Congress
How many Senators and Representatives are there?
Senators: 100
Reps: 435
Interest groups can stand for a wide-variety of beliefs, including ideas that you may not agree with. This is constitutionally acceptable due to:
The 1st Amendment: Freedom of Speech
This is the name for a state that isn't predictably won by one party or another.
Swing state or "Purple" State
What is the difference between an open and closed primary?
Open: anyone who is registered to vote can vote
Closed: must be registered with a party
Congressional term limits are identified in ______________ of the Constitution.
Article I
Representatives and Senators serve for terms that are:
Senators: 6 years
Representatives: 2 years
This problem occurs when people do not join an organization but enjoy the benefits of it.
"free rider problem"
What is the difference between a primary and a caucus if you are running for President or Congress?
Primaries: an election to decide the nominee
Caucus: an open debate to decide the nominee
Which level of government (federal/state/local) sets most of the rules with respect to elections?
State
The executive branch and electoral college are outlined in ____________________ of the Constitution.
Article II
___ of Senators are up for re-election every two years.
___ of Representatives are up for re-election every two years.
Senate: 1/3
House: ALL
Legal argument written by an interest group who is not a party in a case with the purpose of voicing their opinion on the matter. Also known as "friend of the court" brief.
amicus brief
This is the process by which people start to identify less and less with a specific political party
Dealignment
How do most states allocate their electoral votes?
"winner takes all"
Originally in the Constitution, Senators were chosen by _______________________. Now, Senators are elected by the people because of the ______________.
State Legislatures; 17th Amendment
One of the reasons that representatives have "incumbency advantage" is as a result of redrawing district lines in favor of a particular political party. This is also known as:
Gerrymandering
An iron triangle is a relation between what three types of groups?
Congressional committee, federal agency/bureaucracy, and interest groups
Mitch McConnell is one of the longest serving members of the Senate. He has continued to get elected over and over again because of name recognition, money he raises, and because of his track record. This is known as:
Incumbency Advantage
How is the number of electoral votes decided for each state re: the Electoral College.
Number of Senators in that state + representatives = number of electors
This opinion in this case held that, while drawing districts in order to get majority-minority districts is legal and encouraged, it can't be done in a completely ridiculous way that is overtly racially biased.
Shaw v. Reno
SCOTUS case that stated all voters are protected by 14th amendment to have fair voice in government (redistricting should be fair)
"One Person, One Vote" Doctrine
Baker vs. Carr
Name 3 actions interest groups can take in an attempt to influence public policy (more than three answers exist):
Lobbying, litigation/courts, helping with elections, use of media/commercials, protest, etc.
During a "realignment" in the 1930s many African Americans switched from the ________________ to _________________ party.
Went from Republican to Democrat
If there is a tie in the Electoral College,
1) Who decides the presidency and HOW?
2) Who decides the vice presidency and HOW?
House: one vote per state (50 votes total - 26 to win)
Senate: one vote per person/senator
This case held that corporations, unions and interest groups can make financial contributions to political candidates and parties through their own treasuries. Super PACs were allowed to be created due to the ruling in this case (we will cover this case again).
Citizens United v. FEC