Interest Groups
What is the function of interest groups?
- raise awareness of issues
- educate public on issues
- rate elected officials
- lobby elected officials
- provide information to the govt
- donate money to candidates
How does the Media influence the public?
The media provides information from which citizens make decisions..
List 2 functions of political parties.
- Recruit candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government
- Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections
- Bear the responsibility of operating government IF they are in the majority
- Provide organized opposition to the party in power
This word describes a meeting of party members designed to select candidates to run for political office.
Caucus
What is one reason why voter turnout in congressional races is lower than in presidential races?
The ONE presidential race receives more national media coverage compared to the congressional elections
Easier for the media to focus on ONE person than a large and decentralized national legislative branch
What is one way an interest group can affect the results of an election?
- by donating money to a candidate
- endorsing candidates...informs public and interest group members
- mobilize members to vote for a candidate
What form of mass media is used the most?
Television
What does “split-ticket” voting refer to?
When people vote for multiple political parties on a given ballot. For example, a voter might choose a Democrat for president, but then on the same ballot choose a Republican for the US Senate. The main idea...little party loyalty!
Why do people vote by mail?
save tax payer money
easier, less hassle
What is the benefit of a Straw Poll?
It can ask the same question for a large group.
What is the committee that is set up to raise and spend a LIMITED amount of money on campaigns and candidates? What 2002 law led to restrictions on spending?
Political Action Committee (PAC)
BCRA: McCain- Feingold or the Bi-Partisan Campaign Reform Act.
How is Mass Media different from the Internet?
The Internet allows people to post comments.
List 2 effects third parties can sometimes have on elections.
- spoiler in elections
- develop ideas that major parties adopt
- mobilize people who might not have voted for the main parties to vote for a third party candidate
Why do peers have a strong influence on voters?
Trust
If no presidential candidate was able to win a majority of electoral votes, who would decide who would be the next president?
House of Representatives
How would an interest group be described?
influences what the government does in a specific area of special interests
What is “horse race” journalism?
Media tends to focus on elections like a "horse race" in that the focus is more on who is leading in polls, making gaffes while NOT focusing on the issues very much
This word describes what the minority party does when the majority party is in control.
Watchdog
What is it called when voters in the West do not vote because the results are being announced in the East?
Time Zone Fallout
How would you describe a typical nonvoter?
Male, unskilled worker, lives in a rural area
The National Beer Wholesalers PAC gives the most money overall, but specifically to which party does the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers give? Why?
How about the American Bankers Assn? Why?
What is the connection between interest groups and political parties?
-Run campaign ads for their party's candidates
-Use social media networks to mobilize support and spread information
Both are linkage institutions.
List at least 2 reasons why the United States tends to have a Two-Party system?
-History: argued over the Constitution
-Opposite party beliefs
-Difficult for Third parties to win
What are two important amendments that gave equality in voting?
Amendment 15 -Race
Amendment 19 -Gender
In what way does a political party act as a bonding agent between themselves and the public?
The parties try hard to choose candidates that are both qualified for the office and of good character.