American Government

Question 1
A critical examination of political socialization has numerous agents, both primary and
secondary. To start with, primary agents of political socialization may include family, schools,
peers, and friends. It is vital to acknowledge that family helps introduce children to politics,
especially when they listen to their parents sharing numerous political ideologies. The children
can establish how their parents will vote, and this can influence their political behavior.
Additionally, schools often teach students the history of America, which enlightens them about
political issues (Krutz, 2017). Through school, children learn to respect the government, adhere
to regulations, and obey individuals in influential positions. The courses offered in schools help
students understand numerous concepts, including capitalism, realism, and detailed historical
aspects, which help them appreciate the role of political systems. Also, peers and friends can
share their political opinions on various issues affecting the United States.
Regarding secondary agents of political socialization, the media provide citizens with
vital information about political issues. Remarkably, the media may also socialize citizens
through the framing of information. Also, religious institutions may socialize citizens by
explaining their political beliefs about specific issues such as abortion and capital punishment
(Krutz, 2017). Additionally, political institutions can socialize citizens by explaining the laws
and regulations they should abide by to avoid facing legal consequences. Notably, a person’s
political opinion can change over time based on the prevailing political atmosphere and the
desire to achieve a greater good.
Question 2

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Political ideology refers to the viewpoints and beliefs that assist people make opinions about
various political theories and policies.
Libertarian is an individual who advocates for freedom and liberty of other people.
Classical liberal is an individual with a political ideology that upholds individual liberty and
economic freedom by reducing government power.
Modern liberal is an individual who believes in economic equality and that government plays an
essential role in achieving national prosperity.
Traditional conservative is an individual whose political and social philosophy enables them to
appreciate the importance of moral principles in natural laws, which society should obey.
Modern conservative refers to an individual who prefers a smaller government that allows for
economic independence.
Socialism is a form of government which uses its power to support social and economic equality
in all spheres of life (Krutz, 2017).
Communism is a form of government that boosts joint ownership of all property and other
materials.
Fascism is a form of government that has total control of a country under one political leader.
Question 3
The ability of a person to participate in government activities is affected by many factors. One of
the factors is the social environment, which is composed of elements such as education and
occupation. Inadequate education prevents people from sharing their political interests and
knowledge with other people. Additionally, political socialization affects participation in politics.
The individuals who have knowledge and information about politics are likely to take part in
sharing their political opinions. Also, the level of modernization influences participation in

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politics. With increased modernization, political communication is likely to increase, leading to
greater political awareness (Krutz, 2017). Remarkably, citizens should participate in the political
process because it helps them choose great leaders who can transform all spheres of life to make
life better.
Question 4
Some problems often surround public opinion polls. One of the problems is its inability to avail
in-depth information to the citizens. It is vital to acknowledge that public opinion polls use
horserace coverage, which skips numerous aspects of the candidates that are vital for guiding
voters to make informed decisions. Additionally, public opinion polls often dictate the amount of
money a candidate receives in campaign donations because donors believe the polls are accurate
(Krutz, 2017). Notably, public opinion influences public policy in numerous ways. First, public
opinion can help in changing policies that negatively affect citizens. The public often expresses
themselves on social media platforms, and their views are essential to policymakers. Also, public
opinion helps create new opportunities for citizens, especially if the government approves
policies that advocate for development programs.
Question 5
The Electoral College is a process by which a President is elected in the United States. Notably,
the process requires all the States to elect the President and vice president. According to the
Electoral College, an aspirant must receive 270 of the 538 electoral votes to become President or
Vice President of the U.S. In a case where the candidate does meet 270 votes, the House chooses
the President from three candidates who garnered the highest electoral votes (Krutz, 2017). An
election in the electoral college differs from the population’s election. Notably, in the
population’s election, the candidate who has the highest number of votes from all states of the

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U.S is declared the President. The winner of an election in the electoral college has to receive
270 electoral votes to win.
Question 6
Political campaigns in the 21 st century are of different types. One of the types of campaigns is
general campaign, where voters do not have a difficult time choosing leaders as few candidates
are vying for positions. On the contrary, primary campaigns are complex as voters have to
choose their leaders from many aspirants. In primary campaigns, voters should conduct research
about the candidates to make informed decisions (Krutz, 2017). Today, shadow campaigns are
common, and political action committees run them without the consent of the candidates. It is
vital to acknowledge that shadow campaigns often use negative ads to reach voters who may opt
not to vote for certain leaders.
Question 7
The main parties in the United States, the Republic, and Democratic parties have different
ideologies. Notably, the Democratic party has a liberal ideology, which asserts that the
government should intervene when it comes to economic growth and the provision of social
services to improve well-being and equality for all. Also, the Democratic party believes that the
government should regulate the social behaviors of the American citizens. Notably, the
Republican party’s core values align with conservative ideology, which asserts that the
government should be small and not interfere with the country’s economic activities (Krutz,
2017). Importantly, the Republican party believes that it is the role of the government to uphold
traditional morality and thus introduce laws that inhibit abortion and contraception.
Question 8

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The election process is composed of numerous elements, from announcing candidacy to the
election. One element is the caucus, a meeting where party members choose nominees for
political positions. The next element is closed primary, where an election that is restricted to
registered members of a party is held. Additionally, the electoral college occurs where the group
of electors vote for the next President based on the outcome of voting in the state. Next, a general
election is held for all elective positions. Also, incumbency advantage is an element of the
election process, which is the tendency of incumbents to win re-election because of the
advantages they have at their disposal (Krutz, 2017). Also, a party convention entails meeting
delegates from a particular political party who vote on a policy and select candidates for public
office.
Question 9
A critical examination of campaigns indicates that they obtain funds from different sources. One
of the significant sources of campaign funds is the super PAC (political action committee).
Notably, super PACs are allowed to spend funds on their preferred candidate. However, the
super PACs are not allowed to disclose the contributors’ identities and should not coordinate any
political activities with the candidate of their choosing (Krutz, 2017). Additionally, campaign
funds may be obtained from fundraising. Most candidates receive funds for campaigns from
donors who support their candidacy. The donors can be organizations and individuals who
believe in the candidate and their strategy to win the elections.
Question 10
Direct democracy involves a process where the voters are granted an opportunity to make
decisions regarding policies. The decisions may be of different kinds, including candidate
approval, policy changes, and funding. It is vital to acknowledge that direct democracy has

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numerous benefits for the citizens. First, direct democracy enables citizens to propose and pass
laws that affect the constitutions of various states (Krutz, 2017). With such power, the citizens
will likely have the best policies that uphold their welfare. Additionally, direct democracy,
particularly the recall, enables citizens to remove government officials from offices, especially
when their policies are unfavorable and threaten citizens’ lives. A good example of a recall is
when California’s Governor Gray Davis was removed from office in 2003.

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Reference

Krutz, G. (2017). American Government. Houston, TX: OpenStax. ISBN: 198-38168178