POLS331 Exam 1 Ch 1-7 Flashcards
1
Q
The role of state/local govt
A
- its role plays a bigger role than federal govt because it affects us more as it has a bigger hand in providing everyday public services
- ex: way easier to talk with state/local representative than a federal representative since they are close by and they care more about earning your vote
2
Q
Why do we study states?
A
- always be new developments within each state that are caused by the interests of those that reside there = we get a variety of different policies in place
3
Q
What does laboratories of democracy mean?
A
- States are the test subjects that are experimented with until the state can become truly satisfied with what is there. A state can never be truly satisfied because its values is always changing
- A democracy is defined by the state’s innovations
4
Q
What are institutions?
A
- rules and these form a backbone of what the state is
- all of these rules dictate how we play the game in each state
- examples:
—> state constitutions
—> amendment process
—> state statues
—> state regulations
—> election laws
5
Q
What is the comparative method?
A
- its a method that analyzes the variation across states and communities to explore and understand the boarder forces at work in US politics and government
- ex: if the goal is to understand govt support for higher ed, then these are methods that will be used:
—> Identify states that charge different tuition rates at their colleges/universities
—> Compare the states’ other characteristics to find clues to explain difference
6
Q
What is Federalism?
A
- foundation of state politics
- power sharing arrangement between levels of govt
- evolution and devolution of power
- relationship between a national govt and its constitutive states
- intergovernmental relations = the interactions between the levels
- structural or constitutional relationship between national govt and states
7
Q
How does Federalism differ from other systems of government?
A
- A federal system of governance allows voters to tell sub-national govts and national govt what to do
8
Q
Confederal system of governance
A
- always the voters, then the sub-national govt, and finally to the national govt
9
Q
Unitary system of governance
A
- voters first, then the national govt, and then the sub-national govt
10
Q
Federalism
A
- foundation of state politics
- power sharing arrangement between levels of govt
- evolution and devolution of power = through the years, the state has been receiving less and less power with more restrictions and the federal govt has inc in power
- relationship between a national govt and its constitutive states
- intergovernmental relations = the interactions between the levels
11
Q
Why do we have states?
A
- because of the history we have w/ them = path dependency
- we are working with what we already have
12
Q
What does path dependency mean?
A
- this is when you follow the path that has already been there = we are depended on what has already been set up, we just modify certain aspects
- things that happened in the past = inc or dec the likelihood we have them in the future
13
Q
advantages of a federal system compared to other systems of government?
A
- Closer to citizens
- reduces conflict
- flexibility and policy experimentation
- facilitation of national policy goals
- Bulwark (defensive wall) against tyranny
—–> Tyranny = bad thing = US take down dictators from other countries
—–> separation of powers = ensures no govt gets more power than the other govt
—–> checks and balance
14
Q
disadvantages of a federal system compared to other systems of government?
A
- Complexity confuses citizens, reduces accountability since the constitution and the system of federalism is so complex that its left to interpretation = causes problems
- Waste and duplication
- Inc conflicts among govt
- Policy inequalities
—–> Public policy is different across states = some states receiving more help than others when it comes to natural disasters
—–> Inc transaction costs - more stakeholders must agree
15
Q
How has federalism changed overtime?
A
Federalism has changed over time as more power and less power has been given to different levels of govt
- over the years, states have been receiving less power while federal has received over power over the states
16
Q
What is dual federalism?
A
- most power = the states
- states and fed govt = separate from each other = no cross over
- layer cake federalism
- very little going over between the two
- occurred before the Great Depression
17
Q
What is Cooperative Federalism?
A
- Federal govt inserting itself into economy by the way of states
- states take money from the Fed govt and this results in a open door for Fed govt to interfere w/ some policies of the states
- overtime, u get addicted to the cash = Fed govt start to control state/local govt
- examples
—–> Block grants: large grants given to the states to fix problems, but in reality, this is a way Fed govt can interfere
—–> Categorical grants: used to fix a specific problem w/ strings attached = making decisions due to guidelines - Marble Cake Federalism
- many interactions between National and state govt
18
Q
What is Coercive Federalism?
