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"""Party Politics in America,"" 18th Edition by Marjorie Randon Hershey, is structured into five parts, each focusing on a different aspect of political parties in the United States. The chapters are as follows: Part I: Parties and Party Systems What Are Political Parties? The American Two-Party System Part II: The Political Party as an Organization 3. The State and Local Party Organizations 4. The Parties’ National Organizations 5. Party Activists Part III: The Political Party in the Electorate 6. Party Identification 7. Party Coalitions and Party Change 8. Parties and Voter Turnout Part IV: Parties, Nominations, and Elections 9. How Parties Choose Candidates 10. Choosing the Presidential Nominees 11. The General Election 12. Financing the Campaigns Part V: The Party in Government 13. Parties in Congress and State Legislatures 14. The Party in the Executive and the Courts 15. The Semi-Responsible Parties 16. The Place of Parties in American Politics
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Accredited Test Bank Solution For Party
Politics in America, 18th Edition Hershey
[All Lessons Included]
• Rapid Download
• Quick Turnaround
• Complete Chapters Provided
Complete Chapter Solution Manual
are Included (Ch. 1 to Ch. 16 )
Table of Contents are Given Below
"Party Politics in America" (18th Edition) by Marjorie Randon Hershey is structured into several parts, each encompassing chapters that explore various facets of political parties in the United States. The chapters are organized as follows: Part I: Parties and Party Systems
- What Are Political Parties?
- The American Two-Party System Part II: The Political Party as an Organization
- The State and Local Party Organizations
- The Parties’ National Organizations
- Party Activists Part III: The Political Party in the Electorate
- Party Identification
- Party Coalitions and Party Change
- Parties and Voter Turnout Part IV: Parties, Nominations, and Elections
- How Parties Choose Candidates
- Choosing the Presidential Nominees
- The General Election
- Financing the Campaigns Part V: The Party in Government
- Parties in Congress and State Legislatures
- The Party in the Executive and the Courts
- The Semi-Responsible Parties Part VI: The Place of Parties in American Politics
- The Place of Parties in American Politics
- Hershey emphasizes the concept of “party identification.” This usually refers to: A. Formal membership in a party organization B. Voting strictly for one party’s candidates in every election C. An individual’s psychological attachment to a particular party D. The official registration with the Federal Election Commission Answer: C Explanation: Party identification typically refers to the long-term psychological allegiance a voter feels toward a political party, rather than a formal membership or registration status.
- Which of the following statements about political parties would Hershey most likely agree with? A. Political parties only exist during election seasons. B. Political parties have no formal organizational structure. C. Political parties help organize the government once in power. D. Political parties can only be found at the national level. Answer: C Explanation: Parties function not only in campaigns but also in structuring legislative leadership and guiding policy once their candidates are in office.
- Hershey notes that one of the essential functions of a political party is to: A. Eliminate ideological differences within its ranks B. Nominate candidates who will represent its policy agenda C. Prohibit third-party competition D. Establish a parallel system of government Answer: B Explanation: Parties’ key role is to put forward candidates for election. While they do try to unify around a platform, they cannot eliminate all ideological differences, nor can they legally prohibit third parties from participating.
- In a democracy, how do political parties usually promote accountability? A. By providing large sums of personal funding to every voter B. By ensuring every elected official is nonpartisan C. By linking elected officials’ performance to the party’s reputation D. By restricting voter participation in elections Answer: C Explanation: Because a party's reputation is at stake, officials from that party have incentives to perform well, thus creating a measure of accountability to voters.
- When Hershey discusses the “party in the electorate,” she is referring to: A. All people who hold party positions in state committees B. Appointed officials who work at polling stations C. Citizens who identify with or regularly support a party’s candidates D. Political consultants and campaign strategists Answer: C Explanation: The party in the electorate consists of voters who feel loyalty to or regularly vote for a party, not just those in official party offices.
- According to Hershey, the “party in government” consists of: A. Only the party’s national chairperson B. Voters who cast ballots for the party’s nominees C. Elected and appointed officials who affiliate with the party D. Third-party challengers that occasionally align with the party Answer: C Explanation: The “party in government” is made up of those who serve in public office under a party label, including legislators, governors, and other officeholders.
- The “party organization” typically includes: A. The broad mass of voters who occasionally vote for the party B. Individuals without formal roles in the party C. Official institutions such as national committees, state committees, and local party chairs D. All major donors to the party’s candidates Answer: C Explanation: Party organization refers to the formal structure of the party, including committees at the national, state, and local levels, and their officers and staff.
- Which of the following is not a reason, according to Hershey, that political parties are considered vital in American democracy? A. They facilitate cooperation across different branches of government. B. They simplify the electoral process for voters. C. They ensure that no conflicts arise within government. D. They recruit and train political talent.
