Ideologies
What are the two predominant ideologies in U.S. politics?
Liberalism and Conservatism
What are the two predominant political parties in U.S. politics
Democrats and Republicans
What is straight ticket voting?
only voting for one political party for every office up for election
What is the difference between a PAC and a Super PAC?
Super PACs can spend unlimited amounts as long as it doesn't go directly to the candidate.
What ideology is considered to be the furthest left AND right on the political spectrum?
Left: Communism
Right: Fascism
What is a linkage institution?
channels that connect citizens to government
What are the 3 universal requirements to vote?
Citizenship
Residency: must live in the state where you vote.
Age: 18+
What is lobbying?
When members of interest groups communicate with legislators directly to influence them to pass laws that meet their group’s interests.
What is the life cycle effect?
The influence of a person’s age and stage of life on their political views.
What is a splinter party?
Small parties that have broken away from the two major parties.
What is ballot fatigue?
when voters become overwhelmed by the number of choices on the ballot and choose to not vote or not completely fill out their ballot
What is the difference between hard money and soft money?
Hard money is more regulated and goes directly to the candidate.
Soft money does not go directly to the candidate.
What is the Generation effect?
The impact of historical events on the political views of a generation.
Give an example of an ideological 3rd party in U.S. politics. (Can be historical)
Libertarian, Green, etc.
What is the typical range of voter turnout in a Presidential Election?
40-60%
What is an iron triangle?
a mutually beneficial relationship among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups