Media
When the media tells some stories and not others, what "role" are they playing?
what is agenda setting
This theory of government holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power by any one group. This is one argument in favor of interest groups.
what is pluralism
This is the name for a state that isn't predictably won by one party or another.
what is a swing state, battleground state, purple state
What is the difference between an open and closed primary? Explain both
Open: anyone who is registered to vote can vote
Closed: must be registered with a party
This piece of legislation banned soft money. Much of it was overturned through the course of several court cases one being Citizens United.
what is BCRA (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act) (McCain-Feingold Act) 2002
The slanting of political news coverage in support of a particular party or ideology
what is partisan bias
This problem occurs when people do not join an organization but enjoy the benefits of the organization's efforts.
what is a free rider
What is the goal during the PRIMARY process if you are running for president?
what is to become the party's presidential candidate at the convention
Which level of government (federal/state/local) sets most of the rules with respect to elections?
what is state
This SCOTUS case held that redistricting is a justiciable issue and opened the door to legislative redistricting having to be done as closely tied to population of a state as possible.
what is Baker v. Carr (1962)
NY Times v. US was a case that focused primarily on what type of journalism?
what is investigatory journalism
Legal argument written by an interest group who is not a party in a case with the purpose of voicing their opinion on the matter.
what is an amicus curiae brief
This is the process by which people start to identify less and less with political parties altogether
what is dealignment
How do most states allocate their electoral votes?
Bonus if you can name the two states that do not allocate electoral votes in this fashion.
what is winner take all
Nebraska & Maine
This piece of legislation banned practices designed to keep African Americans from voting, such as literacy tests.
what is the Voting Rights Act of 1965
The election of 1960, specifically the debate between JFK and Nixon, brought to light the new influence of which type of media?
what is the television
An iron triangle is a relation between what three types of groups?
what is congressional committee, federal agency, interest group
These organizations have the ability to spend unlimited funds as it pertains to "soft" money donations helping a candidate during a campaign cycle.
what are Super PACs
At what election event do people meet to discuss on vote on delegates to send to convention for a candidate?
what is a caucus
This opinion in this case held that, while drawing districts in order to get majority-minority districts is legal and encouraged, it can't be done in a completely ridiculous way.
what is Shaw v. Reno
Which role does media play MOST OFTEN during elections choosing to report on the candidates standings in the polls as opposed to substantive policy debates?
what is horse-race journalism
Name 2 actions interest groups take in attempts to influence public policy
what are lobbying, litigation, use of media, protest, etc.
During the last realignment after the 1932 election, what happened to the party affiliation of the "solid south"?
what is realignment from Democratic to Republican support
If there is a tie in the Electoral College,
1) Who decides the presidency and HOW?
Bonus if you know who decides the vice presidency and HOW
House: one vote per state
Senate: one vote per senator
This case held that corporations and unions can make financial contributions to political candidates and parties through their own treasuries, overturning parts of the Buckley case. Super PACs were allowed to be created due to the ruling in this case.
what is Citizens United v. FEC