Interest Groups & Lobbying
What is an Interest Group?
A private organization whose members share common interests or beliefs
What is a political party?
A group organized to control government by winning elections.
What is mass media?
Communication to large, diverse audiences.
What is rational choice theory?
Voters act to maximize policies they support.
What Primary does Idaho have?
Idaho has a closed primary meaning you have to be affiliated with a party to vote in the primary. Prop one requested an open primary meaning everyone could vote in the primary even if they were not registered with a party
What is a lobbyist?
A person hired to influence government policies.
What is front-loading in elections?
The practice of moving primaries to earlier months.
What is narrowcasting?
Targeting news to specific, smaller audiences.
What is the Downs Model?
A model that analyzes voter behavior on a 7-point scale.
What is quid pro quo?
Giving with the expectation of receiving something in return.
What is litigation in the context of interest groups?
Interest groups suing to overturn rules or laws
What is a primary election?
An election held to select party candidates
What is investigative journalism?
Reporting to uncover hidden information.
What is the responsible party model?
A party must present distinct programs and take responsibility for governing.
What is a run-off primary?
An election held between the top two candidates if no one wins a majority.
What is a PAC?
A committee that provides funding for political candidates
What is divided government?
When the President and Congress are controlled by different parties.
What is horse race journalism?
The media's focus on competitive aspects of political races.
What is the iron triangle?
A relationship between interest groups, legislative committees, and executive departments.
What is a bi-partisan campaign reform act (BCRA)?
A law that established rules for campaign financing and reporting.
What is a revolving door?
The cycle of government officials becoming lobbyists
What is electoral de-alignment?
When voters move away from identifying with political parties
What is the fairness doctrine?
An FCC rule requiring equal time for all candidates.
What is proportional representation?
A system where legislative seats are awarded in proportion to votes received.
What is market-driven journalism?
Media that responds to audience demand to determine news coverage.