Media
What is media a negative way media is used in elections?
Watchdog
What is the main goal of a political party?
To win the election to control more of the government.
How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win?
270
Interest groups offering support is what?
Lobbying
Presidential candidates get government money and use it on what?
Their political campaigns in both primary and general elections.
What is media normally used for in elections?
Political advertising, as a whole campaign platform.
Why are political parties necessary?
Help compromise on important issues
What day must a winner be declared or else the Vice President takes over?
January 20
What is litigation?
They take laws into court and challenge them.
What is soft and hard money?
Soft money is given to the party and can avoid government regulations. Hard money is given directly to the candidate where limits and regulations apply.
What is media known as?
The 4th branch of government because it is used so often.
What functions do they serve?
Nominating candidates, informing and activating supporters, bonding agent, governing, and watch dog.
What is one of the major flaws in the system of the Electoral College?
Winner of the popular vote is not guaranteed to win election.
Electioneering is what?
Formed by businesses and corps, or labor unions to make donations.
Political Action Committee
What are sound bites?
Second hand clips used on TV on convey the message of an entire speech.
What is Partisanship?
Selection based on political party.
How many votes does a state get if it is a tie breaker?
In the House of Representatives each state only receives one vote.
What interest group has had the most successful court rulings?
National Rifle Association
Passed as a way to close financing loopholes that allowed soft money to influence elections.
Bi Partisan Campaign Reform Act
What is the horse race?
A focus on polling data and public perception rather than a candidates policies.
A bonding agent does what for it's candidate?
It is a background check to ensure the quality of the candidate.
If no candidate receives 270 votes who makes the decision of president?
House of Representatives
Biggest organizational spender in American Politics?
U.S Chamber of Commerce
What are the three things the FEC must do?
Disclose campaign finance information
Enforce laws on spending and collecting
Oversee public tax funds given to the presidential candidates.