interest groups
what is an interest group?
a group of people that seeks to influence public policy on the basis of a particular common interest or concern
What are public and mass media appeals?
When interest groups appeal to 'the public interest'
What is a political Party?
A group of persons organized to acquire and exercise political power.
What is Campaign Finance
The funds raised to promote candidates, political parties, or policy initiatives and referendum.
What is the electoral college.
An electoral college is a set of electors who are selected to elect a candidate to particular offices
What is an Economic Interest Group?
Economic Interest Groups groups advocate for the economic interest and benefits of their members.
What are the influences on rule making?
Interest Groups can influence the media to make a decision for a new policy or rule to be made.
What is the Primary Purpose of the two major American political parties?
To control government through winning election to public office
Where does the money for campaign finance come from?
Public financing and government money
How many electors are in the electoral college?
There are 538 electors.
What are Single-Issued groups?
What is litigation?
A lawsuit is a proceeding by a party or parties against another in the civil court of law
What are the roles/functions of political parties?
Nominate candidates, rally their supporters, participate in government, act as a "bonding agent" for their own officeholders, and act as a watchdog over the other party.
what does FEC stand for?
Federal Election Commission
How many votes does a candidate need to win?
270 or more to vote.
What are Public Sector Interest Groups?
Public interest groups advocate for what they consider to be the public good.
What influence do election activities have?
Election Activities allow voters to become more involved and influenced as it gets closer to the election.
What is a watchdogs role?
A group that watches the activities of a particular part of government in order to report illegal acts or problems.
What is the purpose of FEC?
To oversee and enforce campaign finance regulations. This includes enforcing laws on spending and collections, discoing campaign finance information, and overseeing public funds given to presidential candidates
What is a popular reform proposal?
The automatic plan, which would award electoral votes automatically and on the current winner-take-all basis in each state
why are interest groups important?
Interest groups send representatives to state capitals and to Washington, D.C. to put pressure on members of Congress and other policymakers
What is Cooperative Lobbying?
A mutually dependent relationship among interest groups, congressional committees and subcommittees, and government agencies that share a common policy concern
Describe the role of minor parties in US politics?
They can play a spoiler role in elections by taking critical votes from a major party. -They can also be the first to bring key issues to public attention with their campaigns.
What is The Bi-Partisan Campaign Reform Act?
It was passed as a way to try and close these financial loopholes that allowed soft money to influence elections.
What does the Electoral College do for the people?
When citizens cast their ballots for president in the popular vote, they elect a slate of electors. Electors then cast the votes that decide who becomes president of the United States.