Define and discuss the significance of critical or realigning elections. Also, discuss the three clearest examples of such elections given in the text.
What will be an ideal response?
In these elections, a sharp, lasting shift occurs in the popular coalition supporting one or both parties, and the kinds of voters that support each party change as well. These shifts occur at the time of an election or just after the new administration draws in new supporters.
The three clearest examples occurred in 1860, 1896, and 1932. In 1860, the Republican Party emerged as the country was torn over the issue of slavery. In 1896, the Republicans benefitted from the populist campaign of William Jennings Bryan; the country was concerned about its economic circumstance. In 1932, the Democrats emerged victorious as the economy of the country was, once again, the major concern.
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In unitary systems, which of the following is TRUE?
A. All governmental authority always rests with one person such as an emperor. B. Local governments dictate policy to the national government. C. Various ethnic groups are proportionally represented in a "united" parliament. D. The national government monopolizes constitutional authority.
Former U.S. Speaker of the House, Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, once declared, "All politics is local." Which of the following is inferred from this statement?
a. Politics takes place entirely at the local level. b. The effect of locally based groups on public policy at the local level is minimal. c. Local politics seldom has an effect on national politics. d. Government at the grass roots level is the fountainhead of state, national, and global politics.
Which of the following statements describes an argument in favor of the position that a new Cold War will emerge between the United States and Russia?
A) The United States is committed to NATO expansion that Russia considers a direct threat to its security. B) Strong Russian democracy creates tensions with the United States. C) Russia promotes good relations with U.S. allies and confronts U.S. enemies. D) Europe is divided in its support of either the U.S. or Russia.
World War I resulted in ______ of power in the federal government.
a. a reduction b. the rejection c. support d. centralization