Interest Groups
What is lobbying?
Trying to influence lawmakers.
What does the FEC do?
Enforces campaign finance rules.
What does a gatekeeper do?
Decides what news is shown.
What is a primary?
Voters pick party candidates.
What is the coattail effect?
Big candidate helps others win.
What is the free-rider problem?
People benefit without helping.
What did the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act do?
Limited soft money.
What is horse-race journalism?
Focuses on who’s winning.
What is a caucus?
A meeting to choose candidates.
What is a PAC?
Group that donates to campaigns.
What makes an iron triangle?
Interest groups + Congress + agencies.
What did Citizens United v. FEC decide?
Corporations can spend freely.
What is the watchdog role?
Exposes wrongdoing in government.
What is winner-take-all?
Winner gets all delegates.
What is a war chest?
A candidate’s saved campaign money.
What is an issue network?
Many groups helping shape policy.
What can Super PACs do?
Spend unlimited money independently.
What is narrowcasting?
News for a small group.
What is a proportional system?
Delegates split by votes.
What are midterm elections?
Elections halfway through presidency.
What do special interest groups want?
Policies that help their cause.
What is “dark money”?
Hidden political donations.
What are editorials?
Opinion pieces in news.
Why is Super Tuesday important?
Many states vote that day.
What is the revolving door?
Officials become lobbyists after government.