Voting Rights & Behavior
What amendment eliminated the poll tax in federal elections?
The 24th Amendment (1964).
What is a party platform?
A formal set of principal goals supported by a political party to appeal to the general public and gain support.
What is a free rider in the context of interest groups?
Someone who benefits from the group’s efforts without contributing time or money.
What is Super Tuesday?
A day when many states hold primaries/caucuses simultaneously, often determining front-runners in the presidential race.
What is horse-race journalism?
Coverage that focuses on polling data and candidate comparisons rather than policy issues.
Define prospective voting.
Voting based on predictions of how a candidate or party will perform in the future.
What is the purpose of a national party convention?
To officially nominate the presidential candidate, unify the party, and present the party platform.
What is an iron triangle?
A mutually beneficial relationship between a congressional committee, a government agency, and an interest group.
What is one major advantage of incumbency in elections?
Name recognition, established fundraising networks, and a record to campaign on.
What is the media’s role as a gatekeeper?
It decides which issues are covered and for how long, influencing the public agenda.
What was the effect of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, also known as the Motor-Voter Law?
It increased voter registration by allowing people to register when applying for or renewing a driver's license.
How does divided government influence political strategy?
It forces parties to compromise or face legislative gridlock; it can increase partisanship and decrease policy productivity.
What is the main goal of lobbying?
To influence public policy by persuading legislators and government officials.
What is the difference between open and closed primaries?
Open primaries allow any registered voter to participate, while closed primaries are limited to registered party members.
What is confirmation bias in news consumption?
The tendency to seek out information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs, often leading to ideological echo chambers.
What is political efficacy, and how does it affect voter turnout?
Political efficacy is the belief that one’s political participation matters; low efficacy often leads to voter apathy and decreased turnout.
What was the McGovern-Fraser Commission and what change did it bring?
It reformed the Democratic nomination process by increasing representation of minority groups and limiting elite control through superdelegates.
How do iron triangles differ from issue networks?
Iron triangles are stable, long-term alliances; issue networks are more fluid, often formed around a specific policy issue.
What was the significance of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?
It ruled that political spending by corporations and unions is protected under the First Amendment, leading to the rise of Super PACs.
What was the Fairness Doctrine and what happened to it?
A former FCC policy requiring broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints; it was repealed in 1987, increasing media partisanship.
Compare rational-choice and party-line voting models.
Rational-choice voting is based on a cost-benefit analysis of policy positions, while party-line voting is based on allegiance to a political party regardless of candidate.
Define party realignment and provide an example.
A significant shift in party coalition or ideology, such as the New Deal realignment of the 1930s when African Americans and working-class whites shifted to the Democratic Party.
What is the “revolving door” phenomenon in lobbying?
When former government officials become lobbyists, raising concerns about undue influence and conflicts of interest.
How does the Electoral College promote a two-party system?
The winner-take-all system in most states discourages third-party success and consolidates votes for major parties.
How does narrowcasting contribute to political polarization?
It targets specific ideological audiences, reinforcing biases and deepening divisions in public opinion.