Political Parties
What are the two main political parties?
Democrat and Republican.
Do interest groups influence the public?
Yes.
What are two forms of donations?
Public and Private donations.
What does a watchdog do?
Watchdogs watch over those we elect to oversee our national and local governments for the citizens.
Does the Electoral College play a part in the presidential election?
Why do political parties work with media and campaigns?
To help gain followers and/or boost their votes.
What is the main thing interest groups do?
Work to get laws passed.
What consists of private donations?
Individual donations and PACS.
What are the three main sources of media?
Print, Broadcast, and Internet media.
What is the Electoral College?
A body of people representing the states of the U.S., who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.
Who do political parties compete with?
They compete with other political parties.
What are things interest groups affect public policymaking?
Lobbying, electioneering, litigation, and gaining public support.
What consists of public donations?
Can be from taxpayers choosing to donate extra money each year to government-funded campaigns, government money, and/or your tax dollars.
Fill in: The rise of "_____" has not brought about an "_____" as media is superficial about important policy issues.
"information society" and "informed society".
How are Electoral College votes determined?
Electoral votes are allocated among the States based on the Census and every state is allocated a number of votes equal to the number of senators and representatives in its U.S. Congressional delegation.
What is a political party?
Is an organization made up of individuals who organize to win elections, operate government, and influence public policy.
What is an interest group?
A group of people that seeks to influence public policy on the basis of particular common interests or concerns.
What is hard and soft money?
Hard Money = Money that is given directly to candidates where limits and regulations apply
Soft Money = Political donations given to the party that can avoid government regulations
What is the main reason for using media?
To help gain followers and boost votes.
What is an example of the Electoral College?
An example of a system in which an executive president is indirectly elected, with electors representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
What are the main functions of a political party?
To put forward candidates by parties to contest in elections, making laws for a country, and/or forming and running governments.
What are the functions of an interest group?
To bring lawsuits against the government, make donations to candidates, influence lawmakers (lobbying), advertise issues on media/social media, and/or contribute to campaign ads.
For a public donation, what must be done in order for a candidate to use the funds?
Must earn $5,000 per state in over 20 states.
Why is media biased affecting people's views and beliefs?
It affects by making it hard and/or harder to identify what is being said about a candidate, political party, etc. and if that information being said is true or false.
What are some weaknesses of the Electoral College?
Is considered "undemocratic", permits the election of a candidate who does not win the majority of the votes, and the winner-takes-all system disregards the votes of the losing candidates in each state.