Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

1938 United States House of Representatives elections Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The 1938 United States House of Representatives Elections

Cheat Sheet:
The 1938 United States House of Representatives Elections Study Guide

1938 Election Overview and Outcomes

Did the Republican Party secure a majority in the House of Representatives following the 1938 elections?

Answer: False

Explanation: Although the Republican Party experienced a substantial resurgence, achieving a net gain of 81 seats, they did not secure a majority in the House of Representatives; the Democratic Party retained control.

Return to Game

The general election for the majority of seats in the United States House of Representatives in 1938 was conducted on November 8, 1938.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. While the elections were primarily held on November 8, 1938, the state of Maine conducted its congressional elections earlier, on September 12, 1938.

Return to Game

Following the 1938 elections, the Republican Party secured a majority in the House of Representatives.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite significant gains, the Republican Party did not secure a majority in the House of Representatives after the 1938 elections; the Democratic Party retained its majority.

Return to Game

Only a portion of the seats in the United States House of Representatives were contested in the 1938 elections.

Answer: False

Explanation: All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives were contested in the 1938 elections.

Return to Game

A majority in the House of Representatives required 218 seats during the 1938 elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: To establish a majority in the House of Representatives during the 1938 elections, a total of 218 seats was necessary.

Return to Game

Nationwide, the Republican Party received a higher percentage of the popular vote than the Democratic Party in the 1938 House elections.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Republican Party made significant gains, the Democratic Party actually secured a slightly higher percentage of the nationwide popular vote in the 1938 House elections.

Return to Game

The popular vote nationwide indicated a significant swing towards the Democratic Party in the 1938 elections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The popular vote actually showed a notable swing *against* the Democratic Party in the 1938 elections, despite their retaining a plurality.

Return to Game

After the 1938 elections, the Democratic Party held 262 seats in the House of Representatives.

Answer: True

Explanation: This final seat count is accurate; the Democratic Party maintained its majority with 262 seats following the 1938 mid-term elections.

Return to Game

The Republican Party secured 169 seats in the House of Representatives after the 1938 elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: This figure accurately reflects the Republican Party's representation in the House of Representatives following the 1938 elections.

Return to Game

The elections in Maine were held later than the primary election date for most other states in 1938.

Answer: False

Explanation: The elections in Maine were held earlier, on September 12, 1938, preceding the primary election date for most other states.

Return to Game

What was the primary outcome regarding party control following the 1938 United States House of Representatives elections?

Answer: The Democratic Party lost seats but retained its majority in the House.

Explanation: The principal outcome was that the Democratic Party, despite experiencing considerable losses, managed to retain its majority control of the House of Representatives. The Republican Party made significant gains but did not achieve a majority.

Return to Game

What was the minimum number of seats required to form a majority in the House of Representatives during the 1938 elections?

Answer: 218 seats

Explanation: To establish a majority in the House of Representatives during the 1938 elections, a total of 218 seats was necessary.

Return to Game

The popular vote showed a significant shift against the Democrats, indicated by a swing of approximately how many percentage points?

Answer: 7.2%

Explanation: The popular vote demonstrated a substantial shift away from the Democratic Party, with an approximate swing of 7.23 percentage points against them nationwide.

Return to Game

How many seats did the Republican Party hold in the House of Representatives after the 1938 elections?

Answer: 169 seats

Explanation: Following the 1938 elections, the Republican Party's representation in the House of Representatives stood at 169 seats.

Return to Game

The 1938 elections in Maine were held on what date?

Answer: September 12, 1938

Explanation: The congressional elections in Maine for the 1938 cycle were conducted on September 12, 1938, preceding the general election date for most other states.

Return to Game

How many seats did the Democratic Party hold after the 1938 elections?

Answer: 262 seats

Explanation: Following the 1938 elections, the Democratic Party maintained its majority control of the House of Representatives with a total of 262 seats.

Return to Game

What was the total number of seats contested in the 1938 United States House of Representatives elections?

Answer: 435

Explanation: All 435 seats comprising the United States House of Representatives were subject to election in the 1938 mid-term cycle.

Return to Game

Party Performance Analysis

In the 1938 United States House of Representatives elections, the Democratic Party sustained a net loss of 72 seats to the Republican Party.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is correct. The 1938 mid-term elections marked a significant setback for the Democratic Party, characterized by a substantial net loss of 72 seats to the Republican Party.

Return to Game

The Republican Party achieved a net gain of 81 seats in the 1938 United States House of Representatives elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. The Republican Party experienced a considerable resurgence, gaining 81 seats in the House of Representatives during the 1938 elections.

Return to Game

Leading up to the 1938 elections, the Republican Party had strategically shed weaker members and regrouped with strong new candidates.

