Media
What is mass media referred to in the government?
The 4th branch of government
TRUE OR FALSE?
Interest groups are in political parties and only rely on those in their party.
FALSE
their primary objective is to get what they want and they don't care about the difference in political parties.
What is the difference between hard and soft money?
hard money is given directly to candidates and is limited in amount and regulated apply.
Soft money is political donations given to the party to avoid government regulations, it is unlimited in amount.
What are the 2 big political parties and what symbol and color represent them?
Democrat (blue donkey)
Republican (red elephant)
How many electoral votes does it take a candidate to win?
270
What is media bias?
When news outlets put candidates in a good or bad light due to the candidate they support.
What are interest groups goal?
They influence policy makers to pass a policy they want.
What is the difference between PACS and Super PACS
PACS- AN organization created to influence state/federal elections. Created by businesses/unions to support candidates, $5,000 limit, money goes directly to candidate
Super PACS- Independent expenditure groups do not give directly to a candidate therefore do not have any limits on spending. May spend money on issues/advertising but not in connection with the campaign
What are political parties?
a group of people who seek control the government through winning elections
How man votes does each state get when there's a tie breaker?
1
What can the media create?
Advertising, media events, horse race coverage, and soundbites
What is the highest interest group?
The NRA
What was the Bi partisan campaign reform act?
it passed as a way to try and close financing loopholes that allowed soft money to influence elections.
How are political parties necessary?
they help compromise take place on important issues
help display the true opinions of the American public
What are 3 major flaws with the electoral college?
Winner of popular vote isn’t guaranteed to win election
Constitution doesn’t force electors to vote the way of the popular vote
If no candidate receives 270 votes, house of reps make the decision
How can politicians influence the media?
staging, spinning, leaking
What do interest groups do to influence policy makers?
lobbying, electioneering, litigation, public support
What was the creation of the FEC?
1. Must disclose campaign finance information
2. Enforce laws on spending and collections
3. Oversee public funds given to presidential candidates
What do political parties do?
They are major mechanism behind the creation of policies and leadership choices
They provide a link (middle man) between the citizens and the government
5 out of 45
What 3 essential roles does the media have?
What do interest groups do?
bring lawsuits against the government, make donations to candidates, lobbying, advertise issues, and contribute to campaign ads
What was Buckley V Valeo (1976)?
It was to influence politicians to not use our tax dollars.
What functions do political parties serve?
nominating candidates, informing and advocating supporters, bonding agent, governing, watchdog
what are the proposed reforms?
district plan, proportional plan, and direct popular election