A
- resulted from states addicted to federal funding in the 60’s, got the states hooked
- brought about unfunded mandates
—–> ex: general revenue sharing
———> Grant-in-aid program
———> Federal govt provides financial aid to subnational units (state and local govts)
———> doesn’t tell how state or local govt can get the programs done so Federal govt can’t claim credit even if they pay for it
19
Q
state specific factors impacting participation: political culture
A
- at certain times in history, there were times when people vote differently on certain public policies
—–> may vote more conservative or liberal depending on the time period
20
Q
state specific factors impacting participation: level of party competition
A
- if one party is stronger than the other, the individual of the other party may not want to go vote because they think that their party most likely won’t win anyways
21
Q
How do voters decide: use heuristics
A
- decision short-cuts
- certain rules that we follow:
—–> party identification = best predictor
—–> see if we recognize the name ( most times we will if we seen them on media = helps incumbents get reelected since they are already in media
———> the more common the last name is = more likely people will vote for them
———> names that are associated w/ history = may work against or for you
—–> race, sex, ethnicity
———> more likely to vote for a women in some instances
———> more likely to vote for a candidate if you look like them
—–>ballot position = candidates will fight to get to the top ballot position, why: first name u see and most people pick randomly when voting
———> how is this decided?
————-> coin toss
————-> institutions: some states, u have to be a top political party that is mostly voted on in that state, ex: VA
22
Q
How do voters decide: editorial endorsements
A
- if a celebrity endorse it, some people may vote for them, some people may not
- depends on the time-period because endorsements don’t mean as much as now
23
Q
How do voters decide: state of the economy
A
if you are a farmer and ur suffering in income = more likely to pick a candidate that suits more w/ your problem
24
Q
state specific factors impacting participation: registration requirements
A
- may have in-person voting on election day
- may have certain deadlines to vote
25
state specific factors impacting participation: strength of labor unions
- some states are right to work states and other states not so much
26
state specific factors impacting participation: Caucus, open or closed primary
- Caucus
- Closed Partisan primary
- Open Primary
- Nonpartisan election
27
closed partisan primary
- democratic voters receive democratic ballot and pick democratic candidate
- republican voters receive republican ballot and pick republican candidate
- not registered w/ a party = can't vote in their primary
28
methods for party candidate nomination: open primary
- able to vote for whoever (any party)
- no party affilitation required
29
nonpartisan election
- candidates run for office w/ out party labels on ballot
30
methods for party candidate nomination: Caucus
- members informally meet to cast votes
- informal gatherings of party voters
-----> It's like a social gathering where they party then near the end, they decide which politician to vote for by choosing sides
- since it happens at a open event, it's harder to choose sides since everyone knows each other
31
methods for party candidate nomination: Semi closed primary
- register w/ a party on election day
- able to vote on election day, but only if the voter has an ID
32
methods for party candidate nomination: Blanket primary
- voters select candidate regardless of party
- since voters can vote for any party, loyalty to one party is difficult to keep
33
methods for party candidate nomination: semi open primary
- vote in any parties primary but must publicly declare in which primary they choose to vote
- since they gotta publicly declare, it destroys loyalty to friends and to parties
34
state specific factors impacting participation: direct democracy
- adopt some public policies that are closer to state's public opinion
-----> ex: death penalty laws, laws requiring parental notification for abortions
