Elections and Voting: A Comprehensive Guide for High School Seniors

Question 1

In the US presidential election, how does the Electoral College work?

Accepted Answer

Voters choose electors, who then vote for the president.

Answer

The Electoral College decides how many representatives each state has in Congress.

Answer

The Electoral College counts all the popular votes and declares the winner.

Answer

Voters directly elect the president with the most votes nationwide.

Question 2

What is the main responsibility of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

Accepted Answer

To enforce campaign finance laws

Answer

To register political parties

Answer

To oversee voter registration

Answer

To conduct presidential debates

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of a direct democracy?

Accepted Answer

Citizens directly vote on laws and policies

Answer

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Answer

Decisions are made solely by a small group of elites

Answer

There is no separation of powers

Question 4

What is the purpose of gerrymandering?

Accepted Answer

To create electoral districts that favor a particular political party

Answer

To ensure equal representation of different geographic areas

Answer

To reduce the number of competitive elections

Answer

To increase voter participation

Question 5

What is the main role of the Supreme Court in election law?

Accepted Answer

To interpret election laws and settle disputes

Answer

To create election laws

Answer

To oversee voter registration

Answer

To certify election results

Question 6

According to the Constitution, at what age do US citizens gain the right to vote?

Accepted Answer

18 years old

Answer

21 years old

Answer

26 years old

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College?

Accepted Answer

To ensure representation from all states in presidential elections

Answer

To prevent fraud in presidential elections

Answer

To determine the popular vote winner of presidential elections

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the Federal Election Commission?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing campaign finance laws

Answer

Registering voters

Answer

Hosting presidential debates

Question 9

What is the main difference between a primary and a caucus?

Accepted Answer

Primaries select candidates, while caucuses select delegates

Answer

Primaries are open to all voters, while caucuses are only open to party members

Answer

Caucuses are open to all voters while primaries are only open to party members

Question 10

Which of the following is a potential benefit of high voter turnout?

Accepted Answer

Increased representation of diverse perspectives

Answer

Reduced likelihood of election fraud

Answer

Lower taxes for all citizens

Question 11

What is the difference between an initiative and a referendum?

Accepted Answer

Initiatives are proposed by citizens, while referendums are proposed by the legislature

Answer

Referendums are proposed by citizens while initiatives are proposed by the legislature

Answer

Initiatives are votes on laws while referendums are votes on candidates

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to increase voter turnout?

Accepted Answer

Strict voter ID laws

Answer

Automatic voter registration

Answer

Early voting

Question 13

What was the main goal of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

To guarantee the right to vote for African American men

Answer

To abolish slavery

Answer

To grant women the right to vote

Answer

To establish the Electoral College

Question 14

To register to vote in the United States, which of the following is NOT required?

Accepted Answer

High school diploma

Answer

U.S. citizenship

Answer

Minimum age of 18

Answer

Proof of residency

Question 15

What is the potential impact of gerrymandering?

Accepted Answer

It can manipulate election results by creating districts that favor one political party

Answer

It ensures fair representation of all voters

Answer

It reduces voter turnout

Answer

It increases the number of competitive elections

Question 16

How do primary elections differ from general elections?

Accepted Answer

Primary elections narrow down the candidates within each party, while general elections determine the overall winner

Answer

General elections are held before primary elections

Answer

Primary elections determine the party's platform, while general elections determine the candidate

Answer

There is no difference between primary and general elections

Question 17

What is the primary responsibility of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate campaign finance

Answer

To conduct voter registration drives

Answer

To oversee the Electoral College

Answer

To determine the qualifications for presidential candidates

Question 18

How does the First Amendment protect political speech?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the government from censoring political speech

Answer

It prohibits unlimited campaign spending

Answer

It guarantees that all candidates receive equal media coverage

Answer

It requires candidates to disclose their financial information

Question 19

Which electoral system aims to ensure that the legislature's composition mirrors the distribution of votes, fostering diversity and inclusivity?

Accepted Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Two-party system

Answer

Ranked-choice voting

Answer

First-past-the-post

Question 20

What is the primary goal of campaign finance laws?

Accepted Answer

To prevent corruption and improper influence

Answer

To restrict the amount of money spent on campaigns

Answer

To promote fair and equitable elections

Answer

To ensure equal access to resources for all candidates

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of campaign finance laws?

Accepted Answer

To prevent corruption and unlawful influence in elections

Answer

To guarantee equal access to campaign funds for all candidates

Answer

To encourage voter participation

Answer

To limit political advertising spending

Question 22

What is a potential consequence of gerrymandering?

Accepted Answer

Reduced electoral competition

Answer

Increased voter turnout

Answer

More balanced district representation

Answer

Fairer elections

Question 23

What is the Electoral College's significance in U.S. presidential elections?

Accepted Answer

It gives smaller states a greater influence on the outcome

Answer

It ensures that the candidate with the most popular votes wins the presidency

Answer

It prevents the tyranny of the majority

Answer

It directly reflects the will of the people

Question 24

Which of the following is a key responsibility of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing campaign finance laws

Answer

Registering political candidates

Answer

Conducting voter education campaigns

Answer

Investigating election fraud

Question 25

What is a primary concern regarding voter suppression?

Accepted Answer

It undermines equal representation

Answer

It increases voter turnout

Answer

It strengthens the two-party system

Answer

It promotes political stability

Question 26

Which of the following is an instance of a ballot initiative?

Accepted Answer

A measure presented directly to voters for approval

Answer

A law passed by the legislature

Answer

A regulation issued by an executive agency

Answer

A decision made by the Supreme Court

Question 27

Which of the following most accurately describes the primary purpose of voter registration?

Accepted Answer

To verify the eligibility of voters

Answer

To prevent voter fraud

Answer

To increase voter turnout

Answer

To facilitate the distribution of ballots

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a common source of campaign finance?

Accepted Answer

Voter registration fees

Answer

Individual contributions

Answer

Corporate donations

Answer

Government funding

Question 29

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Prohibited poll taxes and literacy tests

Answer

Extended the right to vote to 18-year-olds

Answer

Established campaign finance limits

Answer

Abolished the Electoral College

Question 30

Gerrymandering refers to the practice of:

Accepted Answer

Redistricting for political advantage

Answer

Limiting early voting

Answer

Imposing strict voter ID laws

Answer

Increasing the number of polling places

Question 31

The Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC is known for:

Accepted Answer

Allowing unlimited spending by corporations and unions

Answer

Upholding campaign finance limits

Answer

Striking down corporate campaign donations

Answer

Establishing the Electoral College

Question 32

What is the primary function of the Electoral College in the United States?

Accepted Answer

To elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Answer

To determine the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives.

Answer

To resolve disputes over election results.

Question 33

What is the main significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

Accepted Answer

It prohibited racial discrimination in voting practices.

Answer

It established the Electoral College.

Answer

It lowered the voting age to 18.

Question 34

Which of the following is a characteristic of a healthy democracy?

Accepted Answer

Regular and fair elections

Answer

A large military

Answer

A strong economy

Answer

A dominant political party

Question 35

What is the purpose of gerrymandering?

Accepted Answer

To manipulate electoral boundaries to favor one political party or group.

Answer

To increase voter turnout.

Answer

To prevent voter fraud.

Question 36

What is the role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate campaign finance and enforce election laws at the federal level.

Answer

To conduct voter registration drives.

Answer

To investigate election fraud.