Political Science 101 - Introduction to American Government and Politics » Fall 2019 » Final Exam

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Question #1
How did the period of Reconstruction affect the role of government in the United States?
A.   Through a series of key Constitutional amendments, the notion of what it meant to be an American was redefined to reflect the principles of legal equality. The federal government assumed unprecedent powers of enforcement in order to guarantee these new civil rights.
B.   During times of economic prosperity Americans tended to favor more federal programs directed at solving social crises like poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. However, as the economy spiraled downward most were reluctant to support federal spending of any kind.
C.   Reconstruction ushered in a period of political conservatism which explicitly limited the rights of African Americans. The Constitution of the United States was amended to count blacks as 3/5ths of a person for apportionment purposes.
D.   During Reconstruction the power of the federal government diminished significantly. States were free to succeed from the Union at their discretion. The Constitution was considered to be nothing but a simple compact between the states.
E.   None of the above.
F.   All of the above.
Question #2
During Reconstruction, all adult male former slaves were given the constitutional right to vote and to hold elected office.
A.   FALSE
B.   TRUE
Question #3
Explain the impact of the New Deal on the size and scope of American government, as well as the effects of the New Deal on the political culture of the United States.
A.   The New Deal was immensely unpopular among American voters and represented an unwelcomed intrusion into their everyday lives by an ever-growing federal bureaucracy. FDR served four terms as president primarily because American presidential elections were suspended during WWII (1936-1948).
B.   FDR believed that American farmers were largely responsible for the Great Depression and took an ambivalent posture towards agriculture, particularly in the South. Nearly all federal aid went to Northern cities.
C.   The federal programs which encompassed the New Deal aimed to mitigate the economic and social hardships caused by the Great Depression. FDR proposed to develop and expand social safety-net programs which subsequently became identified with an emerging welfare state in the United States.
D.   The New Deal ushered in an era of deregulation and tax cuts which was intended to stimulate economic recovery by relying on the private sector— American industry and finance—to pull the United States out of the Great Depression.
E.   None of the above.
F.   All of the above.
Question #4
The presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal were most closely associated with which of the following political outcomes:
A.   A broad consensus which significantly expanded the power of the federal government and led to the growth of the modern welfare state.
B.   A decrease in federal spending and cut-backs in federal programs like Social Security.
C.   The legalization of abortion through a broad interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
D.   A belief held by most Americans that the federal government was far too big and intrusive.
E.   A Republican agenda to eliminate federal regulations on big business.
Question #5
What were some of the prevailing attitudes toward the New Deal in the 1930s and 1940s? Did these attitudes change over time? Explain, how and/or why.
A.   During dire economic times Americans supported a liberal federal agenda. However, following WWII, economic prosperity led to an erosion of the New Deal consensus.
B.   The United States economy sank even lower following WWII. Politically, Americans lost confidence in the New Deal over time as it failed to address societal concerns like poverty and unemployment.
C.   None of these.
D.   During times of economic prosperity Americans tended to favor more federal programs directed at solving social crises like poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. However, as the economy spiraled downward most were reluctant to support federal spending of any kind.
E.   All of these.
F.   The New Deal was immensely unpopular among American voters and represented an unwelcomed intrusion into their everyday lives by an ever-growing federal bureaucracy. FDR served four terms as president primarily because American presidential elections were suspended during WWII (1936-1948).
Question #6
Post-war prosperity, urbanization, desegregation, and the social upheaval of the 1960s all contributed to which of the following outcomes?
A.   More Democrats than Republicans have been elected president since 1968.
B.   The decline of the Republican party in the American South.
C.   The universal embrace of federal Civil Rights legislation and political equality across the United States.
D.   The emergence of the American South as a loyal stronghold of the Democratic party in the early 1970s and beyond.
E.   The decline of the New Deal coalition and emergence of the conservative movement in American politics.
Question #7
Assess the economic and political consequences of post-war prosperity in the United States.
