Final v2.3 Flashcards
Party Platform
A political party’s statement of its goals and policies for the next four years. Drafted prior to the party convention by a committee whose members are chosen in rough proportion to each candidate’s strength. It’s the best formal statement of a party’s beliefs.
Direct mail
A high-tech method of raising money for a political cause or candidates. It involves sending information and requests for money to people whose names appear on lists of those who have supported similar views or candidates in the past.
Initiative Petition
A process permitted in some states whereby voters may put proposed changes in the state constitution to a vote if sufficient signatures are obtained on petitions calling for such a referendum.
Electoral College
A unique American institution, created by the Constitution, providing for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties. Although its vote usually reflects a popular majority, the winner-take-all rules give clout to big states.
Pluralist Theory
A theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies.
Hyper-pluralist Theory
A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened. Hyper-pluralism is an extreme, exaggerated, or perverted form of pluralism.
Free-Rider Problem
The problem faced by unions and other groups when people do not join because they can benefit from the group’s activities without officially joining. The bigger the group, the more serious the problem.
Amicus Curiae Briefs
Legal briefs submitted by a “friend of the court” for the purpose of raising additional points of view and presenting information not contained in the briefs of the formal parties. These briefs attempt to influence a court’s decision.
