Political Ideologies & Parties
What term describes someone who falls in the middle of the political spectrum?
Moderate
What voting rights amendment gave women the right to vote?
19th Amendment
How does sample size affect the accuracy of a poll’s results?
A larger sample size usually makes the poll more accurate and reduces the margin of error.
What is a group that seeks to influence public policy on a specific issue called?
Interest group
What is the term for when citizens take part in government?
Civic participation
Which group favors less government involvement in the economy and traditional social values?
Conservatives
What is the minimum age required to vote in U.S. elections?
18 years old
Why is random sampling important in scientific polling?
It ensures every person in the population has an equal chance of being selected, reducing bias.
Who are professionals hired to persuade lawmakers on behalf of interest groups?
Lobbyists
What are the two major political parties in the U.S.?
Democratic and Republican parties
What political party is generally associated with liberal views?
Democratic Party
What is the main difference between a primary election and a general election?
Primaries select party nominees; the general election decides who wins office
What is the main purpose of a public opinion poll?
To measure people’s views on issues or candidates
What is a PAC and what is its main purpose?
Political Action Committee; to raise and donate money to campaigns
What process do immigrants have to go through to gain citizenship?
Naturalization
What is the term for a consistent set of beliefs about the role of government and how society should be run?
Political ideology
Which amendment eliminated poll taxes in federal elections?
24th Amendment
What is the process through which people form their political beliefs?
Political socialization
How do interest groups influence policy other than lobbying? (4 Things)
•Lobbying
•Research and Policy Proposals
•Litigation
•Grassroots mobilization
What effect do minor parties often have on elections?
They can influence major party platforms or act as “spoilers”
What were the first two "political parties" of the United States of America?
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
How did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 expand voting rights?
It banned literacy tests and gave the federal government power to oversee elections in areas with a history of discrimination
How can question wording affect the reliability of a poll?
Poorly worded or leading questions can influence how people respond, making results less valid.
What’s the difference between an interest group and a political party?
Interest groups focus on issues; political parties aim to win elections
What is one way citizens can influence public policy without running for office?
Join an interest group, contact representatives, or organize movements