Political scientist E. E. Schnattschneider observed that "democracy is unthinkable in the absence of political parties." Why?
What will be an ideal response?
The ideal answer should include:
1. Political parties in most countries engage in six broad activities, functioning to (1) broker policy ideas, (2) engage in political socialization, (3) link individuals and the political system, (4) mobilize and recruit activists, (5) coordinate governmental activities, and (6) organize opposition to the governing group.
2. The activities of political parties facilitate collective action, which is the very root of democracy. In other words, political parties allow us to coordinate and overcome collective action problems.
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Until the early nineteenth century, many Americans believed __________ should not vote.
A. women B. the poor C. the elderly D. politicians
In a given congressional session,
A) most bills that are introduced become law. B) most bills that are introduced by the majority party in the House become law. C) most bills that are introduced by the majority party in the Senate become law. D) about half of all bills that are introduced become law. E) very few of the bills that are introduced become law.
Which of the following is true regarding NAFTA?
a. It is a highly developed and integrated bloc. b. It aims at a single market and European federation. c. It cuts tariffs between members. d. It has free flow of labor and capital. e. It has a complex governing body.
What was the significance of the 1840 presidential election?
a. It marked the first peaceful transfer of presidency following an election and cemented the stability of the two-party system in the United States. b. It extended organized two-party competition to every state in the nation, framing not only the contest for president but also competition for offices at all levels of government. c. It was the first multiparty presidential election in the history of the United States and established the practice of voters strategically defecting to one of the major parties. d. This was the first time in the history of the country that the franchise was extended to all citizens, and voter turnout was remarkably high.