Political Parties, Interest Groups, And Mass Media Flashcards
Plurality Election
Winning candidate is the person who receives more votes but less than half of the total
Single-Member District
One person is chosen by the voters for each elected office. Leads to legislatures dominated by two political parties
Party Era
Historical period dominated by one party
Critical Election
Significant groups of voters change their traditional patterns of party loyalty
Party Realignment
Majority party is displaced by minority party thus ushering a new party era EX: FDR led New Deal
Divided Government
One party controls the presidency while another party controls Congress
Interest Group
Organizations whose members share views on specific interests to influence public policy. Do not elect people to office
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Formed by business, labor, or other internet groups to raise money and make contributions to campaigns of candidates they support
Free Riders
People who benefit from and interest group without making contributions
Power Elite Theory
Small number of very wealthy individuals, powerful corporate interest groups, and large financial institutions dominate key political areas
Hyperpluralist Theory
Government policy is weakened and often contradictory because there are so many competing interest groups
Mass Media
Communication such as newspapers, radio, television and the Internet that reach wide audience
Linkage Institutions
Connect citizens to government. EX: Mass media, interest groups, and political parties
Horse-Race Journalism
Media to cover campaign by emphasizing how candidates stand in the polls instead of where they stand on issues
Political Party
Group of citizens who organize to win elections, hold public offices, operate governments and determine public policy