A.   Economically more prosperous, Americans became politically more conservative.
B.   Economically more prosperous, Americans became politically more liberal.
C.   Politically more conservative, Americans became more economically prosperous.
D.   Economically more liberal, Americans grew politically more liberal.
Question #8
How did the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s impact Americans’ attitudes toward the Federal government? Were these attitudes consistent?
A.   Plessy v Fergusen answered the question of civil rights by prohibiting states from segregating Americans based on race.
B.   As a result of Brown vs Board of Education and grassroots movements pushing for equality, the federal government was compelled to force desegregation on states which resisted it.
C.   Southern states led the movement towards desegregation and racially equality while Democratic presidents like JFK and LBJ resisted using the federal government to protect civil rights.
D.   Racial segregation was universally reviled across the United States. Nearly all states were relieved that the Supreme Court has outlawed it.
Question #9
What impact has the Civil Rights movement had on American electoral politics?
A.   It is a contributing factor as to why a majority of African Americans continue to align with the Democratic party.
B.   All of these.
C.   It caused alienation among a significant number of southern Democrats.
D.   It was critical to the political realignment in the American South during the 1960s and 1970s
E.   It factored into a Republican Southern Strategy following 1968.
Question #10
What was significant about the Election of 1968?
A.   All of these.
B.   The Democratic party broke apart in the South with segregationist George Wallace carrying 5 states.
C.   The election of Richard Nixon completed on of the greatest comebacks in American political history.
D.   It represented a conservative reaction to the turmoil of the 1960s.
E.   Ushered in a new era of American conservatism which would prevail into the 20th century.
Question #11
Richard Nixon's southern strategy exhibited which of the following features?
A.   Produced a 49 state landslide victory in 1972.
B.   Helped the Republican party establish a durable conservative consensus in the American South.
C.   Borrowed substantially from tactics used by segregationist Democrat George Wallace.
D.   The New Deal ushered in an era of deregulation and tax cuts which was intended to stimulate economic recovery by relying on the private sector— American industry and finance—to pull the United States out of the Great Depression.
E.   All of these.
F.   Played on elements of racial identity in order to win southern votes.
Question #12
The 1970s represented a simper time in American politics. The United States economy was booming, manufacturing was growing, cheap fuel contributed to a lower cost of living, and American cities had emerged as models of social progress and equality. A key series of United States foreign policy successes foreshadowed the end of the Cold War .
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #13
Ronald Reagan believed that the federal government was not suited to promoting the general welfare, rather it had caused many of the problems facing American society.
A.   FALSE
B.   TRUE
Question #14
The contrasting political ideologies of Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt foreshadowed the political polarization of modern American politics. While TR was a Republican president and FDR a Democratic president, both Roosevelts remained fiercely loyal to their party's platform irrespective of the changing circumstances around them.
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #15
Despite one being a Republican and the other a Democrat, the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt operated under the belief that government should be used to address societal problems. Both believed that government had a prominent role to play in American life.
A.   FALSE
B.   TRUE
Question #16
Identify one example of how the Democratic party has undergone change since its inception.
A.   Previously opposed to segregation, many Southerners left the Republican party to form a new Democratic consensus following the Election of 1968.
B.   Following Reconstruction, the Democratic party sought to wield its considerable political strength by passing the 13th, 14th, and 15 Amendments. One expectation was that newly freed slaves would become reliable Democratic voters.
C.   Once explicitly promoting white supremacy and racial segregation, Democratic presidents would support and enforce civil rights legislation in the 1960s.
D.   Since 1860, the Democratic party has promoted a liberal agenda based on a strong federal government and robust social safety net programs.
Question #17
Identify an example of how the Republican party has undergone change since its inception.
A.   The role of religion has underpinned a conservative coalition of Catholic and Christian voters inspired by their rejection of abortion.
B.   Republican presidents have become more conservative. Richard Nixon was credited with creating the EPA while Donald Trump has sought to undermine it--along with other government programs and agencies.
C.   All of these.
D.   Using a 'Southern Strategy' the Republican party managed to build and maintain a conservative consensus in the formerly segregationist South since 1972.