Answer: True

Explanation: This strategic repositioning allowed the Republican Party to consolidate its base and present a more formidable challenge, contributing to their resurgence in the 1938 mid-term elections.

Return to Game

Outside the Southern United States, the Republican Party secured 50% of the popular vote in the 1938 elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: This regional performance metric indicates a strong showing for the Republican Party in non-Southern states, contributing to their overall gains and providing optimism for future elections.

Return to Game

The Progressive Party won 2 seats but lost 6 seats in the 1938 House elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: This accurately reflects the Progressive Party's performance in the 1938 elections, indicating a net loss of representation despite winning two seats.

Return to Game

The Farmer-Labor Party increased its representation in the House by winning 4 additional seats in 1938.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this statement, the Farmer-Labor Party experienced a net loss of 4 seats in the 1938 House elections.

Return to Game

The American Labor Party gained 1 seat in the 1938 House elections, bringing their total representation to 1 seat.

Answer: True

Explanation: This accurately describes the American Labor Party's electoral outcome in 1938, marking a modest increase in their congressional presence.

Return to Game

The majority of the Democratic Party's seat losses in 1938 were concentrated in the Southern states.

Answer: False

Explanation: The data indicates that the majority of the Democratic Party's seat losses occurred in the Northern states, while the South largely maintained its role as a Democratic stronghold.

Return to Game

None of the Republican incumbents lost their reelection bids in the 1938 House elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is accurate. The 1938 elections saw no Republican incumbents in the House of Representatives lose their reelection campaigns.

Return to Game

Minor parties collectively won 4 seats in the 1938 House elections.

Answer: False

Explanation: Minor parties, including the Progressive, Farmer-Labor, and American Labor parties, collectively won a total of 3 seats in the 1938 House elections, not 4.

Return to Game

The Democratic seat losses in 1938 were concentrated in the North, while the South maintained its role as a Democratic base.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement accurately characterizes the regional distribution of Democratic losses, highlighting the resilience of the party's base in the Southern states.

Return to Game

The Republican resurgence in 1938 provided the party with less optimism for the upcoming 1940 presidential election.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, the significant Republican gains in 1938 fostered considerable optimism and strengthened the party's foundation for their presidential campaign in 1940.

Return to Game

How many seats did the Republican Party gain in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: 81 seats

Explanation: The Republican Party achieved a substantial net gain of 81 seats in the House of Representatives during the 1938 elections.

Return to Game

How had the Republican Party positioned itself leading up to the 1938 elections?

Answer: By shedding weaker members and regrouping with strong candidates.

Explanation: The Republican Party had undertaken a strategic consolidation, divesting itself of less viable candidates and focusing on strengthening its roster with more competitive individuals, which proved effective in 1938.

Return to Game

What percentage of the popular vote did the Republican Party achieve in areas outside the Southern United States during the 1938 elections?

Answer: 50%

Explanation: The Republican Party's achievement of 50% of the popular vote in non-Southern regions underscored the breadth of their electoral recovery.

Return to Game

Nationwide, what was the popular vote percentage for the Democratic Party in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: 48.7%

Explanation: The Democratic Party garnered 48.7% of the popular vote nationwide in the 1938 House elections, slightly ahead of the Republican Party.

Return to Game

Which minor party won 2 seats but lost 6 seats in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: Progressive Party

Explanation: The Progressive Party experienced a net reduction in its congressional representation, winning 2 seats while losing 6 from its previous total.

Return to Game

What was the net change in seats for the Farmer-Labor Party in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: Lost 4 seats

Explanation: The Farmer-Labor Party saw its representation diminish, suffering a net loss of 4 seats in the 1938 elections.

Return to Game

Where were the majority of the Democratic Party's seat losses concentrated in the 1938 elections?

Answer: The Northern states

Explanation: The data indicates that the majority of the Democratic Party's seat losses occurred in the Northern states, while the South largely maintained its role as a Democratic stronghold.

Return to Game

Which of the following statements about Republican incumbents in the 1938 elections is true?

Answer: No Republican incumbents lost their reelection bids.

Explanation: This is accurate. The 1938 elections saw no Republican incumbents in the House of Representatives lose their reelection campaigns, highlighting the strength of their incumbents.

Return to Game

What was the combined total number of seats won by minor parties (Progressive, Farmer-Labor, American Labor) in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: 3 seats

Explanation: Collectively, the Progressive Party, Farmer-Labor Party, and American Labor Party secured a total of 3 seats in the 1938 House elections.

Return to Game

What was the significance of the 1938 elections for the Republican Party's future?

Answer: It provided renewed optimism and a stronger base for the 1940 presidential election.

Explanation: The substantial Republican gains in 1938, particularly outside the traditional Southern Democratic base, significantly boosted party morale and provided a more robust foundation for their efforts in the 1940 presidential election.