C. Parties require mandatory donations from all registered members D. Most party activity occurs entirely online, removing personal connections Answer: B Explanation: Parties sponsor events, canvassing, and volunteer drives, giving citizens ways to get involved in political life.
- Parties as “mediators of conflict” means that: A. They resolve all ideological differences permanently B. They provide a framework for negotiating between competing interests C. They encourage armed conflict between opposing factions D. They function as official arbitration courts Answer: B Explanation: Parties bring various factions under one umbrella and encourage compromise, though they do not eliminate disagreements entirely.
- Hershey often contrasts political parties with interest groups. One key difference is: A. Interest groups recruit and nominate candidates for office B. Parties focus on a single issue, while interest groups are broad coalitions C. Parties run candidates under a party label, whereas interest groups do not D. Interest groups are always more powerful than parties in elections Answer: C Explanation: Parties focus on electing candidates under their banner; interest groups seek to influence elected officials and public policy but typically do not nominate or run their own candidates under the group’s label.
- According to Hershey, third parties in the U.S. face challenges largely because: A. They have immense public support but poor strategy B. The American public despises new political ideas C. The electoral system is structured in a way that favors two major parties D. They always lack a coherent policy platform Answer: C Explanation: The single-member district, “winner-take-all” electoral structure in the U.S. heavily discourages the success of third parties.
- Parties contribute to the stability of the American political system by: A. Quickly overturning constitutional precedents B. Coordinating political action across branches and levels of government C. Suppressing voter turnout D. Preventing legislation from passing Answer: B Explanation: Parties help unify efforts among elected officials at the national, state, and local levels, promoting more cohesive governance.
- In Hershey’s discussion of party alignment, a “realignment” typically refers to: A. A temporary shift of voters in one election B. A long-term change in the social bases of the parties C. The process of gerrymandering districts D. The dissolution of all minor parties Answer: B Explanation: Realignments are enduring shifts in voter coalitions and party dominance, often triggered by significant historical events or issues.
- The term “dealignment” in Hershey’s coverage implies: A. Voters becoming more consistently loyal to one party B. A gradual decline in the power and loyalty of parties C. The creation of new major party coalitions D. The solidification of minor parties into major contenders Answer: B Explanation: Dealignment involves a decline in party identification and loyalty, with more voters identifying as independents or splitting their votes.
- Hershey mentions “critical elections.” These are elections that: A. Have extremely low voter turnout B. Indicate a severe crisis that forces all parties to dissolve C. Mark a significant shift in party loyalties and coalitions D. Never lead to any change in governance Answer: C Explanation: Critical elections are those that produce realignments, fundamentally changing party coalitions.
Answer: C Explanation: The “first-past-the-post” system encourages two major parties to dominate, hindering smaller parties’ electoral success.
- According to Hershey, what is a “Duverger’s Law” explanation of party systems? A. A concept that the Constitution explicitly outlaws multiparty systems B. The observation that winner-take-all elections tend to produce two-party systems C. A requirement that candidates from more than two parties must run D. A guaranteed success formula for independent candidates Answer: B Explanation: Duverger’s Law suggests that in single-member, plurality-based electoral systems, two-party systems naturally emerge.
- The concept of “wasted vote syndrome” relates to: A. The feeling that voting for a third-party candidate is futile B. Strategic decisions by major parties to concede certain races C. The idea that staying home on Election Day is better than voting D. Mandatory voting laws enforced by the government Answer: A Explanation: Because of the winner-take-all system, many voters feel that a vote for a minor party is “wasted,” discouraging third-party support.
- Hershey highlights that the U.S. two-party system can lead to: A. Greater ideological extremes in each party, with no middle ground B. Clear majorities in the legislature, simplifying policy-making C. Stable policymaking and consistent majorities, but also limitations on new voices D. Guaranteed representation of fringe ideologies Answer: C Explanation: Two-party systems often produce a measure of stability and clearer legislative majorities but can sideline smaller parties and alternative perspectives.
- Which of the following historical factors contributed to the rise of the two-party system, according to Hershey? A. The Founding Fathers explicitly set up political parties in the Constitution B. The Civil War entrenched two rival party coalitions for decades
C. The Supreme Court outlawed multiparty politics in the 19th century D. Early parties were non-competitive, so third parties did not form Answer: B Explanation: Major historical events, like the Civil War, helped shape and solidify party coalitions (e.g., Republicans in the North and Democrats in the South), reinforcing the two-party pattern.