E.   While it was a Republican Supreme Court that issued the decision of Roe v Wade which sanctioned abortion in the United States, opposition to abortion has persistently grown within the Republican party.
F.   The influence of special interest groups like AFP, led by Charles and David Koch, have funded and promoted a more conservative agenda within the Republican party. The Kochs contribute to organizations like the NRA and are actively involved in limiting clean air legislation.
Question #18
Despite one being a Republican and the other a Democrat, the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Franklin D. Roosevelt operated under the belief that government should be responsible for solving societal problems. Both believed that government had a prominent role to play in American life.
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #19
The two-party system in the United States has exhibited which of the following features:
A.   Both the Democratic and Republican parties have become more liberal over time with the Democrats abandoning their pro-slavery stance and the Republicans pushing for increased government funding of a wide variety of public assistance programs.
B.   The two-party system operates under the principle of shared power in which third and fourth party candidates form coalition governments in conjunction with the Democratic and Republican parties.
C.   It has evolved over time with the Democratic and Republican parties at times changing some of their core values and ideologies.
D.   It has remained unchanged since the early 1800s with the Democratic and Republican parties representing the same regions, constituencies, and political values.
Question #20
Public opinion has impacted American politics in what way?
A.   Public opinion in the United States often represents a broad consensus across several issues.
B.   Public opinion is erratic and unpredictable--it is nearly impossible to predict how American voters and the public at large will behave.
C.   Public opinion is erratic and unpredictable--it is nearly impossible to predict how American voters and the public at large will behave.
D.   Political opinion does shift but often the root causes can be measured and even predicted
Question #21
What has been the historical correlation (relationship/trend) between Median Household Income (MHI) and the Gross Domestic Product of the United States since World War II?
A.   MHI long ago outpaced the growth of the American GDP.
B.   The gap between MHI and GDP continues to grow with MHI remaining flat/steady while GDP has grown exponentially
C.   The U.S. has the highest MHI and lowest GDP of any industrialized nation.
D.   The U.S. GDP has experienced a steady decline as has the MHI.
E.   MHI and GDP continue to grow at the same pace thanks to numerous governmental regulations and income redistribution policies.
Question #22
By Median Household Income (MHI), the American South is one of the poorest regions of the United States. However, the American South has remained a Republican stronghold since the late 1960s. What could be a factor in the South's persistent commitment to the Republican party despite having economic incentive to support more liberal government policies?
A.   Lower educational attainment in the South's rural regions has been linked with support for the Republican party, despite economic self-interest to the contrary.
B.   The South has demonstrated a fundamental mistrust of liberal politics over the past half century.
C.   All of these.
D.   The Democratic party's pro-choice stance undermines its support among Southern voters.
E.   The role of religion in the South often supersedes economic concerns
Question #23
Party identification is the most powerful predictor of voter choice. Selfdescribed Democrats tend to vote for Democratic candidates and selfdescribed Republicans tend to vote for Republicans.
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #24
One characteristic feature of American elections in the 21st century is that it is much easier to get a supporter to go the polls than it is to convert an opponent into a supporter.
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #25
Both private and public interest groups are thought to enhance American democracy through the principle of pluralism. By providing access to the halls of government to special interest groups, the American government is believed to be more inclusive, tolerant, and diverse.
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #26
A political action committee (PAC) is an example of a special interest group that exhibits which of the following characteristics:
A.   Is limited as to how much money they can raise and spend on American elections by the McCain-Feingold bill.
B.   Continuously competes for power and influence in American politics.
C.   Is exclusively controlled by wealthy corporations.
D.   Is free to raise unlimited funds so long as they disclose their donors and make their contributions part of the public record.
Question #27
The Citizen’s United Supreme Court case has had which of the following consequences?
A.   Allows individuals who may be non-residents to anonymously donate and contribute unlimited funds to influence political elections at all levels of government in every state.
B.   Made local and state elections far less meaningful and important than the presidential election.
C.   Led to a substantial increase in the power of labor unions in the US, particularly those organizations representing public employees.