- higher turnout
- hot ballot issues
35
state specific factors impacting participation: felon disenfranchisement laws
-those who been to prison can't vote in some states in certain election
- your record will go w/ you when u move
-----> states = control registration
-----> Federal govt won't allow you to vote regardless
36
5 Developments of Federalism?
- Reauthorization of Federal Laws
- Waiver Authority
- Competitive Grants
- Institutional Connections
- A Political Disconnect
37
5 Developments of Federalism: Reauthorization of Federal Laws
- laws that were already in place aren't always relooked to be improved upon or removed
- all laws have an end date
- problem, why: state legislators and congress won't cooperative because:
-----> Congress doesn't care about what State legislators have to say. They care about business, political problems that they care about, or money
38
5 Developments of Federalism: Waiver Authority
- Fed Govt acts as an adult using waivers as candy to entice states to keep to their side of the deal in keeping w/ the law that Fed Govt put in place
-----> ex: specific state action
- improves laws
- ensures state accountability to laws
- if you do this for me, I will do this for you
- done state by state
39
5 Developments of Federalism: Competitive Grants
- used only by Fed Govt
- used to keep criteria/standards law or regulated
- to encourage improvements in a specific problem
- Fed Govt's attempt to reform a specific problem
- problem, why?
-----> voluntary participation sometimes = states don't have to use the money to make improvements
-----> money is given to the top states first as they are doing well, then gradually to other states = hierarchy
-----> often, forced upon states w/ coercive behavior
---------> Hard to say no to if states badly "need cash"
40
5 Developments of Federalism: Institutional Connections
- No congressional committee in place anymore = hard for officials of all levels of govt to work/communicate together for solutions = problem remains
41
5 Developments of Federalism: A Political Disconnect
- everyone is out for their own interest = nothing for common interest gets done
-----> "states' champions aren't their champions anymore
---------> once voted in by voters (like the Populaire) because they displayed that they were for the people, but once in office, they flip the switch
---------> No one wants to yield
-----> Can't connect because candidates that win primary elections and raise large amounts of money devalues states' experience/interest
---------> more money you have = bigger platform you have = larger amount of voters being wrongfully misled
42
What is Coercive Federalism?
- resulted from states addicted to federal funding in the 60's, got the states hooked
- brought about unfunded mandates
-----> ex: general revenue sharing
---------> Grant-in-aid program
---------> Federal govt provides financial aid to subnational units (state and local govts)
---------> doesn't tell how state or local govt can get the programs done so Federal govt can't claim credit even if they pay for it
43
What is the states' role in elections?
- states are allowed to control state/local elections thus they can:
-----> determine time, place, and manner according to the US Constitution
--------> some states, every single year is election year = randomly assigned by states themselves
-------> states are able to manipulate time to make it okay for those w/ and w/ out jobs = accessibility
-------> states are able to switch voting place as much as they want or determine the method of voting that is acceptable
44
What individual specific factors impacting participation?
- education
- income
- race/ethnicity
- age
- length of residence
- newspaper readers
- public sector employees
- partisanship
- political interest
- church attendance
-----> able to get social capital by attending church = speaking w/ other church members about issues
- group membership
- higher turnout is from older, stable, white, better educated
- lower turnout is younger, recent migrants, minorities
45
What are state specific factors impacting participation?
- political culture
- level of party competition
- registration requirements
- strength of labor unions
- caucus, open or closed primary
- direct democracy
- felon disenfranchisement laws
46
What are election specific factors impacting participation?
- Presidential vs. other years = people think presidential election matters more = lower turnout at state/local elections
- primary vs. general election
- level of competition
- campaign spending: if ur state gets whole lot of money = will know more about the election
- issues on ballot
- scandal, crisis
- interest group mobilization: the more mobility they have = more they are able to spread the word about their candidate
- state of the economy
- weather
-----> able to impact turnout
--------> may not wanna wait for the bus to go vote if it is raining or snowing
--------> republicans found that raining or any sort of bad weather may affect minorities from turning out = if your republican, pray for rain
47
How do voters decide?
- candidates are randomly picked because of lack of info
- heuristics
- race, sex, ethnicity
- ballot position
- editorial endorsements
- interest group endorsements
- state of the economy
- values, single issues, protest votes
48
What is the calculus for determining if voting is rational or not?
