Political Parties
Interest Groups
PACs/527 Groups
Vocab 1
Vocab 2
100
What two coalitions make up the two main political parties in the U.S?
Democrats & Republicans
100
What is an interest group?
Interest groups are bodies of people who try to effect change in behavior in other portions of society. They are, in other words, any non-government body which attempts to influence lawmaking in a direction that they find favorable to their goals.
100
What does "PACs" stand for?
Political Action Committees.
100
Interest group.
A collection of people who share a common interest or attitude and seek to influence government for specific ends. Interest groups usually work within the framework of government and try to achieve their goals through tactics such as lobbying.
100
Political Party
An organization that seeks political power by electing people to office so that its positions and philosophy become public policy.
200
Why do third parties often fail in the U.S?
Lack the support the major parties have, sometimes touch on issues seen as too 'radical', the American political system is only meant for two parties.
200
Why are interest groups important?
They bring attention to specific issues to lawmakers attention.
200
What is the purpose of PACs?
To raise campaign funds, and distribute the contributions.
200
Lobbyist
A person who is employed by and acts for an organized interest group or corporation to try to influence policy decisions and positions in the executive and legislative branches.
200
Open Primary
Primary election in which any voter, regardless of party, may vote.
300
What are serious policy differences between Democrats & Republicans?
Democrats: Less money on defense, less vouchers, more money for social welfare programs, more money for public education, more money for gov't run healthcare programs, tax relief for lower & middle classes.
300
What is lobbying?
Lobbying is the process by which interest groups attempt to assert their influence on the policy-making process. People lobby to make their interests heard and understood.
300
What is a 527 group?
A tax-exempt organization that promotes a political agenda.
300
PAC
The political arm of an interest group that is legally entitled to raise funds on a voluntary basis from members, stockholders, or employees to contribute funds to candidates or political parties.
300
Divided Government
Governance divided between the parties, as when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress.
400
What are two functions of a political party?
The main purpose of political parties is to join people, who hold similar points of view about the government, together. These groups work to participate and influence the government by having members elected to a government position. Another function of a political party is to influence public opinion.
400
How have interest groups helped to democratize the U.S political system?
They have allowed the voices of people who are not politically influential to be heard.
400
What are some limitations placed on PACs?
They must raise money from 50+ contributors They may not donate more than $5000 a year to a single candidate May not donate more than 15000 to a national party per year
400
527 Group
A political group organized under section 527 of the IRS code that may accept and spend unlimited amounts of money on election activities so long as they are not spent on broadcast ads run in the last 30 days before a primary or 60 days before a general election in which clearly identified candidate is referred to and a relevant electorate is targeted.
400
Third Party
A small political party that rises and falls with a charismatic candidate or, if composed of ideologies on the right or left, usually persists over time.
500
What is the difference between a third party candidate and an independent candidate?
An Independent candidate runs without any party affiliation, while a third party candidate does.
500
What are some ways in which interest groups influence government?
Direct lobbying Testifying before Congress Socializing Political Donations Endorsements Court Action Rallying membership Propaganda
500
Who most commonly forms PACs?
Corporations, unions and trade associations.
500
Winner-Take-All system
Election system in which the candidate with the most votes wins.
500
Dealignment
Weakening of partisan preferences that points to a rejection of both major parties and a rise in the number of independents.
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