Unit 2 Practice FRQ (1).docx
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Gwinnett Technical College *
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1003
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Political Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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Nominees for the presidency of the two major parties are chosen by delegates at national conventions.
How these delegates are chosen varies across states and between the political parties.
a.
Define each of the following methods used by states to choose delegates to party conventions.
o
Open primary
An open primary is the method where all registered voters can vote for candidates
from any political party.
o
Caucus
A caucus is a the method where party delegates choose their preferred candidates for
the presidential election behind closed doors.
b.
Republican Party rules permit winner-take-all primaries. Describe one consequence of this rule
for the Republican nomination process.
A consequence to the winner-take-all primaries is that it will speed up the nomination process.
This is because the candidate who wins the state primary will receive all of that state's
delegates. This system allows candidates with bigger names and louder mouths to quickly
establish themselves as a front-runner in the race. This can also lead to voters in non-winning
states with less influence due to a lack of proportional representation.
c.
The Democratic Party has used superdelegates in the presidential nominating process since
1984. Explain why the use of superdelegates increases the influence of party leaders in the
Democratic nomination process.
The use of superdelegates increases Democratic nomination influence because they are
unpledged and have the freedom to support any candidate. This allows party insiders to have
a stronger pull in the nomination process. Basically, superdelegates can change their minds
based on what they perceive as the most electable candidate aligned with their interests.
d.
Explain why a candidate's strategy to win the nomination is often different from the strategy
developed to win the general election.
A candidate's strategy to win the nomination is often different because the primary (caucus)
electorate has followers who are more extreme and loyal. To secure the party's nomination,
the candidate needs to reason with the broader general election electorate. Finally, primary
campaigns are focused on winning over a smaller group of voters within the party, whereas a
general election strategy must appeal to a diverse range of voters.
Part A
Part (a): 2 points
One point is earned for a correct definition of open primary: a primary election in which any voter can
cast a ballot in any party's primary.
One point is earned for a correct definition of caucus: a meeting or gathering of members of a political
party where members deliberate and choose from the list of those seeking the presidential nomination.
Part B
Part (b): 1 point
One point is earned for an acceptable consequence for a winner-take-all primary, which can include the
following:
●
Shortens the timeframe for candidates wrapping up the nomination.
●
Affects strategic decisions (e.g., allocation of funds, time).
●
Advantages those with more prominence or better name recognition early in the process.
Part C
Part (c): 1 point
One point is earned for an acceptable explanation of how superdelegates increase the power of party
leaders, which can include the following:
●
Party leaders are now assured a role in the nomination process, regardless of which candidate
they
support.
●
Party leaders can cast the deciding vote in close nomination contests.
●
Superdelegates are unpledged and therefore can change their minds on candidates as the
process
unfolds.
Part (d): 1 point
One point is earned for an acceptable explanation for why campaign strategies often differ between
primary and general elections, which can include the following:
●
The electorate in the primary election is different from the electorate in the
general election.
●
A candidate's opponents in the primary are fellow partisans, whereas opponents in the general
election are from other parties.
●
There are differences in financing, media coverage and current events leading up to the general
election.
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