Campaign Finance Laws
Define PACS
An organization created to influence state/federal elections. Created by businesses/unions to support candidates $5,000 limits. Money goes directly to candidates.
What s the Litmus Test?
Questions asked to gauge a nominees beliefs on important topics (abortion/immigration/death penalty/gun rights).
What are the requirements to become President?
Must be at least 35 years old, must be a natural born citizen, and must live in the U.S. for at least 14 years.
How can you win the Electoral College?
In order to win, a candidate must earn 270 electoral votes.
Why don't some people vote?
Some are unable to do to illness, some are traveling, some are in jail/prison, some believe country will be fine no matter what, some refuse to pick a candidate.
Define Super PACS
Independent Expenditure Groups do not give directly to a candidate therefore do not have any limits on spending. May spend money on issue/advertising but not connection with campaign.
What is a Tenure?
President cannot remove judges/congress may impeach however, it is a very difficult task.
Define Balance the Ticket
Usually an outsider who differs from the President ideologically and demographically.
What are major flaws of the electoral college?
Winner of the popular vote isn't guaranteed to win election, Constitution doesn't force electors to vote the way of the popular vote, and if not candidate receives 270, House of Reps. makes decision.
Define Political Socialization
The process by which people gain political attitudes and opinions.
What is the purpose of the Federal Election Commission?
The purpose is to oversee and enforce campaign finance regulations
Describe Judicial Activism
Believes the court should use its power to correct injustices and focuses on individual rights/civil rights (symbolic speech, gay marriage, free speech).
What does the Chief Executive do?
Given the executive powers of the contrary by the Constitution.
What happens if the is a tie?
The House of Reps is the tie breaker. Each state only gets 1 vote. If state Reps. can't agree on how to use it, that 1 state forfeits its vote.
Define Party Identification
Whichever party you align with, you vote for that party regardless of the candidates.
Define Sound Bites
30 second sound clips used on TV to convey the massage of an entire speech.
Describe Judicial Restraint
Limits the power of judges to strike down laws, helps keep judicial branch equal to other branches, more likely to follow Stare Decisis and following the letter of the law (written word, not the intent).
What does the Chief Administrator do?
Director of the entire federal government.
What is the Proportional Plan?
Each candidate gets the same percentage of electoral votes as popular votes.
Define Straight Ticket Voting
Selecting only members of your party for all ballot positions.
Define Horse-Race Coverage
Focus in on polling data and public perception rather than candidate policies.
Who are democrats and republicans more likely to nominate?
Democrats- More likely to nominate liberal activists, also more likely to include women/minorities.
Republicans- More likely to nominate conservative/restraint usually nominate white males.
What does the Commander in Chief do?
Leader of the armed forces.
What is a pro and con of Direct Power Elections?
Pro- Accurately represents what the people want.
Con- You could still get a tie. Lose insurance policy.
Define Slip Ticket Voting
Selecting people of different political parties for different positions on your ballot.