Voting & Elections
What was the franchise, and how was voting restricted in the early years of the United States?
The franchise is the right to vote. Early voting was mostly limited to white male property owners.
What are the four linkage institutions in American politics?
What is an interest group?
An organization that tries to influence public policy without directly running candidates for office.
What is the difference between a primary election and a caucus?
Why is the media considered a linkage institution?
It connects citizens with government information and shapes public awareness of political issues.
How did Andrew Jackson and the expansion of democracy in the 1830s change voting rights?
Most states eliminated property requirements, allowing most white men to vote, greatly expanding participation.
Explain two ways political parties help candidates win elections.
Name two strategies interest groups use to influence policymakers.
Why do incumbents often have an advantage in elections?
How did radio, television, and the internet change political communication?
They allowed candidates to communicate directly with voters and expanded the speed and reach of political news.
What is the difference between retrospective voting and prospective voting?
What is a mobocracy and how does it impact the political process in a republic?
A mobocracy refers to a form of governance or decision-making where the masses (the “mob”) rule directly, often driven by emotion, impulse, or popular pressure rather than structured law, institutions, or deliberation.
How did protest movements like the Civil Rights Movement influence government policy?
They mobilized public support and pressured leaders, helping lead to laws like the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965).
Why is the Electoral College controversial?
Supporters say it protects smaller states; critics say it can allow a candidate to win without the popular vote.
What role did investigative journalism during the Progressive Era play?
Journalists exposed corruption and social problems, helping inspire reforms and regulations.
Why do debates continue about voter ID laws and access to voting?
Supporters argue voter ID prevents fraud, while critics argue it may limit access for some voters, raising concerns about participation.
What is the principle of loyal opposition?
Opposition parties criticize and challenge policies while still respecting the legitimacy of the government and democratic system.
Why are third parties sometimes called the “conscience of the nation”?
They often highlight issues ignored by major parties, such as labor rights or environmental concerns.
Why have campaign costs increased dramatically?
Campaigns now require national advertising, media outreach, and digital campaigning, making elections more expensive.
What is horse-race journalism?
Media coverage that focuses on who is winning or losing in polls rather than policy issues.
dentify three constitutional amendments that expanded voting rights and explain what each did.
Why did George Washington warn America about political parties in his Farewell Address? What did he fear would happen?
Washington feared that political parties—what he called “factions”—would divide the young nation and cause citizens to place loyalty to a party above loyalty to the country.
What is the "free rider problem" when it comes to special interest groups?
The free rider problem occurs when people benefit from the success of an interest group even though they are not members of the organization and do not contribute financially.
What was the purpose of FECA and the FEC?
How do social media algorithms and echo chambers influence political information?
They often show users content similar to their existing views, which can reinforce opinions and limit exposure to different perspectives.