Core Values
What is individualism?
The belief that individuals should be responsible for themselves and their actions.
What is a primary?
Elections that allow voters to select party nominees for a general election.
What is voter turnout?
The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast ballots in an election.
What is hard money?
This type of contribution is given directly to a candidates campaign and is limited in the amount of money given.
What is party polarization?
The movement of political views becoming more extreme, allowing less compromise between parties, which is harmful for democracy.
What is limited government?
The belief that the power of the government should be restricted, and the individual rights of the people are protected against government overreach.
What is one tactic parties use?
Political mobilization, providing support/expertise to candidates, providing opposition to opposing party (if not in power)
Explain each of the following voting behaviors:
Retrospective voting, prospective voting, rational choice voting, party-line voting
Retrospective- voting based on a candidate’s past actions
Prospective- voting based on a candidate’s promises
Rational Choice- voting based on self-interest
Party-Line- voting based on a person’s political party
What is the difference between soft money and hard money?
This type of contribution is given directly to a candidates campaign and is limited in the amount given.
What has the most influence on a person's political ideology?
A person's family has the most influence on his/her political ideology.
What is rule of law?
The belief that no one is above the law, and laws should apply equally to everyone.
What are the roles of the media? Describe them as well.
Watchdog- report on scandals
Gatekeeper- choose what to report on
Scorekeeper- determine winners in elections
What is the difference between straight-ticket voting and split-ticket voting?
Straight-ticket voting is when someone only votes for candidates of the same party while split-ticket voting is when someone votes for candidates of different parties.
What is a Super PAC?
An organization that can raise unlimited money but cannot contribute directly to candidates or parties.
What are 3 liberal perspectives? State 1 Social, 1 Economic, and 1 Budget.
1. Pro-choice
2. Higher taxes
3. More money allocated towards education/healthcare
What is free enterprise?
The belief that government should only play a small role in the economy, which is related to capitalism.
What are interest groups? Provide one tactic they use as well.
Organizations of people that share common goals or interests. One tactic is lobbying.
What are the constitutional amendments that
A. removed the poll tax?
B. lowered the voting age to 18?
A. 24th Amendment
B. 26th Amendment
What is the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)? Provide 2 facts.
1. Banned soft money
2. "I approve this ad"
3. Added regulations to how close ads could be to elections
What are 3 conservative perspectives?
1 Social, 1 Economic, 1 Budget
1. Pro-life
2. Decrease taxes and government intervention
3. More money allocated towards defense
What is equality of opportunity?
The belief that everyone should have an equal chance to succeed.
What is grassroots lobbying?
A tactic used by interest groups that involves mobilizing the general public to influence public policy.
What are five factors that contribute to the likelihood of someone voting?
Age, race, gender, socio-economic status (SES), and political efficacy
Describe the case Citizens United v. FEC (2010) with at least 3 specific things.
1. Money = speech
2. Struck down parts of the BCRA
3. Corporations are like people
What is the difference between a political ideology and political socialization?
Political ideology refers to a person's set beliefs about government and society while political socialization is the process through which people’s political views are shaped by experiences and influences.