- In the American two-party context, Hershey suggests “party realignments” often have which effect? A. Completely erasing one of the two major parties from existence B. Creating multiple new minor parties that replace the major ones C. Redefining the coalitions and ideologies of the two dominant parties D. Leading to an immediate shift to a multi-party system Answer: C Explanation: Realignments typically mean that one party’s voter base and ideological stance changes significantly, but the two-party structure remains.
- The two major parties in the United States today are: A. Federalists and Whigs B. Libertarians and Greens C. Democrats and Republicans D. Populists and Progressives Answer: C Explanation: The Democrats and Republicans are the modern two major parties, historically evolved from earlier party systems.
- A critical element preserving the two-party system is: A. Widespread acceptance of a parliamentary system B. Absence of cultural divisions among the electorate C. The Electoral College process, which also operates on a winner-take-all basis in most states D. Mandatory public funding for every candidate Answer: C Explanation: Most states allocate Electoral College votes on a winner-take-all basis, reinforcing the dominance of two major parties in presidential elections.
Answer: A Explanation: Primaries are crucial in determining which candidates will bear a party’s label in the general election.
- In understanding the evolution of the two-party system, Hershey points out that party eras are often defined by: A. The physical age of the candidates B. Major issues that dominate politics for extended periods (e.g., civil rights, economic crises) C. The personal preferences of the Supreme Court D. The party in power ignoring voter concerns Answer: B Explanation: Each party era is typically associated with a central conflict or theme, such as slavery, the New Deal, or civil rights, which frames the partisan divide.
- Which is not typically a barrier for third parties in the U.S.? A. Ballot access laws that can be stringent B. Lack of media coverage and campaign funding C. State laws that prevent creation of new parties D. The perception of “wasting” a vote Answer: C Explanation: While laws can make ballot access difficult, there is no outright prohibition on forming new parties. The other options accurately reflect common challenges.
- According to Hershey, the U.S. two-party system can be characterized by: A. High ideological flexibility and shifting coalitions over time B. A permanent stagnation of the same ideologies since the 1800s C. Required membership by all American citizens in one of the two parties D. A single, unified national party platform with no internal disagreements Answer: A Explanation: Over centuries, Democrats and Republicans have adapted to new issues, voter demographics, and shifting ideological currents.
- One argument in favor of a two-party system is that it: A. Ensures every viewpoint is represented equally B. Simplifies voter choice and provides clearer accountability
C. Completely eliminates partisan conflict in government D. Guarantees third parties a fair chance to influence policy Answer: B Explanation: While a two-party system limits some voices, it arguably gives voters clearer choices and tends to create more straightforward majorities in government.
- Hershey notes that when citizens identify as “independents,” they often: A. Never vote for major-party candidates B. Have partisan leanings that predict their voting behavior C. Are constitutionally barred from voting D. Are more informed than partisan voters Answer: B Explanation: Many self-identified independents still lean toward one party or the other, even if they do not officially identify themselves as a Democrat or Republican.
- The historical origin of the current two-party system in the United States can be traced back to: A. The Federalist and Jeffersonian Republican divide in the early Republic B. The eighteenth-century monarchy parties in Britain C. The direct establishment of two parties by the Supreme Court D. The Civil Rights Act in the 1960s Answer: A Explanation: Early American politics featured Federalists (led by Hamilton) and Jeffersonian Republicans (led by Jefferson), setting the two-party precedent.
- Hershey discusses how “regional strongholds” in the two-party system: A. Emerge when one party dominates in certain geographic areas over extended periods B. Mean that parties equally share influence in every state C. Prohibit candidates from campaigning outside their home state D. Have disappeared entirely in modern politics Answer: A Explanation: The Deep South historically was a Democratic stronghold for decades; other regions favored Republicans. These regional patterns persist, though they can change over time.
Answer: C Explanation: Partisan polarization means Democrats and Republicans are increasingly far apart ideologically, with fewer moderates and cross-party compromises.
- Hershey suggests the “responsible party model” entails: A. Parties not providing any policy alternatives B. Parties offering clear policy positions and taking responsibility for policy outcomes if elected C. Elected officials acting entirely on personal preference, ignoring party platforms D. Parties only focusing on election outcomes and not governing Answer: B Explanation: A “responsible party” presents a distinct platform, implements it when in power, and takes credit or blame for policy results.
- The endurance of the two-party system, according to Hershey, ultimately rests on: A. Legal prohibition against new parties forming B. Citizen acceptance of the major parties’ roles and the structural hurdles faced by third parties C. Federal regulations that fully fund only two parties D. Supreme Court rulings that require all third parties to merge Answer: B Explanation: Because of institutional structures and widespread acceptance or habit, third parties face major obstacles, and the public largely continues to vote for one of the two major parties. PART II: THE POLITICAL PARTY AS AN ORGANIZATION (QUESTIONS 51–75)
- Hershey typically defines a party organization as: A. All citizens who identify as the party’s supporters B. Elected officials who use the party label C. The formal structure of party officials, committees, and staff that guide the party’s ongoing activities D. Independent, non-partisan political action committees Answer: C Explanation: The party organization is the formal, bureaucratic aspect of the party, separate from the party in the electorate and the party in government.