- get info on issue before election to decide candidate
- select candidate closest to political position
- rational self-interest
-----> pr (vote) = BP – C + D + S
--------> pr means proportional representation (vote)
--------> BP means ballot position
--------> C means cost
--------> D means duty
--------> S means society
-----> even though cost always outweigh your vote, we are:
--------> motivated by duty (d term)
--------> pressured by society (s term)
either of the two drive decision making process
-----> thus: S term and D term makes voting rational
49
What are the barriers to political participation?
- gotta be a certain age to vote = gotta be 18
- vote by mail or internet
----> helps people that may not have a car or transportation to get to their voting location
- early/absentee ballots
----> makes it easier for people to vote, but only for those w/ a official address
----> thus: disenfranchises people who don't have an address
- required photo ID
-----> requirements of photo ID was put into place to ensure security of the polls
---------> No one can vote more than once
---------> can't pretend to be another person
---------> disadvantages:
------------> it infringes on constitutional rights because it prevents those who don't have an ID, address, or time to go to the DMV
50
What is direct democracy?
- adopt some public policies that are closer to state's public opinion because its people are more directly involved in the voting process of public policies
- higher turnout because more people are involved
- hot ballot issues
- there are 3 types:
-----> Initiative
-----> Referendum
-----> Recall
- In VA, we don't have direct democracy
51
direct democracy: referendum?
-root word = refer = going to start at the legislature
- they write the bill at the legislature and they let the people vote on it
- there are 2 types:
-----> legislative referendum
-----> popular referendum
52
direct democracy: legislative referendum?
- can decide to send the bill to the people to let them vote on it = referring it to the people to make the final call
-----> if yes = becomes law
-----> if no = the bill dies
- legislature likes this one because the fault is not on them if the people don't vote a law/bill into law because they did not attempt to find more about it = easily say no due to lack of info
53
direct democracy: direct initiative?
- people make the final call
-----> if yes = the bill becomes law and legislatures have to figure out how to implement it because its law = they are required to do so
-----> legislatures don't like this one because the people decide
54
direct democracy: indirect initiative?
- legislatures make the final call
-----> if yes = not immediately into law, goes to the legislature and goes on the calendar to decide. The legislature gotta vote on this
---------> if no = the bill dies
---------> if yes = the bill becomes law
- this decision by the legislature depends on the level
-----> state = state legislature
-----> local = local legislature
55
direct democracy: popular referendum?
- we the people get to decide regardless if legislature spends money/time to sell a bill/policy
- people can collect signatures again = enough = won't go straight to governor = it will go to the people to decide to make it law or not
-----> if yes = becomes law
-----> if no = the bill dies
56
direct democracy: initiative?
- the bill or policy starts (initiated) by the people = starting point where we move forward
- process:
-----> knock on doors and collect signatures = to get people to agree with you = the more they agree w/ you = the more likely it will be put on the ballot
-----> People will vote on the ballot
---------> if no = the bill or policy dies
---------> if yes = 2 things can happen
- depending on where you are, it may be easier or harder to collect signatures
- types:
-----> Direct initiative
-----> Indirect Initiative
57
direct democracy: recall elections
- often at local level and in the west
- person/group file petition for a public vote to remove an elected official from office before term expires
- it is the people's impeachment = don't have to wait for legislature to do anything for you
58
What is populism?
- those of this ideology believe in taking power away from political elites like:
-----> incumbent politicians
-----> vested (personal) interests
-----> party machines
And giving power back to the voters
- for the common people
- had a short-lived influence on politics
- were called populists
- one of most influential third parties in American history
- had greater influence in the west
- this political party died by 1900
59
advantages of direct democracy?
- citizen access
- citizen vote
- higher voter turnout: +4% overall
- improved voter ed because of media and ad campaigns
- greater policy responsiveness by state elected officials
60
disadvantages of direct democracy?
- constrain corrupt state/local officials
- give citizens direct control over policy
- policy could be more representative of public opinion
- "Gun behind the door" to motivate legislatures to act = legislatures gotta put the laws that the people approve of in the ballots
61
the difference between how voters decide between candidates vs. ballot propositions?
