Political Ideology
A consistent set of beliefs about the role of government.
What is political ideology?
The primary function of a political party.
What is recruiting and nominating candidates?
The main goal of interest groups.
What is influencing public policy?
The election used to choose a party’s nominee.
What is a primary election?
The media role that exposes government wrongdoing.
What is the watchdog role?
The ideology favoring limited government and free markets.
What is conservatism?
A major reason party power has declined over time.
What is the rise of candidate-centered campaigns?
Direct contact with policymakers to shape legislation.
What is lobbying?
The system the U.S. uses to elect the president.
What is the Electoral College?
The ability of the media to influence which issues the public considers important.
What is agenda-setting?
The ideology supporting economic regulation and social welfare programs.
What is liberalism?
A long-term shift in party coalition support.
What is party realignment?
The alliance among an interest group, a congressional committee, and a bureaucratic agency.
What is an iron triangle?
A state either party has a realistic chance of winning.
What is a swing state?
Coverage of elections focused on polling and competition.
What is horse-race journalism?
Voting based on personal benefit rather than ideology.
What is rational-choice voting?
A major group that joined the Democratic coalition during the New Deal.
Who are urban working-class and minority voters?
The rule limiting PAC contributions to candidates.
What is the limit on direct donations?
The ruling that allowed unlimited independent spending by corporations and unions.
What is Citizens United v. FEC?
Media aimed at specific groups rather than the general public.
What is narrowcasting?
An ideology emphasizing individual liberty and minimal state intervention.
What is libertarianism?
Growing independence and weaker loyalty to political parties.
What is party dealignment?
A key advantage interest groups have over political parties.
What is a narrow policy focus with engaged membership?
An election that triggers a major shift in party coalitions.
What is a critical election?
The tendency of people to consume information that reinforces their beliefs.
What is selective exposure?