Return to Game

What was the popular vote percentage for the Progressive Party nationwide in the 1938 elections?

Answer: 1.0%

Explanation: The Progressive Party garnered 1.0% of the total popular vote nationwide in the 1938 House elections.

Return to Game

What was the net change in seats for the Democratic Party in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: Lost 72 seats

Explanation: The Democratic Party experienced a significant net loss of 72 seats in the House of Representatives during the 1938 elections.

Return to Game

The Republican Party's success outside the South in 1938 was significant because it:

Answer: Provided optimism for the 1940 presidential election.

Explanation: The strong performance of the Republican Party in non-Southern states during the 1938 elections generated considerable optimism and provided a strengthened base for their presidential campaign in 1940.

Return to Game

What was the total popular vote percentage for the Farmer-Labor Party nationwide in the 1938 elections?

Answer: 0.9%

Explanation: The Farmer-Labor Party secured 0.9% of the total popular vote nationwide in the 1938 House elections.

Return to Game

Factors Influencing the Election

The economic downturn known as the Recession of 1937 is recognized as a significant factor contributing to the Democratic Party's electoral losses in the 1938 House elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, the Recession of 1937, which led to increased unemployment and economic hardship, undermined public confidence in the New Deal's effectiveness and contributed to a backlash against the incumbent Democratic Party.

Return to Game

President Roosevelt's 'Court Packing' plan was universally supported within the Democratic Party, leading to increased unity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Court Packing' plan, officially the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937, generated significant internal division within the Democratic Party, rather than universal support and unity.

Return to Game

The rivalry between the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) over union membership did not significantly impact the 1938 elections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The intense rivalry between the AFL and CIO created divisions within the labor movement, a key constituency of the New Deal Coalition, and this fragmentation likely had a significant impact on the 1938 election outcomes.

Return to Game

Which economic event significantly undermined the Democratic Party's claims about the New Deal's success and contributed to their electoral losses in 1938?

Answer: The Recession of 1937

Explanation: The Recession of 1937, marked by rising unemployment, cast doubt on the efficacy of the New Deal policies and negatively impacted the Democratic Party's electoral standing.

Return to Game

Internal divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly concerning which policy, contributed to voter dissatisfaction in 1938?

Answer: The Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937 ('Court Packing' plan)

Explanation: Disagreements and opposition to President Roosevelt's proposed Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937, commonly known as the 'Court Packing' plan, created significant internal friction within the Democratic Party.

Return to Game

The rivalry between which two labor organizations contributed to divisions within the New Deal Coalition during the 1938 election cycle?

Answer: The American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)

Explanation: The persistent and often acrimonious rivalry between the AFL and the CIO fragmented the labor movement, a crucial component of the New Deal Coalition, thereby impacting the election's dynamics.

Return to Game

Which factor, besides economic downturn and internal party divisions, contributed to the Democratic Party's decline in the 1938 elections?

Answer: President Roosevelt's intervention in primary elections.

Explanation: President Roosevelt's active involvement in primary elections, attempting to unseat certain Democratic incumbents, alienated segments of the party and contributed to the overall decline.

Return to Game

Which of the following was NOT cited as a reason for the Democratic Party's decline in the 1938 elections?

Answer: A unified labor movement supporting Democratic candidates

Explanation: The data indicates that the labor movement was divided, not unified, between the AFL and CIO, which contributed to Democratic challenges, rather than supporting them.

Return to Game

Specific Races and Key Figures

In Kentucky's 8th congressional district, a special election resulted in a Republican hold.

Answer: False

Explanation: The special election in Kentucky's 8th congressional district resulted in a Democratic hold, not a Republican one.

Return to Game

George M. Grant won the special election for Alabama's 2nd congressional district.

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, George M. Grant secured victory in the special election for Alabama's 2nd congressional district.

Return to Game

Walter H. Albaugh secured a Democratic gain in Ohio's 4th congressional district's special election.

Answer: False

Explanation: Walter H. Albaugh secured a *Republican* gain in Ohio's 4th congressional district's special election; it was not a Democratic gain.

Return to Game

William Bankhead was re-elected as Speaker of the House for the 76th Congress following the 1938 elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, William Bankhead, who served as Speaker prior to the elections, was indeed re-elected to the position for the 76th Congress.

Return to Game

Vito Marcantonio won a seat for the Republican Party in New York's 20th congressional district.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vito Marcantonio won the seat in New York's 20th congressional district, but he represented the American Labor Party, not the Republican Party.

Return to Game

Frederick Van Ness Bradley won the seat in Michigan's 11th congressional district for the Democratic Party.

