Am Govt Homework 8 Answers - Student Two

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Lecture #8

Question #1: Explain what it means when people say that the Democrats won the "ground game" in the last election.

When someone says that the Democrats won the ‘ground game’, they are referring to the way in which they reached many people, encouraging them to vote for Obama and other Democratic candidates, even transporting them to polling facilities.

Correct, but especially through use of early voting, as in the 35-day period in Ohio prior to Election Day during which people could vote. (-1)

Question #2: Explain the difference between an "initiative" and a "referendum"

An initiative is a vote cast for the passing of a law proposed by the people. A referendum is when the people vote to either pass or repeal a proposed (or already passed) law.

Good, concise explanation.

Question #3: Other than your answer to question 1, why else do you think Obama defeated Romney? Explain. Another reason for why Obama won the election is that he made promises (that he can’t keep), while Romney stated what must be done to get our country back on track, which most of the time was not appealing to the people, even though it must be done. Obama was also appealed much more to young people, who are a large part of the voting population.

Excellent analysis.

Question #4: Explain what "divided government" and "gridlock" are, and what your view of them are. A divided government is when the one division of the government is dominated by democrats, while another division is controlled by republicans, or vice versa. Gridlock is when nearly no new laws are created because the republicans and democrats are on equal footing, and will not allow laws proposed by the other party to be passed.

Very good, but capitalize the first letter in "Democrats" and "Republicans".

Question #5: Does New Jersey allow an "initiative" and, if not, should it?

New Jersey does not allow an initiative; in fact, most states do not, only 24 out of 50 are allowed initiatives. Initiatives should not be allowed in New Jersey. This is because generally, the public makes the wrong decision, especially when it comes to politics. In this context, a law could be proposed, which could be potentially dangerous to the state, yet still pass, due to wrong decisions on the behalf of the voters. Too much democracy can be very harmful.

Superb, one of the best answers in the class.


A recall is an attempt to remove a state official from office. A special election is held to determine whether or not to remove a public official from office prior to the end of their term. The New Jersey Constitution does not appear to be preventing New Jersey citizens from recalling U.S. Senators. As long as the official has been in office for at least one year, they can be recalled.

Very good, except the NJ Supreme Court held 4-2 that the people could not recall a U.S. Senator based on the Court's interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

Question #8: Do you agree with Ron Paul's quote at the beginning of the lecture?

I agree with Ron Paul’s statement. If all decisions were left to the public decision, this country would be in an even worse situation than it is today.

Total score: 69/70. Excellent work.--Andy Schlafly 20:50, 23 November 2012 (EST)