(Principles)
Define representative democracy
A system of government which people elect representatives to make laws and decisions for them
How have voting rights changed over time?
Laws and amendments have expanded access to voting for citizens.
What is gerrymandering?
Drawing district lines by a political party to give it an unfair advantage over other parties
What are interest groups?
A group of people with common interests who organize to influence government to promote their point of view
Define Consent of the Governed?
The people give authority (consent) to the government to rule and make laws
What were the original requirements to vote when the country was founded.
21years old
Own 50 acres of land
White
Man
What is the purpose of a Primary election?
Bonus 100+
What is the difference between a closed and an open primary
Where each political party has an election to determine who will be their nominee in the general election.
Open primary
- A person can vote despite their political affiliation
Closed primary
- You can only vote in the primary that aligns with your political party.
What are lobbyists?
A representative of an interest group who directly contacts government officials to influence policy.
What is a Referendum?
a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision.
What Amendment gave women the right to vote?
19th
How do referendums allow citizens to influence the political system
It allows voter's to vote directly on bills directly.
What is the difference between a political party and an interest group
Political parties nominate candidates for office; they want to be in government. (focused on many issues)
Interest Groups are private organizations who works to influence people in government(focused on one issue).
What is Federalism
+Bonus 100
- If something was happening at your school, which level of government would be the most effective to lobby for change? Explain why.
National, state, local.
The division of government power between a National State and local government
Local.
What are exit polls and what is one problem with polling
Exit polls are surveys based on interviews with voters as they leave (or exit) their balloting locations.
One problem with polling in general is that it is not always accurate. and may promote incorrect results. For example; Not all people may be represented.
Why are third parties important?
They popularize and bring attention to important issues.
What role does media have on elections?
They decide what issues and candidates receive the most attention and therefore who/ what the public sees the most of.
Who is our Governor and Congressman
+100 per if you can name
- Senator (2)
- County Executive
Wes Moore & Jamie Raskin
Senator
- Chris Van Hollen
- Angela Alsobrooks
County Exec.
- Marc Elrich
Describe the court case and impact of Baker v. Carr.
Tennessee had not updated their district lines in decades despite being legally required too. Voter's in rural areas had more influence than voters in urban areas.
The outcome of the case created the principle of one person one vote.
What is the difference between reapportionment and redistricting?
Redistricting:
the state legislators divide the state into Congressional Districts
Reapportionment: the 435 seats in the House of Representatives are divided proportionally amongst the states.
What is the difference between a PAC and a Super Pac
PAC
- Can coordinate with candidates
- Limit on how much money they can accept
- Interest groups cannot donate
Superpac
- Cannot coordinate with candidate
- No limit on donations
- Interest groups can donate.