- if voters don't know who to vote for due to lack of info = they vote for a candidate randomly
- if voters don't know about the proposition that's on the ballot, then they vote no in case the ballot proposition does not line up with their ideologies and values.
62
role of money in direct democracy?
- the more money a candidate or interest group has = the more campaign promotion (advertisements) happen = the more voters become aware of upcoming elections
- can help w/ turnout
- does not buy yes votes, but it can help them vote no
63
What are political parties?
- organized groups of individuals that support, nominate, and run candidates for office
- high focus on elections
- essential to functioning of legislatures
- goal: form majorities
- public institutions subject to state and federal regulations
64
Why do we have political parties?
- helps simplify electoral process
- define and articulate issues
- build majorities
65
If we didn't have political parties?
- rise of personalism, people care about people more
- more messy elections
- more candidates
- lack of compromise
- depress the vote: people work harder to learn what an individual is like
- may use sports for more political ability? During the Byzantine empire, sport parties did morph into political parties
66
How do we think about parties?
- quasi-public utilities
-----> thus: subject to state regulations
-----> carry out official functions of the state
- not private clubs
- ale to define who a party member is
67
What is Polarization?
- more division overtime to extreme and diverse amounts
- parties on state level is going apart, but some state parties are getting more diverse and extremist in them
- California = extremely polarized = their people of the politician parties don't fit into the box of a set political party
- parties should be ideologically consistent, but this is not the reality overtime
- reasons for the polarization of political parties:
-----> response to activists & donors
-----> response to interest groups
68
consequences of party polarization?
- less incentive for legislators in safe seats to pay attention to median voter
- more competitive races for governor and president
- divided govt
- gridlock
- voter disgust w/ politics and politicians
69
methods for party candidate nomination?
- parties nominate candidates
- parties define who a party member is
- state legislatures make rules governing elections
-----> they do this by different primaries types:
--------> Caucus
--------> Closed primary
--------> Semi closed primary
--------> Semi open primary
--------> Open primary
--------> Blanket primary
70
Why do we need competition?
- If there is a lack of competition due to low turnout:
-----> more incumbents = no competition since they go right into new term
-----> safe seats = since there is no competition, incumbents and new candidates go right into office
-----> gerrymandering
--------> drawing boundaries to dilute minority vote share
71
3 levels of parties
- party in the electorate
- party organization
- party in the legislature
72
3 levels of parties promote competition: party in the electorate
-this party level must try to be moderate, not choose sides or display values
- centrists (moderate) = able to compromise
- not purists (insists on absolute adherence to traditional rules or structures)
73
3 levels of parties promote competition: party in the legislature
- must build majorities, enact policy = high competition between parties = battle for control of the legislature
- won't compromise
74
3 levels of parties promote competition: party organization
- county, state, and national chairs
- convention delegates, super delegates
- precinct and poll workers
- campaign managers, consultants, pollsters, treasurers
- media managers, website developers
- opposition researchers
- goal: to win
75
what promotes competition: party financing
- more money u r able to put into campaigns = bigger audience u have = more power
- due to money, parties have changed overtime
- state campaign finance laws vary = complex regulations:
----> state parties adapted to bipartisan campaign reform act
----> 16 states offer public financing
--------> how states can offer funds to all candidates
--------> if the candidate accepts public funds, they can't get private money = risk, why?
------------> candidates could probably get more money from voters and campaigns
--------> third parties love this because they struggle to get funding since they are likely to be poor candidates
76
barriers that limit other parties?
- primary elections get less and less exposure thus:
----> low voter turnout (10% in caucuses)
----> low voter info = greater reliance on heuristics
----> multiple candidates may produce weak minority winner
----> risk of strategic voting for weaker candidate of the opposite party in primary
77
barriers that limit women and minorities?
