json
{
  "multiple_choice": [
    {
      "question": "Which of the following is the BEST example of a linkage institution acting in its role of connecting citizens to government?",
      "options": [
        "A. A Supreme Court decision on a case involving the Second Amendment",
        "B. A political party holding a national convention to nominate a presidential candidate",
        "C. A Congressional committee hearing on a proposed bill",
        "D. The president issuing an executive order"
      ],
      "answer": "B"
    },
    {
      "question": "Which of the following is the primary role of interest groups in the United States?",
      "options": [
        "A. To nominate candidates for political office",
        "B. To advocate for specific policies and influence public opinion",
        "C. To administer elections and ensure fair voting practices",
        "D. To provide unbiased information to the public through media outlets"
      ],
      "answer": "B"
    }
  ],
  "short_answer": {
    "question": "Briefly explain how the media acts as a linkage institution in the U.S. political system.",
    "answer": "The media acts as a linkage institution by connecting citizens to government through reporting on current events, political issues, and policies. It shapes public opinion through framing, selecting news, and storytelling. It also serves as a watchdog by investigating and reporting on government actions, holding officials accountable, and providing a platform for debate."
  },
  "free_response": {
      "question": "Explain how political parties, interest groups, and the media each serve as linkage institutions. In your response, be sure to:
      \n(a) Define the term 'linkage institution.'
      \n(b) Explain how political parties serve as a linkage institution.
      \n(c) Explain how interest groups serve as a linkage institution.
      \n(d) Explain how the media serves as a linkage institution.",
      "scoring_guidelines": {
        "a": "1 point for defining a linkage institution as an organization that connects citizens to government",
        "b": "1 point for explaining that political parties connect citizens to government by representing different political ideologies and interests, mobilizing voters, and influencing policy",
        "c": "1 point for explaining that interest groups connect citizens to government by representing specific interests, influencing public policy, and fostering democratic participation",
        "d": "1 point for explaining that the media connects citizens to government by providing information about current events and policies, shaping public opinion, and serving as a watchdog"
      }
    }
}

json
{
  "multiple_choice": [
    {
      "question": "Which of the following best describes the role of a national party convention?",
      "options": [
        "A. To select the party's nominee for president and vice president",
        "B. To raise money for the party's candidates",
        "C. To organize voter registration drives",
        "D. To debate and pass legislation"
      ],
      "answer": "A"
    },
    {
      "question": "Which of the following is a primary function of political parties in the United States?",
      "options": [
        "A. To administer elections and ensure fair voting practices",
        "B. To nominate candidates for political office and mobilize voters",
        "C. To provide unbiased information to the public through media outlets",
        "D. To regulate the economy and promote economic growth"
      ],
      "answer": "B"
    }
  ],
  "short_answer": {
    "question": "Explain how political parties use campaign management to promote their ideology and platform.",
    "answer": "Political parties use campaign management, including fundraising and media strategy, to communicate and promote their ideology and platform. They mobilize party supporters and voters, shaping the image of their candidates to reflect the party's values and priorities. Campaign management also helps build party infrastructure, such as creating a network of volunteers, supporters, and donors."
  },
  "free_response": {
      "question": "Describe the functions of political parties in the United States. In your response, be sure to:
      \n(a) Describe how political parties mobilize and educate voters.
      \n(b) Explain the purpose of party platforms.
      \n(c) Explain how parties recruit and manage candidates.
      \n(d) Explain the role of committee and party leadership systems in legislatures.",
      "scoring_guidelines": {
        "a": "1 point for describing how political parties mobilize voters through phone calls, emails, social media, and door-to-door outreach, and educate them through rallies and brochures",
        "b": "1 point for explaining that party platforms are a mega-list of a party's beliefs and goals, written every four years, and communicated at national conventions",
        "c": "1 point for explaining that parties recruit candidates who are informed, personable, and electable, and manage campaigns through events, fundraising, and voter engagement",
        "d": "1 point for explaining that committee assignments and leadership positions reflect ideological divisions, committees determine which bills are considered, and party leaders set legislative priorities"
      }
    }
}