Political Parties (5ab)
What is a political party?
An organized group of voters who are trying to influence the government by winning elections
What is “bias”?
Only giving one side of a story, or strongly favoring one side over another
What do the letters in “PAC” stand for?
Political Action Committee
What must a person do before he or she can vote?
Register
What is the “Electoral College”?
The group that casts the official votes for president and vice-president.
What is a “third party”?
A minor political party; a party that is neither Democrat or Republican
What is “propaganda”?
A systematic attempt to change someone’s opinion by influencing their emotions
What is the main function of a PAC/Super PAC?
They collect money from donors and use it to help candidates and political parties win elections.
Name two requirements necessary when you want to register to vote in Virginia.
You must be: a citizen of the U.S, 18 years old, a resident of Virginia and your voting precinct.
How do we determine how many electoral votes each state receives?
Electoral College numbers are based on each state’s representation in Congress
What are the three reasons why third parties usually form?
1. To introduce new ideas or focus on certain issues. 2. To support a particular person. 3. To take votes away from the two major parties
Name two ways that people can evaluate campaign advertisements in order to be informed voters.
Separate fact from opinion; Detect bias; Evaluate sources; Identify propaganda
Rising campaign costs have led to ______ ______ ______.
Campaign finance reform
Name three ways that a person can register to vote in Virginia?
1. By mailing in an application. 2. In person at the Voter Registrar’s Office. 3. At the DMV. 4.Online
What is the “electoral vote”?
The official vote for President and Vice-President as given by the Electoral College
Name two of the four functions of political parties
1. Recruit and nominate candidates. 2. Educate the electorate. 3. Help candidates win. 4. Monitor actions of officeholders
State two roles that the mass media plays during an election.
Identify candidates; Emphasize selected issues; Write editorials, political cartoons and op-ed pieces; Broadcast different points of view
What major change has occurred because of campaign finance reform laws?
There are now limits on how much money an individual may donate to a candidate.
Name the four reasons why some citizens fail to vote
1. Failure to register. 2. Lack of interest. 3. Belief that their vote doesn’t count. 4. They are too busy.
How many votes are needed to win the Electoral College?
270 votes
Why do political parties try to reflect both liberal and conservative views?
In order to attract voters from both sides and get more votes so they can win elections
Why must a person evaluate the source when viewing a campaign ad?
To make sure that it is a trustworthy, reliable source providing the information
What are three of the five effects of rising campaign costs?
1. PACs are formed. 2. Rich people have an advantage. 3. Interest groups have more influence. 4. Chances to run are limited. 5. Extensive fundraising is needed.
Name the three factors that predict which citizens are more likely to vote.
Education, Income, Age
When a candidate wins a state in the electoral college, they receive all that state’s electoral votes. What is the name for this type of system?
Winner-take-all system