what is an open primary vs. a closed primary?
closed primaries must be a registered voter to vote for the party first while open primaries are where voters aren´t required to declare party affiliation
what is a watchdog?
An individual or group that monitors the activities of another entity (such as an individual, corporation, non-profit group, or governmental organization) on behalf of the public to ensure that entity does not behave illegally or unethically
what is hard money?
political donations given directly to candidates where limits and regulations apply
how does the formal amendment process reflect the idea of federalism?
It helps define the relationship between federal and state governments
what was the purpose of writing our constitution?
to create political institutions, assign or divide powers in the gov, and often provide certain guarantees to citizens
how many electoral college votes does it take to win?
270
what is agenda-setting and cutting?
the idea that news media creates agenda by making people think things they want them to show. agenda cutting is where deserving news topics are neglected
what is soft money?
political donations given to the party that can avoid government regulations
what amendment protects the rights of the accused?
the 6th amendment
when was the constitution made
1787
why should the electoral college be replaced?
popular vote winners should never lose the election, distorts the results of presidential elections, no incentive to campaign in "safe" states, discourages voter turnout in "safe" states
what is bias?
personal opinion over scientific facts
what is a Super PAC?
independent expenditure groups that do not give directly to a candidate, therefore, do not have any limits on spending. May spend money on issues/ advertising but not in connection with the campaign
which amendments protect the rights of women?
19,24
what is the commerce clause?
the commerce clause gives congress the power to “regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the native american tribes”
what are the two main reasons for people not to vote?
some don’t vote because they believe the country will be fine no matter what
others don’t vote because they don’t like any candidate and refuse to choose one
what is the mass media?
the entire array of organizations through which info is collected and disseminated to the general public
why was the FEC established?
to administer and enforce the Federal Election Campaign Act. That statute limits the sources and amounts of contributions used to finance federal elections and requires public disclosure of the funds raised and spent
which amendments protect the rights of racial minorities?
15,24,14,13
what is the supremacy clause?
states that the constitution and laws of the U.S shall be the supreme law of the land
how does the electoral college work?
what is framing in the media?
the process by which a news organization defines a political issue and consequently affects opinion about the issue
what is the Bi-Partisan Reform Act?
Passed as a way to try and close financing loopholes that allowed soft money to influence elections, also increased donations
when were the first 10 amendments passed?
1791
what are the basic of article 1 in the constitution?
creates the Congress to make laws; divides Congress into a Senate and House of Representatives; establishes eligibility requirements for each office; lists some powers of Congress; and places limits the legislative branch.