Study Guide for AP Gov Test on Thursday

Study guide for Political Parties, Nomination and Campaigns, and Elections and Voting Behavior Test

·         Be able to read and analyze charts and tables

·         Be sure to understand why we have a two party system in the US—what are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system

·         Understand what is important about third parties

·         Understand why political parties play an important role in democracy

·         Understand the concept of “ticket splitting” and who does this

·         Understand the differences between the caucus, the primary, and the national convention

·         Why is it a good thing that we have a divided govt?

·         Know the history of political parties—they were strongest when the party machine controlled the large cities

·         Know the about the Federal Election Campaign Act

·         Know which states receive the most attention during elections: Iowa and New Hampshire—why?

·         What are the criticisms of the nomination process?

·         How do PACs work during an election?

·         What important things happen at the national convention?

·         How is money spent during an election by the candidates?

·         What are the differences between the US and European campaigns?

·         What does the media focus most of their attention on during elections?

·         How does the Electoral College work?

·         Know about voter turnout—who votes?

·         Who can and cannot vote?

·         Why is voter turnout lower in the US than in other places around the world?

·         Know political efficacy

·         What is the Motor Vehicle Act?

·         Look up how Oregon’s elections are different from most other elections in the US

FRQs:

One question is about the Electoral College, one question is about Iowa and New Hampshire, and the last question is about how political parties serve as linkage institutions by making public preferences into governmental action