- different party and policy preferences of female
- little % of minorities in state legislatures even though they are a larger % of the entire population
- even though there are more women in leadership roles, there are less elected because men are voted in more = preference in gender
- parties use to discriminate members because they were private
-----> ex: white primary: only white allowed to vote in the democratic primary
78
How do states regulate parties?
- parties have to carry out official functions of the state
- parties are not private clubs = white primary is illegal
- court rulings have recognized; association rights of parties, ability of states to regulate
- policy volatility: rollbacking the crap that the last party did
79
Types of party models
- responsible party model
- functional party model
80
Types of party models: responsible party model
- parties are ideological consistency
- should have clear issue positions
- voters click one closest to them
- parties hold onto campaign promises
----> don't always work in America because our political parties aren't ideologically consistent
----> work in parliamentary systems
81
Types of party models: functional party model
- parties are coalitions, not ideologically pure
----> republican hardliner from Texas is different from a Vermont Republican
- exist to win and keep power = build majorities
- parties converge on median voter = determiner of result of the election
- voters confused on who to vote for, vote split tickers happen
82
What are interest groups?
- formally organized body of individuals, organizations, or enterprises that shares common goals
- joins in a collective attempt to influence electoral and policy-making processes
- any organization that attempts to influence the electoral process or govt policy making
- like political parties, but don't run for office
- goal: influence parties, legislation, policies, and public opinion
- more active outside of the electoral cycle
- express values and self interest
- different types:
----> demographic categories
----> geography
----> membership
----> potential groups
----> Astroturf
83
Types of interest groups: demographic categories
- interest groups that are formed based on racial, ethnic, income, origin, etc background
84
Types of interest groups: geography
- interest groups formed based on where they are located = able to connect that way
---> zip codes
---> urban
---> rural
---> ex's: NAACP, AARP
85
Types of interest groups: membership organizations
- bring together individuals to pursue their collective goals
---> social
---> business
---> religious
---> sports
- ex: The American Federation of Teachers, Catholic Church
86
Types of interest groups: potential groups
- these groups are yet to form, but there exists a potential interest represented by the shared attitudes among individuals
- potential interests are heard by elected officials because:
----> these views are widely held in society
----> these views reflect the attitudes of most citizens
- ex's: homeowners in Clarion, PA fight nuclear waste dump
87
What can limit interest groups in forming?
- Interest groups able to form through common interests, but it's harder as a individual or as a group that does not have much backing
----> examples:
-------> environmentalists
-------> shareholders
-------> consumers
-------> taxpayers
-------> nonreligious, seculars
-------> poor, unemployed
-------> service or retail workers
-------> centrists, moderates
- why is it harder? harder to get power to organize
88
What can assist interest groups in forming?
- Interest groups able to form through common interests and its easier when it's corporations or large groups with backing
----> examples:
-------> mining/energy companies
-------> businesses
-------> churches
-------> professional associations
-------> gun owners
-------> labor unions
-------> ideologues: adherent of an ideology
89
Types of interest groups: Astroturf
- constituencies are essentially manufactured by an interest group to give legislators the appearance that the electorate are protesting strongly about a certain policy
- corporations use these to influence public policy, why?
----> helps expand scope of conflict
----> shows that they have broader public support for their issue
- funded by monied wealthy) interest
90
How are interest groups different from political parties?
- Interest groups don't run for office
- mostly endorse political parties and candidates
91
How do interest groups form?
- disturbance theory
---> due to a change in status quo, nascent groups will emerge
------> they help restore the larger "social equilibrium" of the interest group system
- to get public goods, free-riders will join, but won't pay for them
- join for selective benefits
92
what is disturbance theory?
- change in the status quo drives change
---> how?
