Media
Special Interest Groups
Campaign Finance
Political Parties
Electoral Process
100

A 30 second sound clips used on TV to convey the message of an entire speech.

What is a sound bite?

100

Organizations of people who have policy goals and try to influence policymakers to accomplish these goals.

What is Interest group?

100

Money given directly to candidates where limits and regulations apply.

What is hard money?

100

A group of people who seek to control the government through winning elections. 

Usually share common opinions on important topics.

What is political party?
100

Candidates selected by those already in Washington D.C.

What is caucus?

200

An unofficial release of confidential information to the media. 

What is leaking?

200

A method used to affect policy making which forces things to be taken to court (lawsuits).

What is litigation?

200

Political donations given to the party that can avoid government regulations.

What is soft money?

200

Criticizes political party in power. 

Provides scrutiny and criticism (sometimes unfair) about the ruling politicians who differ from their party.

What is watchdog function?

200
  • All voters can participate

  • 36 States have open primaries

  • Tend to get more moderate candidates

What is Open Primary?

300

Focus is on polling data and public perception rather than candidate policies.

What is horse-race coverage?

300

The largest special interest group in the United States?

What is NRA?

300

An organization created to influence state/federal elections. Created by business/unions to support candidates $5,000 limits. Money goes directly to the candidate. 

What is PACS?

300

Political parties provide a ____ (middle man) between the citizens and the government. 

What is Link?

300
  • Only party voters can participate

  • 14 states have closed.

  • Extreme candidates

What is Closed Primary?

400

Newspapers, radio, television, blog, internet... is a type of ?

What is media source?

400

The act of paying for tv ads, etc, to raise support. 

What is electioneering?

400

Independent Expenditure Groups Do not give directly to a candidate therefore do not have any limits on spending. May spend money on issues/advertising but not in connection with the campaign. 

What is Super PACS?

400
  • Helps ensure a good performance of its candidate.

  • Background checks and ensures the quality of candidates. 

What is Bonding Agent?

400

In order prove you are a legitimate candidate with a chance to win - 

You need to have 10% of the number of voters to sign off based on the numbers of the last voter turnout. 

What is 10% rule?

500

Fill in the blank: The media is a key ________ institution between the people and policy makers. 

What is linkage?

500
  • Bring lawsuits against the government

  • Make donations to candidates

  • Influence lawmakers (lobbying)

  • Advertise issues on media/social media

  • Contribute to campaign ads (tv/radio)

are all ?


What is main functions of interest groups?

500
  • Gives wealthy people/groups an unfair advantage in electing candidates they support

  • Impacts who votes/impacts who can run as a candidate

  • Impacts the information voters get about candidates (based on ads that are shown on both sides)

  • Impacts public perception on ethics of buying candidates and was passed after elections

are all?....


What is money influence on democracy?

500
  • Nominating Candidates

  • Informing, and activating supporters

  • Bonding Agent

  • Governing

  • Watchdog

What is Five Functions of Political Parties?

500
  • Self announcement

  • Caucus

  • Convention

  • Direct primary

  • Petition

are all?...


What is candidate nomination?