Interest Groups
These are written arguments sent to the court and supporting either the plaintiff or the defendant in a case
Amicus Curiae Brief
Name 2 major parties in the United States and 2 minor ones.
Republican, Democrat
Literally anything: Libertarian, Socialist, Tea, Green, Peace and Freedom, etc...
What system is used for elections in the United States?
The Electoral College/Winner-Take All
These are short 5-15 second clips of a politician's speech
Sound Bites
This amendment gave 18 year olds the right to vote
26th Amendment
This is an organization that solicits campaign contributions and distributes them to political candidates or campaigns
Political Action Committees (PACs)
What are 2 functions of political parties?
- Nominate candidates
- Provide cues for voters
- Create policy platforms
This court case enabled corporations and other businesses to donate money based on the first amendment
Citizens United v. FEC
Intentional news leak for the purpose of assessing the political reaction
Trial Balloon
This amendment banned poll taxes
24th Amendment
This is the concept that one can benefit from the work of an interest group without actually being a member of the group
Free-Rider Problem
What are 3 issue stances of the Democratic party?
- Pro LGBTQ+
- Pro Immigration Reform
- Pro Choice
- Pro Gun Control
- Increased Taxes for Social Programs
This act banned the use of soft money in elections
McCain Feingold Act
This is where the media focuses on the drama of who is winning during presidential or other political campaigns
Horse-Race Journalism
This is the idea that your vote matters in the election
Political efficacy
This theory advocates for large amounts of interest groups and believes that they would compete equally to influence the government
What are 3 issue stances of the Republican party?
- Pro 2nd Amendment Rights
- Lower taxes
- Pro Military Spending
- Pro Devolution (less federal control)
- Pro Life
What are the two types of systems for choosing a presidential nominee in the United States?
Primaries and Caucuses
This is used by the government to suppress a news story
Prior Restraint
What two demographic groups would be more likely to vote for a Republican candidate in an election?
- Unskilled white males
- Those with higher incomes
- Evangelical Christians
Name 3 ways that an interest group can influence the political system
- Mobilize voters
- Endorse candidates
- Provide policy information
- Litigation
- Donations to campaigns
What are 3 ways that minor parties can affect politics?
- Provide alternative for voters sick of the system
- Can split votes for a certain party
What 3 things make it hard for a minor party candidate to be successful in an election?
- 5% debate rule
- Media more likely to cover major parties
- Hard to differentiate from other candidates
Name 3 ways the FCC regulates the media
- Equal-time rule/Fairness Doctrine
- Limits obscenity
- Ensures the media stays transparent and does not slander people
- Registration rules
- Voter ID laws
- Its on a workday