Voting and Elections
Who holds the responsibility to register to vote?
The individual
Where do most people get their information about government and politics?
Most from TV
What media outlet is largely unregulated? What form of media will become important for elections and politics?
The internet and social media.
What is the definition of a political party?
Intermediary organization whose goal is to get their candidate elected.
What is the definition of an interest group?
An intermediary organization that to influence government action.
In the US, how are political candidates selected?
In primary elections
What are the factors or agents of socialization in order of occurrence?
Family, school, church, media and generation.
Why do political candidates engage in negative campaigning?
It is easier and more entertaining.
What type of party system do we have in the US? Why?
2 party system- Historical precedents, electoral rules – winner take all, and restrictions on minor parties
What are the types of interest groups?
Single issue vs. public interest
Who were impacted by the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments?
Black males, women, 18-year-olds
What is public opinion?
The sum of individual opinions on issues.
What is the most important aspect of the media’s role in newsmaking?
Agenda setting.
When or how did political parties originate in the US?
In early US history regarding types of government – federalist and antifederalist.
What is an iron triangle?
Strong, informal relationship between bureaucrats, legislators, and lobbyists on a particular interest.
What accounts for decreased voter turnout?
Alienation, burdens of voter registration, lack of interest in politics, and frequent elections.
What is public opinion polling?
Asking individuals their views on issues.
What has scholarly research on network media content revealed?
Content is not biased but often negative.
What is a party platform?
Written statement of the party’s views on issues.
How do interest groups function?
Lobbying – grassroots that relies on citizens to pressure their representatives and inside lobbying that goes directly to the representative.
What percentage of the voting population participates in presidential vs. congressional elections, and how does it compare to other democratic countries?
More than 50% for Pres. and less than 50% for Congress
Lower than nearly every other democracy
What is the American political culture?
Commonly held values and belief about our government and politics.
Define muckraking and yellow journalism.
Reporting scandalous activities vs. sensationalism and exaggeration.
What specific demographic will be important for the future of both parties?
Hispanics.
Identify direct and indirect lobbying tactics.
Direct lobbying (aka inside lobbying) goes directly to the official; Indirect (like grassroots or astroturfing) relies on the public to pressure their representatives.