Terms I
An organization that tries to influence public policy.
Interest Group
Powers granted to the U.S. government that are spelled (written) out in the Constitution
Expressed Powers
People who are eligible to vote
Electorate
Gov branch that makes the laws
Legislative (Congress)
How does party identification develop?
Sociological factors such as income, occupation, education, gender, age, religion, ethnic background, geography, and family.
These identities of a voter influence how they vote based on their needs or the needs of those around them.
A government divided between a larger central & smaller governments
Federalism
Powers that are exercised by the federal government alone
Exclusive Powers
A firm allegiance to a political party
Partisanship
Gov branch that enforces the laws
Executive (President)
Explain what a party is and the functions it serves.
An organized group of people with similar political beliefs.
It seeks to influence public policy by getting its candidates elected to control government through winning elections and holding public office.
The redrawing of electoral district lines
Gerrymandering
Powers exercised to the nature of the power. Typically powers reserved to any states.
Inherent Powers
A group of like-minded people who meet to select candidates
Caucus
The supreme law of the land
The U.S. Constitution
What are the two main roles of 3rd parties?
1. Address new issues other major parties don't.
2. Impact elections by taking away votes from a major party.
A temporary alliance of several groups who form a working majority
A Coalition
Powers and responsibilities are divided among the legislative branch, executive branch, and judicial branch.
Separation of Powers
Largest number of votes without a majority
Plurality
Gov branch that interprets the laws based on the US Constitution.
Judicial (Supreme Court)
Authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives (Rule by the People), who are the source of all political power.
Popular Sovereignty
To influence individual or group behavior with limited/incorrect information.
Propaganda
Separating powers between national & state governments
Division of Powers
Attitudes held by a significant number of people on matters of politics
Public Opinion
Current political office holder
Incumbent
How does political socialization develop?
A process through which young people gain an understanding of the political world through their interaction with adults, peers, and the media.