D.   It has consolidated power in the hands of the National Committees of the Republican and Democratic Parties. No one can win an election at the national level without the full endorsement and support of these entities.
E.   Limits the ability of individuals from donating, contributing, or otherwise influencing political elections outside of the state where they are registered voters, by forcing them to make their all their political donations public.
Question #28
Special interest groups are closely identified with which political issue, or cause, in American politics?
A.   Opposition to clean air legislation which would cap emissions through government regulation.
B.   The 2nd Amendment right to own firearms.
C.   The protection of workers' rights in the United States.
D.   All of these.
E.   The continued protection of abortion rights for all women in the United States.
Question #29
Americans for Prosperity is a Super PAC which advocates which of the following political positions:
A.   As a major donor to the Democratic party it heavily supports the American labor movement.
B.   It advocates for federally planned income redistribution designed to close the gap between the MHI and American GDP.
C.   A more liberal conception of American government and increased environmental protections.
D.   It opposes the NRA and seeks to limit access to firearms across the United States.
E.   A more conservative direction for the Republican party and American politics.
Question #30
How can political ideology affect the behavior of special interest groups?
A.   Political ideology and the politics of special interests and PACs are unrelated
B.   It forces special interest groups and PACs to act unilaterally and independently of one another.
C.   It can serve to align potential rivals and foster cooperation across a wide range of issues which, by themselves, might be unrelated.
D.   It is the lone source of conflict between special interest groups and PACs.
Question #31
Because the system of lobbying in the United States features characteristic resource inequalities, wealthy corporations may often be better positioned to affect public policy and legislation than competing groups which may represent many more members.
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #32
How can American elections effect the flow of power within the Federal government?
A.   Presidential elections affect judicial appoints which can have profound consequences on the system of checks and balances.
B.   Midterm elections can effect the ability of a presidential administration to enact a political mandate relatively quickly.
C.   All of these.
D.   A change of leadership in the House of Representative can profoundly impact the direction of American government.
Question #33
What is one recent consequence of the persistence of the Electoral College in American politics?
A.   Given that California and New York together contain 86 of the 270 votes necessary to win the presidency (over 30% of the number needed), to this date, no modern candidate has ever lost both of these states and been elected president.
B.   States with the largest populations are becoming less important in national elections. New York and California have been relegated in the election cycle in favor of states with smaller populations, which are nonetheless more likely to 'swing' the election.
C.   It is mathematically impossible to lose the popular vote and still be elected president. The Electoral College ensures that the winner of the plurality of votes will be the next president.
D.   Large cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Philadelphia are playing an increasingly important role in the presidential election. More rural portions of the US and are becoming politically marginalized during the election cycle because their populations are decisively smaller.
Question #34
In the U.S. Electoral College and House of Representatives the mechanism of apportionment is tied exclusively to the US Census: The number of electors and representatives a state receives is solely based on its total population
A.   FALSE
B.   TRUE
Question #35
In 2012, Barack Obama remained in office by winning the presidential election with 65.9 million popular votes, representing a 3% margin over Mitt Romney. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by roughly 3 million votes (2%) and nearly matched Obama’s overall 2012 numbers (65.84 million). What is one reason, despite winning the popular vote by a significant margin, Hillary Clinton was not elected President of the United States?
A.   Large cities and population centers disproportionately voted for Donald Trump thereby assuring him a plurality of electoral votes despite falling short of the total popular vote.
B.   The Electoral College forces States to pledge all of their delegates to the candidate who won the popular vote nationally, rather than in their respective State.
C.   Historically low voter turnout can explain why Clinton could come close to matching Obama (by winning handily in more populous states) yet fail to earn enough popular votes in key battleground/swing states where the difference between winning and losing fell within the margin of error (3%).
D.   Higher turnout in 2016 means that Clinton’s relative lead is actually less significant given that considerably more voters participated in 2016 than in 2012.
Question #36
Elections can help change the leadership structure within political parties. Despite gaining or retaining power, elections can produce new power dynamics for the winning coalition.