------> attributes group emergence to macro-level changes the status quo
- something shakes up society which prompts group creation
---> ex's:
------> Vietnam led to rise in anti-war groups and pro-war groups
------> civil rights movement prompted creation of additional groups
------> economic recessions
------> court rulings
93
How does interest groups influence government: Inside Tactics
- hire a good, experienced lobbyist
- do research on everything that the legislature is trying to pass
---> examples:
-----> bills
-----> budgets
-----> pending regulations
-----> court rulings
- have personal contacts w/ other politicians to bribe them
---------> legislators
---------> legislators' staff
---------> governor's office
---------> state departments
- contribute to others' campaign to bribe them
- provide expertise on what you know from the research you done on bills, regulations, etc.
- draft legislation or regulations
- build coalitions (alliances of political parties), use "front" groups
- run for office
94
How does interest groups influence government: Outside Tactics
- organize mass mailings, emails = spread the news to voters to turnout and supporters
- press releases, letters to the editor
- host protests, rallies, and marches by getting voters informed of issues being addressed in next election
- support candidates in primary or general elections = this will motivate them to support you
- mount a petition drive for initiative or referendum in direct democracy states
95
differences in interest groups lobbying: professionals
96
differences in interest groups lobbying: professionals
- contract lobbyists:
---> work independently
---> work w/ a firm
---> some do it w/ out compensation
- don't have to be of similar interest to the candidate or campaign
- could work for several interests
- type: in house professional lobbyists
---> works for your group or firm only
---> ODU's Govt Relations Office
97
differences in interest groups lobbying: amateur
- interest groups w/ ordinary angry citizens
- motivated by a common issue (grievance)
- groups w/ a cause
98
How do states regulate interest groups and lobbyists?
- lobbyists must register with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives so they can keep a track of their activities to prevent abuse
- illegal for them to try to bribe their supporters w/ gifts, but this done anyways by:
---> ex: "hey I plan to go to [restaurant], I am leaving now"
-----> this is how they bribe their supporters without actually saying it
- spending and contributions gotta be reported = keep a track of their activities
- contribution limits = can't give too much money
- public financing of campaigns = can't keep anything private or behind closed doors
- strengthen parties by promoting them
99
How do we conceptualize (think of) state legislatures?
- people's view of them are distorted by popular media
- but in reality:
---> majority and minority rule, just not always at the same time
---> committees are crucial but invisible
---> constituents and legislative district
---> influence of money, lobbyists
100
How do we conceptualize (think of) individual state legislators?
- power driven elites
- only driven by self-interest
101
What are the ways we think about representation?
- based on duty, where should u try to represent to benefit your constituents:
---> micro-level representation vs. macro-level representation
- based on type of representation
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Ways to think about representation- Duty of representation: Micro-level representation
- focus: your district
- micro = small = smaller perspective
- look at concentric circles of constituency and passing legislation that benefits your district
- often re-election keeps district honest
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Ways to think about representation- types of representation
- trustees
- delegates
- politicos
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Ways to think about representation- roles of representation: Trustees
- act on behalf of constituents' interests
- independent judgment
- voters are suppose to trust their decision because they act upon decisions based on what they think is best for their constituents
- they either hire someone else to do their research or they do research themselves
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Ways to think about representation- roles of representation: Delegates
- reflect constituents' or party voters' preferences
- will keep w/ the present issues and represent the people by keeping up and staying informed
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Ways to think about representation- roles of representation: politicos
- alternative roles depending on the issue
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Ways to think about representation - Duty of representation: Macro-level representation
- focus: neighboring districts = expanded view = looking at district beyond that are not affecting you
- when passing legislation due to potential progress ambitions
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Ways to think about representation- types of representation?
- formalistic representation
- descriptive representation
- substantive representation
- symbolic representation
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Ways to think about representation- types of representation: formalistic representation?
- the institutional arrangements that precede and initiate representation
- authorization and accountability
- rules decide who is represented and how they are represented
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Ways to think about representation- types of representation: descriptive representation?
- a representative resembles those being represented
- looks the same = same race
- has same income background
- however, not all those of descriptive representation, may not actually represent the people
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Ways to think about representation- types of representation: substantive representation?
