Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate campaign finance by requiring disclosure of contributions and expenditures and setting limits on contributions to federal candidates.

Question 2

What was the primary outcome of the Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC?

Accepted Answer

It allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts on independent political expenditures.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key feature of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA), also known as McCain-Feingold?

Accepted Answer

It banned soft money contributions to national political parties.

Question 4

According to Duverger’s Law, why does the United States tend to have only two major political parties?

Accepted Answer

Because single-member districts with plurality rule discourage third parties.

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of agenda-setting by the media?

Accepted Answer

A news outlet chooses to focus its coverage on climate change, leading the public to view it as a top national issue.

Question 6

What is the main difference between probability sampling and random-digit dialing in public opinion research?

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling ensures every member of the population has a known chance of selection, while random-digit dialing generates phone numbers at random to reach respondents.

Question 7

Which amendment lowered the voting age in the United States to 18?

Accepted Answer

26th Amendment

Question 8

How does the incumbency advantage most commonly manifest in U.S. congressional elections?

Accepted Answer

Incumbents have higher name recognition and easier access to campaign finance.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of gerrymandering?

Accepted Answer

Drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another.

Question 10

What is the median-voter theorem?

Accepted Answer

A theory that in a majority-rule voting system, the candidate closest to the preferences of the median voter will win.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the concept of framing in media coverage?

Accepted Answer

The way the media presents and structures an issue, influencing how it is interpreted by the public.

Question 12

Which of the following is a likely effect of the bandwagon effect in public opinion polling?

Accepted Answer

People are more likely to support a candidate who is reported as leading in the polls.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of adverse selection in elections?

Accepted Answer

Voters may elect candidates who do not represent their interests due to lack of information.

Question 14

How does the Australian ballot differ from earlier forms of voting in the United States?

Accepted Answer

It is printed by the government and lists all candidates, ensuring voter privacy.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the gender gap in U.S. voting behavior?

Accepted Answer

Women are more likely to support Democratic candidates, while men are more likely to support Republican candidates.

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct result of the majority rule principle in democratic elections?

Accepted Answer

The candidate who receives more than half of the votes wins the election.

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely reason for lower voter turnout in the United States compared to other democracies?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. requires voter registration and holds elections on weekdays, which can reduce participation.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the concept of priming in media influence?

Accepted Answer

The media influences the standards people use to evaluate political figures or issues.

Question 19

Which of the following is a consequence of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to unrepresentative outcomes by allowing one party to win more seats than their share of the vote.

Question 20

How does socioeconomic status typically affect voter participation in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to vote due to greater resources and political efficacy.

POLS 1333 Exam 3 Study Guide – Political Science Concepts and Essay Preparation

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