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05
Political Participation
0
1
About what proportion of the voting eligible population (VEP) participated in the 2008 presidential election?
Just over 70 percent
Just over 60 percent
Just over 50 percent
Just over 40 percent
0
2
Which of the following types of elections typically attracts the most voters on a percentage basis?
Local election
Congressional election
Gubernatorial election
Presidential election
0
3
Which of the following is the most common form of political participation?
Joining a group
Contacting a public official
Voting
Participating in an election campaign
0
4
Which of the following is the best explanation why more people vote than participate in political campaigns?
Voting is more important.
Only citizens are allowed to vote whereas anyone can participate in an election campaign.
Modern campaigns are conducted through the media and volunteers are not needed.
Voting is easier than campaigning and requires less time and effort.
0
5
Political participation is most closely related to which of the following?
High levels of political efficacy.
Love levels of political efficacy.
Low levels of political trust.
High levels of political trust.
0
6
Which of the following is an example of political mobilization?
ay couples protest their inability to marry legally by holding a demonstration on Valentine’s Day.
A state legislature passes a measure requiring citizens to show a photo ID in order to cast a ballot in an election.
Volunteers go door-to-door to encourage residents to vote in next Tuesday’s election.
All of the above
0
7
People from families in which of the following income groups would be more likely to participate politically?
People from families earning $100,000 or more.
People from families earning between $50,000 and $100,000.
People from families earning less than $50,000.
Family income and political participation rates are unrelated.
0
8
People in which of the following age groups would be more likely to participate politically?
People under 30
People between 30 and 40
People between 40 and 50
People between 50 and 60
0
9
Would a political scientist expect that people who are active in religious bodies and civic associations be more or less active politically than other citizens?
The political scientist would expect that these people would be less active because they would not have time for politics.
The political scientist would expect that these people would be more active because people that are active in these sorts of organizations are also politically involved.
The political scientist would believe that these people would be just as active as other citizens.
The political scientist would believe that these people would be less active because they would not be interested in politics.
1
0
What is the best explanation for the downturn in voter turnout among elderly voters?
Old age and ill health cause some older voters to slow down.
Politics and government do not affect older people as much as they do younger people.
Surveys show that older people are less interested in government and politics than are younger adults.
All of the above
1
1
Which of the following racial/ethnic groups has the highest rate of voting participation?
Hispanics
Whites
Asians
African Americans
1
2
Which of the following groups is most greatly affected by state laws that limit the voting rights of individuals with past criminal convictions?
White men
Latino men
African American men
Asian men
1
3
Which of the following statements about the relationship between gender and participation is true?
Women are more likely than men to participate politically regardless of the form of participation.
Men are more likely than women to participate politically regardless of the form of participation.
Men are more likely to vote than women but women are more likely to contribute money to political campaigns.
Women are more likely to vote than men but men are more likely to contribute money to political campaigns.
1
4
Why is the VEP a better basis for measuring voter turnout than the VAP?
The VEP excludes non-citizens.
The VEP excludes convicted criminals in states where they are not allowed to vote.
The VEP excludes people who are mentally incapacitated.
All of the above
1
5
How did voter turnout in 2008 compare with turnout in previous elections?
Voter turnout in 2008 was the highest in American history as a percentage of the VEP.
Voter turnout in 2008 was the highest turnout since 1968 as a percentage of the VEP.
Voter turnout in 2008 reversed a 20-year decline in turnout rates.
Voter turnout in 2008 was the lowest in American history as a percentage of the VEP.
1
6
How do political participation rates in the United States compare with participation rates in other democracies?
They are higher than in most other democracies.
They are average compared with other democracies.
They are lower than in most other democracies.
They were once higher than in other democracies but are now about average.
1
7
According to political scientists, how do strong political parties contribute to high levels of political participation?
Strong political parties educate citizens about candidates and issues.
Strong political parties stimulate interest in elections.
Strong political parties mobilize citizens to vote.
All of the above
1
8
Which of the following groups is overrepresented among non-voters?
Young people
Married persons
Whites
All of the above
1
9
Which political party typically supports reforms designed to increase voter turnout, and why?
Democrats typically support reforms aimed at increasing voter turnout because the groups of people overrepresented among non-voters typically vote Democratic.
Republicans typically support reforms aimed at increasing voter turnout because the groups of people overrepresented among non-voters typically vote Republican.
Both parties strongly support reforms designed at increasing voter turnout because high turnout is good for democracy.
Neither party supports reforms designed at increasing voter turnout because non-voters tend to be poorly informed about the issues.
2
0
In Country Y, citizens vote directly on matters of public concern. Which of the following terms would best describe Country Y?
Republic
Representative democracy
Direct democracy
Capitalist
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