Chapter 6-10 Flashcards
Core constituencies of the republican
Mid education More wealthy Evangelical/Mormon White Make South east, northwest Older Rural
Core constituencies of the democratic
Least and most educated people Less wealthy Non religious, Jews, other religion Black, Hispanic, Latino Women North east, pacific coast Younger Urban
Contrast political platforms of democrats and republicans
Democrats are liberal
Republican are conservative
Compare and contrast modern American conservative and liberal ideologies in economic and social policy
Liberals- government should have more intervention, equality for all, government alleviate social problems and protect civil liberties
Conservative- personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberties and freedom to Pursue own goals
How do interest groups differ from political parties and how they are same
S- both want to change government policy and influence it
D- they don’t run for office (govt do) interest groups have narrow views (govt party take stands on all problems)
Intrest groups indorse the political party
What are political action committees
They are an organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation, especially on the federal level
What is an 527 organization
It is a type of U.S. tax exempt organization organized under section 527 of the U.S. Internal revenue code
They were created primarily to influence the selection and nomination or defeat of the candidates of office
Direct strategies of interest groups
Setting up private meeting with lawmakers Providing information to decision makers Assisting law makers Litigation Protesting and demonstrations Talking to media
Indirect strategies of lobbyist
Constituent lobbying (calling, writing, email legislators)
Going through third party people to influence
Media ads
Incumbents enjoy advantages over their challengers in elections because
They are well known
They have experience
They have Credentials
Voter turnout in presidential election
High because people tend to think it is more important and media cover it a lot
Voter turnout in mid term elections and local elections
People tend to think it is less important and the media doesn’t cover it as much
Why has voter turnout declined since 1950s
Decrease in trust in government
Gridlock (just bickering)
Perception of wasted money in campaigning
Apathy
Don’t know who to trust (due to conflicting ads)
What is a single party system
Single political party has the right to form the government usually based on existing constitution
What is a two party system
System where two parties typically holds a majority in legislature and is usually referred as the majority party while others are refers to minor party
(Two parties have a legitimate shot)
What is a multi party system
System in which multiple political parties have capacity to gain control of government office, separately or in coalition
Why the U.S. Has had an enduring two party system
Traditional and nobody like change
Minor parties don’t stand a chance
Plurality
Two parties have legitimate shot at winning
Distinguish between various types of third parties and or minor parties: names some
Ideological third parties (socialist party in 1901-1972)
Libertarian party
Green Party
Splinter party
Explain function of third parties in a two party system
Third parties can influence one of the major parties to take up one or more issues
Can determine outcome of particular election by pulling votes from on major party (“spoiler effect”)
Describe obstacles minor parties face in American system
Electoral collage (plurality)
Gain certain amount of federal funds
Ballot access (go to every state)
Don’t get to participate in presidential debate
What is the purpose of national party conventions
Select president and Vice President candidates, write party platform, chops national committee and conduct party business
Function of political parties
Recruit candidates for office
Organize and run elections
Presenting alternative policies to electorate
Accepting responsibilities for operating the government
Acting as opposition to party in power
What is the relationship with political position whether a person votes
Older, white, richer, smarter
News stories do media tend to focus on during election campaign
Updates on candidates
Opinion polls
Debates
Horse races
What is a open primary
Type in which any register voter can vote for either ballot but only vote for one
Closed primary
You can only vote for candidates of the party of which you is member of
Blanket primaries
Where you can vote for either party you want
Caucus
A meeting of party members designed to select candidates and propose policies
What is Realignment
Process in which a substantial group of voter switches party allegiance, providing a long term change in political landscape
What is Dealignment
Decline in party loyalties that reduce long term party commitment