What is the most important agent of political socialization?
The family
100
What is a lame duck?
A president whose term is ending soon. Someone has already been selected to taken the position.
100
What is the main news sources for all Americans?
Television
200
What is are two different benefits that congressmen receive from lobbyists?
campaign donations, source of information, assistance writing legislation, networking/connection to other groups
200
What does Duverger's Law state?
Single member districts favor two party systems; proportional representation favors multiparty systems
200
What is a caucus? Explain clearly. Which one is most important?
Meetings of state party leaders from the precinct, district, and state level used to select delegates; speeches given and votes taken at each level. Iowa caucus is most important.
200
Who can vote in a closed primary?
Only people registered in that specific political party
200
What is media consolidation?
When only a few corporations control most media outlets
300
What is the difference between social movements and interest groups?
Social movements attempt to change the opinion of society. Interest groups attempt to change/influence government policy.
300
What is party dealignment?
People no longer identify with a political party; become disengaged
300
This is choosing to access media that agrees with your individual political ideology.
Selective Exposure
300
How can the coattail effect help congressional candidates?
It helps candidates of the same political party get elected. Voters cast votes down ballot for the same political party as the president.
300
This is when the media focuses more on polling data and public perception rather than candidate policy
Horse Race Journalism
400
What was the outcome of the Citizens United Supreme Court Case?
Interest groups are considered to be people under the law and have first amendment (advertising) rights.
400
Give three examples of groups within the Republican coalition.
Conservative Christians, Pro-Life, Pro-Gun Rights, White Males, Rural voters, Southern, Business Owners, etc.
400
Voter participation is lowest in this election
Midterm Elections
400
Name three advantages incumbents have over challengers.
Name recognition, support staff, previous experience, more connections, franking (free mail)
400
What is a linkage institution?
An organization that connects the citizens to the government
500
What is an iron triangle?
The flow of money, resources, legislation, etc between lobbyists, Congress, and the federal bureaucracy.
500
Name three of the realigning elections in American History.
1824 (Jackson Democrats), 1860 (Civil War Republicans), 1896 (Progressive Republicans), 1932 (New Deal Democrats), 1968 (dissolution of the Solid South)
500
This is most common form of political activity in America.
Voting
500
What federal agency oversees campaigns and campaign finance laws?
Federal Election Commission
500
What is a negative aspect of sound bites?
They can be taken out of context and misconstrued.