American Government Final 2 Flashcards
Naturazalition
the legal process through which a person not granted citizenship by birth can become a citizen of that country.
Public Policy
a plan of course of action by government to achieve a stated goal.
Political Party
an organization that seeks to achieve power by electing its members to public office.
Platform
a political party’s statement of principles and objectives.
Primary Elections
an election in which voters determine their party’s nominee for an elective office.
Midterm Election
refers to a type of staggered election where the members take office at the middle of the term of another set of members, or of the executive.
Off-Term Election
Five states elect their respective governors to four-year terms during off-year elections
Presidential election
Elections for President and Vice President of the United States are indirect elections in which voters cast ballots for a slate of electors of the U.S.
Open Primary
a direct primary election in which voters need not meet a test of party membership.
Closed Primary
a direct primary in which only persons meeting tests of party membership may vote.
Parsitian
the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it
Non partisan
not biased or partisan, esp. toward any particular political group.
Political Socialization
The process by which people form their political values and attitudes.
Lobbyist
an org. effort to influence the policy process by persuading public officials to favor or opposes action on a specific issue.
Interest Groups
and organized group whose members share a common goal and try to promote their interests by influencing government policy making and decision making.
Mass Media
means of communication that reach a large audience.
Political Spin
The deliberate shading of information about a person or an event in attempt to influence how it is responded in the media.
Sufferage
the right to vote, especially in a political election.
BattleGround State
a state of the U.S. in which the Democratic and Republican candidates both have a good chance of winning
How can one become an american citizen?
- Permanent residency
- Application
- Interview
- Test
- Ceremony
What are the functions/ goals of political parties?
Nominate candidates, inform and activate supporters, set goals, govern, and act as watchdogs
In which types of election is voter turnout the highest? why?
Open- a party’s nominating election in which any qualified voter can cast a ballot.
What are the basic beliefs of liberals? Compare these to the beliefs of conservatives.
Libertarianism- An ideology based on a strong belief in personal freedom.
Conservatism- More traditional. This usually is associated with the Republican Party today.
Explain the american two party system. Explain how each party’s platforms reflect a conservative or liberal ideology.
This can be traced back to the ratification of the constitution.
- The Federalists orkes to create a stronger national government
Americans Parties and Four major Eras; Democrats (1800-1860), Republicans (1860-1932), Return of the Democrats (1932-68), start of a new era (nixon)