A.   FALSE
B.   TRUE
Question #37
The President of the United States is the most powerful man in the world because be is able to unilaterally enact his agenda.
A.   FALSE
B.   TRUE
Question #38
How does redistricting impact U.S. government at the federal level?
A.   Redistricting allows non-citizens to vote on issues like healthcare, climate change, and gun control.
B.   Congressional districts play a crucial role in determining who gets elected president.
C.   The shape of congressional districts can affect which party controls the U.S. Senate and thus shapes policy.
D.   The shape of congressional districts alone may affect which party controls the House of Representatives and thus shapes policy.
Question #39
The mechanism of redistricting directly impacts which branch of the federal government the most:
A.   The Senate
B.   The House of Representatives
C.   The President
D.   The Prime Minister
Question #40
Safe-districts have been cited as contributing to the poltiical polarization in American politics. Many of these districts do not have competitive elections and often fail to produce moderate candidates. More often, party primaries feature more competitive races than those between the two parties.
A.   FALSE
B.   TRUE
Question #41
In recent American elections, turnout (by %) has been lowest among which group of voters?
A.   The wealthiest 1%.
B.   Those earning $150,000 or more per year.
C.   Those earning between $50,000-74,999 per year.
D.   Voter turnout cannot be measured/predicted by income.
E.   Those earning less than $10,000 per year.
Question #42
Younger voters, particularly those representing minority groups, overwhelmingly tend to affiliate with which political party?
A.   Whig
B.   Libertarian
C.   Conservative
D.   Republican
E.   Democrat
F.   Labour
Question #43
Voter turnout tends to increase among citizens with higher MHI.
A.   TRUE
B.   FALSE
Question #44
Since 1960, presidential elections with voter turnout in the 50% range have typically produced a ___________ winner, while those in the 60% range have typically produced a _____________ winner.
A.   Republican / Democrat
B.   Republican / Republican
C.   Democrat / Democrat
D.   Democrat / Republican
Question #45
Educational attainment continues to increase in the United States. How might this trend impact American politics, paticularly voting behavior and elections?
A.   Today, Democrats enjoy a growing advantage over Republicans among voters with a college degree. Increasing educational attainment in the U.S. seems to favor the Democratic party.
B.   There is identical incentive for both parties to promote higher educational attainment, particularly among minority groups.
C.   Today, Republicans enjoy a growing advantage over Democrats among voters with a college degree. Increasing educational attainment in the U.S. seems to favor the Republican party.
D.   Higher educational attainment among American voters has always benefitted the Democratic Party.
E.   Republican support among Americans with at least a college degree is growing. Promoting more educational opportunities in the rural south, as well as the Midwest, would benefit the Republican party and hurt Democrats.
Question #46
Both Michigan and Wisconsin state law requests photo identification in order to vote. What is one likely consequence of voter ID laws in these states?
A.   Proportionally lower voter turnout among all demographic groups.
B.   Exponentially higher turnout among voters earning $15,000 or less.
C.   The voter turnout in urban centers like Detroit and Miami will likely continue to increase as a result of the legislation.
D.   The Federal Election Commission will likely force both states to repeal these laws if voter turnout declines.
E.   Disproportionately lower voter turnout among racial minorities.
Question #47
In recent American elec ons, turnout (by %) has been lowest among which group of voters?
A.   Those earning less than $10,000 per year.
B.   Those earning $150,000 or more per year.
C.   The wealthiest 1%.
D.   Those earning between $50,000-74,999 per year.
E.   Voter turnout cannot be measured/predicted by income.
Question #48
Younger voters, particularly those representing minority groups, overwhelmingly tend to affiliate with which political party?
A.   Conservative
B.   Whig
C.   Libertarian
D.   Republican
E.   Labour
F.   Democrat
Question #49
Aside from gender, race, and income, what other characteristic of political socialization has been cited as shifting the outcome of the 2016 Presidential Election in favor of Donald Trump?
A.   Age.
B.   Ethnicity.
C.   Party loyalty.
D.   Educational attainment.

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