In what ways does the initiative process in California advantage resource-rich, "special interests" and disadvantage average citizens?
What will be an ideal response?
Varies. The filing fee of $2,000 may deter citizens from filing an initiative, but the higher hurdles lie at the signature-gathering stage. Because hundreds of thousands of signatures must be gathered (usually about twice the required number of 365,880) within 180 days, a signature-gathering firm usually will need to be hired to collect them--and they charge per-signature rates that are far higher than most citizens can afford. Average citizens typically do not have the know-how to run a statewide campaign or raise the millions of dollars needed to reach undecided voters. Campaigns can be costly, and a majority (two thirds) of all donations to initiative campaigns are in amounts of $1 million or more. Finally, wealthy "special interests" may dominate the airwaves with their own carefully crafted messages, confusing or discouraging average citizens who may not have time to become thoroughly educated about initiatives on the ballot.
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Contrary to the views of historian Charles Beard and others, the __________ of the Framers did not dominate the convention
A) religious beliefs B) political ideology C) personal beliefs D) party loyalty E) economic interests
Research on belief systems suggests that
A. the vast majority of people possess significant constraint knowledge. B. most people have well-developed political beliefs. C. most people operate with minimal constraint knowledge. D. most people possess coherent ideological beliefs.
The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, as well as the creation of the first National Bank to assume all state debts, represented bold steps toward a stronger central government. Thomas Jefferson became president in 1800 at the height of this movement. What was Jefferson’s stance and impact?
a. Jefferson was a very strong federalist and assumed even more powers to the central government at the expense of the state powers. b. Jefferson’s political party, the Democratic-Republicans, formally opposed the growth in authority of national government. Jefferson’s administration was usually linked to enumerated national powers. c. Very little is known of Jefferson or his presidency. d. Jefferson had no impact on the federalist movement. Though he tried, he was a very ineffective president. e. Jefferson strongly supported the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 and sought to embed them in our political culture.
Which of the following is a significant trend in the presidential nominating process over the past three decades?
A) Replacement of national party conventions by national primaries for each party B) Increasing importance of presidential primaries rather than state conventions C) A sharply declining role for political action committees (PAC's) D) Decreasing cost of campaigns E) Increasing control by political party leaders over outcomes