarding Republican ideology?

Answer 126

Fallout from desegregation continued; many Republican candidates aligned themselves in opposition to sensitive issues, such as forced educational integration involving busing, which required schools to become more racially diverse at the expense of parental choice.

Question 127

How have the stances of the Republican and Democratic parties evolved regarding government and social issues?

Answer 127

Republicans adopted a stance protective of the Second Amendment and hostile towards big government. Democrats became more liberal, more racially diverse, and a cheerleader for causes such as gun control, pro-choice policies, LGBTQ+ rights, and universal healthcare provision.

Question 128

What trends are observed regarding party loyalty and collaboration among lawmakers during congressional elections?

Answer 128

Often, parties and individuals are most loyal when seeking the party’s nomination, as seen with nearly all partisan Democratic senators, such as Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren, who sought nomination in 2020. Lawmakers are most willing to work together in the lead-up to congressional elections to prove to voters that they can govern and deliver without straining party unity too much.

Question 129

What are the characteristics of the New Democrats within the Democratic Party?

Answer 129

New Democrats are centrist, advocating for fiscally responsible policies. Their members come from a wide range of states and are culturally liberal, with 109 members; Sarah McBride is a notable member.

Question 130

What trend has been observed in split ticket voting in recent decades?

Answer 130

Split ticket voting has shown a marked decrease in recent decades; in 2016, every state holding a Senate election that year also voted for the presidential candidate from the same party, with a margin of 4-5%.

Question 131

What role do Hill committees and associated groups play in elections?

Answer 131

The Hill committees and other associated groups run adverts, direct donor funding, and seek to promote candidates, especially those seen as strong and who are fighting close races.

Question 132

How do campaigns reflect party values?

Answer 132

Although campaigns heavily focus on individuals, in nearly all cases their personal message reflects commonly held values and policies within their party.

Question 133

What happens after primaries conclude in terms of party unity?

Answer 133

When primaries conclude, parties usually come together and coalesce around winners.

Question 134

How are parties changing their approach to candidate selection?

Answer 134

Parties are opening their doors to a wider selectorate rather than old-style machine politics.