Answer: False

Explanation: Frederick Van Ness Bradley secured the seat in Michigan's 11th congressional district, but he did so as a Republican, not a Democrat.

Return to Game

The Republican Party gained a seat in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district from the incumbent Henry Teigan.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is accurate; the Republican Party successfully took the seat in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district, displacing the incumbent Henry Teigan of the Farmer-Labor Party.

Return to Game

Which of the following was a prominent Republican figure who gained prominence around the 1938 elections?

Answer: Robert A. Taft

Explanation: Robert A. Taft of Ohio emerged as a significant figure within the Republican Party during this period, contributing to the party's resurgence.

Return to Game

In which congressional district did the American Labor Party gain a seat in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: New York's 20th

Explanation: The American Labor Party successfully secured a seat in New York's 20th congressional district during the 1938 elections.

Return to Game

In the special election for Kentucky's 8th congressional district, which party successfully held the seat?

Answer: Democratic

Explanation: The special election in Kentucky's 8th congressional district resulted in a Democratic hold, with Joe B. Bates winning the seat after the incumbent's resignation.

Return to Game

Who served as the Speaker of the House before the 1938 elections and was subsequently re-elected?

Answer: William Bankhead

Explanation: William Bankhead held the position of Speaker of the House prior to the 1938 elections and was successfully re-elected to the role for the 76th Congress.

Return to Game

In California's 8th congressional district, the incumbent John J. McGrath lost his seat to which party?

Answer: Republican Party

Explanation: The incumbent, John J. McGrath (Democratic), was defeated by a Republican candidate in California's 8th congressional district.

Return to Game

The incumbent Herman P. Kopplemann lost his re-election in Connecticut's 1st congressional district to a candidate from which party?

Answer: Republican Party

Explanation: Herman P. Kopplemann, the incumbent Democrat in Connecticut's 1st congressional district, was unseated by a Republican challenger.

Return to Game

Which party gained seats in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district from the incumbent Henry Teigan?

Answer: Republican Party

Explanation: The Republican Party successfully gained the seat in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district, displacing the incumbent Henry Teigan of the Farmer-Labor Party.

Return to Game

Which of the following states experienced notable Republican gains in the 1938 House elections?

Answer: Ohio

Explanation: Ohio was among the states where the Republican Party achieved notable gains in the 1938 House elections, reflecting a broader national trend.

Return to Game

The Republican Party gained a seat in Ohio's 4th congressional district during a special election. What was the reason for the vacancy?

Answer: The incumbent resigned.

Explanation: The seat in Ohio's 4th congressional district became vacant due to the incumbent's resignation, leading to a special election in which the Republican Party gained the seat.

Return to Game

The Roosevelt Administration's Role

The 1938 United States House of Representatives elections occurred during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's first term in office.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1938 elections took place during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term, specifically in the mid-term of his presidency.

Return to Game

President Roosevelt's attempt to purge conservative Democrats from their seats in primary elections ultimately strengthened the party's electoral prospects.

Answer: False

Explanation: On the contrary, President Roosevelt's intervention in primary elections to target conservative Democrats engendered considerable backlash and resentment within his own party, negatively impacting electoral prospects.

Return to Game

President Roosevelt's 'Court Packing' plan was officially known as the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is the correct official designation for the controversial legislative proposal commonly referred to as the 'Court Packing' plan.

Return to Game

The 1938 United States House of Representatives elections occurred during which period of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency?

Answer: His second term, reflecting a mid-term backlash.

Explanation: These elections took place in the mid-term of President Roosevelt's second term, a period often characterized by voter sentiment shifts away from the incumbent party.

Return to Game

President Roosevelt's attempt to influence primary elections by targeting certain Democrats primarily resulted in:

Answer: Angering party members and contributing to a backlash.

Explanation: Roosevelt's intervention in primary elections, aimed at removing conservative Democrats, generated significant internal party dissent and contributed to a broader electoral backlash against the administration.

Return to Game

Which of the following senators was NOT successfully targeted by President Roosevelt in the 1938 primary elections?

Answer: John J. O'Connor of New York

Explanation: While President Roosevelt actively campaigned against Senators Walter F. George, Millard Tydings, and Ellison Smith, John J. O'Connor, also targeted, was the only one of these prominent figures to be successfully defeated in his primary.

Return to Game

The 1938 House elections occurred in the middle of which presidential term?

Answer: Second term of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Explanation: These mid-term elections took place during the middle of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term in office.

Return to Game

Which of the following accurately describes the outcome for Senator Walter F. George of Georgia in the 1938 primaries?

Answer: He was re-elected despite President Roosevelt's opposition.

Explanation: Senator Walter F. George successfully withstood President Roosevelt's efforts to unseat him in the 1938 Georgia primary, demonstrating considerable political resilience.

Return to Game