electoral process
how many ways are there to nominate a candidate?
5. Self-announcement, Caucus, Convention, Direct primary, Petition
political party is
A group of people who seek to control the government through winning elections
mass media is referred to as what?
4th branch of government
what does the electoral college so according to the constitution?
elects the president of the US
interest groups are what
organizations of people who have policy goals and try to influence policy makers to accomplish these goals
how many states are open and closed primaries?
14 closed 36 open
political parties provide what between citizens and government?
middle man
Focus is on polling data and public perception rather than candidate policies is what
horse race coverage
when does electoral voting take place?
the monday after the 2nd Wednesday of december
what is the most known interest group
National rifle association - NRA
Evaluating primaries can do what to the party?
Divide the party
How many functions do political parties serve?
5
what are 2 main roles of free press?
Serves as watchdog, Set the agenda for us
how many major flaws are in the electoral college?
3. Winner of popular vote isn't guaranteed to win, Constitution doesn't force electors to vote the ways of the popular vote, If no candidate wins the 270, the house of representatives decides
what are 5 major things the interest groups do
Brings lawsuits against government, Make donations to candidates , Influence lawmakers (lobbying), Advertise issues on media, Contribute to campaign ads (tv/radio)
what is a major disadvantage to the closed primary?
Compromises the secrecy of the ballot because voters have to have their party preference known
what do the ¨watchdogs¨ do?
Criticizes political party in power, provided scrutiny and criticism about the ruling politicians who differ from their party
what are 3 ways the media is effected?
Staging, Spinning, Leaking
270 is the number for what
the number of votes needed to win presidency
lobbying, electioneering, litigation, gaining public support are techniques for what?
getting their influence to have more effect in court
conventions to nominate candidates started in what year?
1830s
political parties help display what to the public?
true opinions
if the media chooses not to talk about it, the people are generally not informed is called what
agenda cutting
District popular plans want what?
do away with the whole electoral college all together
what is the difference between political parties and interest groups?
Political parties work to get candidates elected Vs. interest groups work to get laws passed