Reference no: EM133887778

Questions:

1. What are the major agents of political socialization (Name at least three) and how do they affect political views? Which one overall is most important? Why?

2. What is the single-member district plurality electoral system and how does it differ from proportional representation? Which one tends to produce multi-party systems and why?

3. The United States has a two-party system. What are the drawbacks and benefits of a system dominated by two main parties and what are some of the obstacles that make it difficult for third parties to compete?

4. What are the primary requirements for a scientific poll? Discuss three to four of the factors that can skew a poll even when the pollsters are trying to conduct it accurately.

5. Explain the facts of the case in Citizens United v Federal Election Commission (2010). What did the Supreme Court decide in this case and what are the implications for campaign finance?

6. Voting is a hallmark of a democratic society, yet not everyone votes. Which groups are most likely to vote? Which groups are least likely? (Consider demographics, partisanship, groups historically disenfranchised, etc.)

7. Explain why people join interest groups. What incentives encourage participation? Briefly discuss each of the three incentives mentioned in class (and in your textbook).

8. Define a political party realignment and discuss the three criteria scholars use to determine whether a realignment occurred.