- National party committees (RNC and DNC) are primarily responsible for: A. Issuing voter identification cards B. Drafting constitutional amendments C. Coordinating national fundraising, campaign support, and broad strategy D. Issuing Supreme Court rulings Answer: C Explanation: The RNC (Republican National Committee) and DNC (Democratic National Committee) oversee national campaign efforts, fundraising, and strategy, though they don’t make laws.
- According to Hershey, one main purpose of a party’s national convention is: A. To secretly decide presidential election outcomes in advance B. To formally nominate the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates C. To replace the Constitution with the party’s platform D. To oversee all local party organizations Answer: B Explanation: The national convention is where delegates officially nominate their party’s presidential ticket and adopt the party platform.
- In party organizations, the term “chairperson” generally refers to: A. An honorary position with no real authority B. The official responsible for running the party’s day-to-day operations at a given level (national, state, or local) C. A member of the Supreme Court acting as a party liaison D. The candidate who raises the least amount of campaign funds Answer: B Explanation: Each party has a chairperson who oversees strategy, fundraising, and organizational matters.
- State party organizations vary considerably because: A. There is a national mandate forcing them to be identical B. They operate under uniform election laws C. Each state’s election laws and political culture can differ D. Parties do not exist at the state level Answer: C Explanation: Different state laws and political cultures lead to variations in party structures and functions across states.
Answer: C Explanation: While state and local parties retain autonomy, national committees can exert influence through financial support, strategic guidance, and data-sharing initiatives.
- The concept of “professionalization” in party organizations implies: A. Banning volunteers from campaign activities B. Hiring more full-time, paid staff with specialized skills (e.g., polling, communication) C. Using only unpaid grassroots activists in every role D. Outsourcing all campaign responsibilities to third-party corporations Answer: B Explanation: Party organizations have become more professional, employing experts in various fields to enhance their effectiveness in campaigns and governance.
- Hershey argues that one reason parties rely on fundraising is: A. Campaigns in the U.S. are heavily dependent on media advertising, which can be very expensive B. Candidates cannot legally spend their own money on campaigns C. Fundraising is illegal at the local level, so national parties do it all D. Voters prefer that parties never raise money Answer: A Explanation: Because television ads, digital campaigns, and other costs mount quickly in modern elections, robust fundraising is critical to be competitive.
- The term “coattails effect” in party organizations refers to: A. A candidate’s ability to bring success to other party nominees further down the ballot B. The requirement for all party officials to dress alike C. The phenomenon of low voter turnout in midterm elections D. The merging of two parties to form a coalition Answer: A Explanation: A popular candidate at the top of the ticket may help lesser-known candidates from the same party win office by association.
- A “coordinated campaign” often involves: A. Each candidate ignoring the party’s main strategy B. The party facilitating joint efforts in advertising, voter outreach, and fundraising across multiple races
C. Officially preventing any single candidate from standing out D. Full reliance on volunteers without professional staff Answer: B Explanation: Coordinated campaigns are strategies where candidates and the party share resources, messaging, and voter contact efforts to maximize overall success.
- In Hershey’s analysis, the rise of candidate-centered campaigns has: A. Reduced the need for party organization involvement entirely B. Made party labels irrelevant in elections C. Increased the importance of personal branding and fundraising by individual candidates, but party organizations still remain key resources D. Banned the party from communicating with candidates Answer: C Explanation: Candidates often have their own personal campaign operations, yet they still rely on party resources such as data, volunteer networks, and endorsements.
- Which of the following describes the concept of “soft money,” as discussed historically in relation to party organizations? A. Funds donated directly to a candidate’s personal bank account B. Regulated contributions with strict limits C. Previously unregulated contributions to parties for “party-building” activities (later restricted by law) D. Donations only accepted by small, local parties Answer: C Explanation: “Soft money” was once a loophole allowing unlimited funds to party committees for broad party- building rather than direct candidate support. Subsequent reforms (like the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act) tightened these rules.
- Hershey points out that modern party organizations increasingly use data analytics to: A. Identify likely supporters and target them with specialized messaging B. Replace in-person campaigning entirely C. Count votes directly on Election Day D. Avoid contacting any voter under age 30 Answer: A Explanation: Advanced data tools help parties focus resources on persuadable voters or those likely to support them but need mobilization.