Political beliefs and behaviors Flashcards
Why do third parties fail in the US?
1) How elections are funded.
2) Most Americans are moderate.
3) Long eras of economic stability.
single-issue group
A group which focuses on only one issue.
socialism
The idea that the citizens of a republic should control the means of production.
liberalism
Support the government in taking a central role in promoting economic development and social welfare.
populism
A belief which takes on either liberal or conservative values, and focuses on the success of movements of people over government.
conservatism
Support the ideas of economic competition and free enterprise. They oppose socialist programs, but support government control over social issues such as school prayer and gay marriage.
libertarianism
Very supportive of broad economic and social freedoms.
Neo-conservatives
Neocons: modern, more libertarian conservatives that emphasize the need for a strong defense, open competition in economic markets, and free world trade.
Bible Belt conservatives
Theocons: Dislike central government, yet support prayer in school. Key to Republican support. They see liberalism as attacking family values and individualism.
Dixiecrats
Southerners who remained conservative, but were loyal to the Democratic party from about 1880 to 1980.
New Deal liberals
Favor heavy government involvement in the economy. They support unions, social security, and believe the government should promote equality.
Greens
Feminists, environmentalists, civil rights liberals- distrust big business and the major parties. Support social equality and environmental protection.
Rust Belt
The region including the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and eastern Midwest, where American industry was concentrated until declining in the 1970s. This has been a Democratic stronghold since the days of the New Deal.
Sun Belt
The South and Southwest- very rapidly growing, states rights supporters, Republican party stronghold.
Farm Belt
Midwest- historically always known for its conservatism.
West Coast
High levels of immigration, liberal lifestyles, and environmental concerns make this area a Democratic bastion.
Southern strategy
Made popular by the Nixon campaign. Republicans played to racial divisions and tensions to steal traditionally Democratic states.
political efficacy
The sense that one can make a difference through political participation.
internal efficacy
The sense that one can understand and therefore participate in politics.
family on political beliefs
- Most influential
- People identify with the party their parents support, but may disagree on specific social/economic issues
religious affiliation on political beliefs
Catholics: lib. eco/con. soc
Protestants: con. eco/lib. soc
gender on political beliefs
1920s-50s: women supported republicans
1960s-present: women support democrats
education on political beliefs
The more highly educated you are, the more likely you are to vote. The highly educated are also traditionally liberal, although the tides may become more murky as colleges become less radical.
race and ethnicity on political beliefs
African-Americans: consistently liberal
Hispanics: Mexicans/Puerto ricans are more liberal than Cubans
Asian-Americans: Puzzlingly wide variations
personal income on political beliefs
Those with more personal wealth tend toward the conservative end of the spectrum.
Three most important factors influencing vote choice:
1) Party identification
2) Candidate appeal (military heroes/charismatic figures)
3) Candidates’ positions on specific issues
Three weakest factors influencing vote choice:
1) Running mate
2) Media ads
3) Presidential debates
What is the biggest influence for people who do not care much about political issues?
The likability of the candidate’s image or personality.
Two basic reasons US voter turnout is so low:
1) Poor political efficacy
2) Clunky registration process
Negative aspects of low voter turnout:
1) Political leaders do not accurately reflect the will of the majority.
2) Interest groups gain more control over the political process.
Positive aspects of low voter turnout:
1) Low voter turnout could be interpreted as social and economic stability.
2) Low VT keeps the uninformed from casting their ballots and corrupting the political process.
crisis and voter turnout
Reactions to national threats bring out voters.
age and voter turnout
Senior citizens vote more often, have time to vote, and tend to believe in the political system.
income and voter turnout
Poor voters may lack the transportation and ability to take time off of work.
region and voter turnour
Rural voter turnout is high, as is turnout in extremely conservative pockets in the South.
apathy and voter turnout
When party platforms are similar, the race is one-sided, or candidates are bland- turnouts are reduced.
National Voter Registration Act
“Motor-Voter Bill” Enables people to register to vote when they apply for driver’s licenses and permits registration through the mail.
