Political Parties
What is the main goal of a political party in the United States?
To win elections and influence government policy.
What is an interest group?
A private organization that seeks to influence public policy on specific issues.
What is civic participation?
Active involvement in political and community life.
What is the main function of the media in a democracy?
To inform the public about government and current events.
What is propaganda?
Media designed to influence opinions or behavior using emotion rather than facts.
What are two major political parties in the U.S.?
Democratic and Republican.
What is the role of a lobbyist?
To communicate with lawmakers and advocate for policies on behalf of an interest group.
Give two examples of civic participation besides voting.
Volunteering, signing petitions, attending meetings, advocacy.
What does it mean when the media acts as a “watchdog”?
It investigates and exposes government wrongdoing or corruption.
Name one propaganda technique.
Fear, pride, repetition, bandwagon, glittering generalities, or appeal to authority.
What does it mean for a party to act as a “watchdog”?
It means the party not in power monitors and criticizes the actions of the party in power.
Give one example of an interest group and its focus.
NRA – gun rights; ACLU – civil liberties; Sierra Club – environment.
What is a “civic duty”?
A responsibility citizens have to their government and community, such as obeying laws or serving on a jury.
What is media bias?
The tendency of media outlets to favor one perspective or political side.
Why is social media both helpful and harmful for democracy?
It spreads information quickly but also spreads misinformation and polarization.
What is the difference between a liberal and conservative ideology?
Liberals favor more government involvement in solving social problems; conservatives favor limited government and personal responsibility.
What is one benefit and one criticism of lobbying?
Benefit: provides expertise and representation. Criticism: gives too much power to wealthy groups.
Why is it important for citizens to evaluate sources before participating in political discussions or campaigns?
Because misinformation can distort decision-making and weaken democracy.
What tools can citizens use to check if a news story is accurate?
Fact-checking sites like Snopes or PolitiFact.
What is “confirmation bias”?
The tendency to believe information that confirms one’s existing beliefs.
How can third parties influence American politics even if they rarely win elections?
They can introduce new ideas and pressure major parties to address specific issues.
How did the “Power of the Lobby” simulation show how influence works in government?
You saw that resources and persuasion affect whether a lawmaker supports or opposes a bill.
Why is informed participation essential in a democracy?
Because democracy relies on citizens who understand issues and make educated choices.
How does “framing” affect how people interpret the news?
The way information is presented can shape opinions and highlight certain values or emotions.
How does the media shape the political agenda?
By choosing which issues to highlight and how to present them.