Political beliefs and behaviors

Question 1

Why do third parties fail in the US?

Answer 1

1) How elections are funded.
2) Most Americans are moderate.
3) Long eras of economic stability.

Question 2

single-issue group

Answer 2

A group which focuses on only one issue.

Question 3

socialism

Answer 3

The idea that the citizens of a republic should control the means of production.

Question 4

liberalism

Answer 4

Support the government in taking a central role in promoting economic development and social welfare.

Question 5

populism

Answer 5

A belief which takes on either liberal or conservative values, and focuses on the success of movements of people over government.

Question 6

conservatism

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

libertarianism

Answer 7

Very supportive of broad economic and social freedoms.

Question 8

Neo-conservatives

Answer 8

Neocons: modern, more libertarian conservatives that emphasize the need for a strong defense, open competition in economic markets, and free world trade.

Question 9

Bible Belt conservatives

Answer 9

Theocons: Dislike central government, yet support prayer in school. Key to Republican support. They see liberalism as attacking family values and individualism.

Question 10

Dixiecrats

Answer 10

Southerners who remained conservative, but were loyal to the Democratic party from about 1880 to 1980.

Question 11

New Deal liberals

Answer 11

Favor heavy government involvement in the economy. They support unions, social security, and believe the government should promote equality.

Question 12

Greens

Answer 12

Feminists, environmentalists, civil rights liberals- distrust big business and the major parties. Support social equality and environmental protection.

Question 13

Rust Belt

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Sun Belt

Answer 14

The South and Southwest- very rapidly growing, states rights supporters, Republican party stronghold.

Question 15

Farm Belt

Answer 15

Midwest- historically always known for its conservatism.

Question 16

West Coast

Answer 16

High levels of immigration, liberal lifestyles, and environmental concerns make this area a Democratic bastion.

Question 17

Southern strategy

Answer 17

Made popular by the Nixon campaign. Republicans played to racial divisions and tensions to steal traditionally Democratic states.

Question 18

political efficacy

Answer 18

The sense that one can make a difference through political participation.

Question 19

internal efficacy

Answer 19

The sense that one can understand and therefore participate in politics.

Question 20

family on political beliefs

Answer 20

• Most influential

- People identify with the party their parents support, but may disagree on specific social/economic issues

Question 21

religious affiliation on political beliefs

Answer 21

Catholics: lib. eco/con. soc
Protestants: con. eco/lib. soc

Question 22

gender on political beliefs

Answer 22

1920s-50s: women supported republicans

1960s-present: women support democrats

Question 23

education on political beliefs

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

race and ethnicity on political beliefs

Answer 24

African-Americans: consistently liberal
Hispanics: Mexicans/Puerto ricans are more liberal than Cubans
Asian-Americans: Puzzlingly wide variations

Question 25

personal income on political beliefs

Answer 25

Those with more personal wealth tend toward the conservative end of the spectrum.

Question 26

Three most important factors influencing vote choice:

Answer 26

1) Party identification
2) Candidate appeal (military heroes/charismatic figures)
3) Candidates’ positions on specific issues

Question 27

Three weakest factors influencing vote choice:

Answer 27

1) Running mate
2) Media ads
3) Presidential debates

Question 28

What is the biggest influence for people who do not care much about political issues?

Answer 28

The likability of the candidate’s image or personality.

Question 29

Two basic reasons US voter turnout is so low:

Answer 29

1) Poor political efficacy

2) Clunky registration process

Question 30

Negative aspects of low voter turnout:

Answer 30

1) Political leaders do not accurately reflect the will of the majority.
2) Interest groups gain more control over the political process.

Question 31

Positive aspects of low voter turnout:

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

crisis and voter turnout

Answer 32

Reactions to national threats bring out voters.

Question 33

age and voter turnout

Answer 33

Senior citizens vote more often, have time to vote, and tend to believe in the political system.

Question 34

income and voter turnout

Answer 34

Poor voters may lack the transportation and ability to take time off of work.

Question 35

region and voter turnour

Answer 35

Rural voter turnout is high, as is turnout in extremely conservative pockets in the South.

Question 36

apathy and voter turnout

Answer 36

When party platforms are similar, the race is one-sided, or candidates are bland- turnouts are reduced.

Question 37

National Voter Registration Act

Answer 37

“Motor-Voter Bill” Enables people to register to vote when they apply for driver’s licenses and permits registration through the mail.