- the activity of representatives
- the actions taken on the behalf of, as an agent of, and as a substitute for the represented
- opinions and actions reflect the wishes, needs, and interests of the people they represent
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Ways to think about representation- types of representation: symbolic representation?
- the way that a representative "stands for" the represented
- a representative stands for those being represented
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what are the implications for women in being represented?
- even though there are more women in leadership roles now, less voters vote for women because they prefer men
- however, even when they are elected more now, that does that mean that other women are being represented on behalf of them just because of descriptive representation
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what are the implications for minorities in being represented?
- even though minorities has increased in # since the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but only a small amount of AA and Latinos are in legislative positions
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What is redistricting?
- redrawing of political districts
- required after each census to keep them equal in pop
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what is packing?
- concentrating one party's voters into a few districts to "waste" those votes over 50%
- this allows the other party to win more district races
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what is cracking?
- dispersing a party's voters among many districts so it will win fewer district races
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what are term limits?
- requirement that a person can be elected to a certain office only for a specific # of terms or years
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advantages of term limits?
- legislative efficiency inc
- more direct democracy involved
- better committee effectiveness
- more institutional power: more to governor and lobbyists
- election of more women and minorities because there are less white men in office = incumbents are kicked out, allows other candidates have office
- inc competition
- dec campaign spending in state legislative elections by kicking incumbents out of office
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disadvantages of term limits?
- incumbents are put at a disadvantage because they have to leave office
- but more incumbents run unopposed under term limits w/ potential candidates waiting for legislator's limit to be reached
- termed out lawmakers run more often for local offices
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consequences of term limits?
- empowering the governor at the expense of the legislature and inc chaos in the legislative process
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How do politicians see term limits today?
- not favorable for conservatives and republicans who were the original supporters because they want to stay in office for longer
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What is a majority-minority district?
- legislative districts where district lines are drawn so that people from a specific minority group comprise a majority of voters in the district
- minorities in state legislatures mostly come from these districts
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methods for party candidate nomination: closed primary?
- voters have to be registered w/ a party to vote
- So if they don't like the candidates that is on the ballot, regardless of the party they are registered with, it harder for them to vote
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what is pluralism?
- broad-based, public regarding interest seeking the expansion of the public good can countervail and compete
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what is a poll tax?
- a tax or fee that must be paid in order to secure the right to register or to vote
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what is political capital?
- the intangible goodwill or support for an elected official that can be used to influence the actions of other officials informally
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what does felony disenfranchisement mean?
- ex-felons in some states are not able to vote in elections in some states
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Why does the U. S. have a federal system of government?
- _____ happened because the original govt that US used to have, a confederal system of govt, did not work because not enough control was given to the national govt.
---> Instead the national govt was controlled by subnational autonomous govts
---> ex: did not have the power to tax
- thus: US became a federal which had power sharing between central and regional govts
- path dependency
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Why did the 13 original states agree to give up power to the central government?
______ agreed because specific guarantees persuaded them to give up power. These guarantees were:
- preserve boundaries
- equal representation in Senate
- amendments
- slavery maintained
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What is the states' role in amending the Federal Constitution?
States had to give approval (9 out of 13 states) to adopt the constitution
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How do state and federal constitutions differ?
- In state constitutions, each one differ from one another because:
---> Different laws in each state
---> different laws = inc conflicts among govt
---> policy inequalities
- In federal constitution, responsibility w/ statewide issues are hard to decide because of the vagueness of the US constitution
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What legal and institutional reasons do political scientists give for the decline in voter turnout in the American states since 1960? Why is "apathy" not a good explanation for turnout decline?
- Gomillion v. Lightfoot in 1960. Court ruled that cities couldn't redraw boundaries to remove black people from a city.
--> There were still racist barriers, in 1964, black voter turnout in the south was 24% lower than in states outside of the south
- Apathy (lack of interest) is not a reason because it was more about restricting black people from voting
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costs of voting?
- transportation
--> lack of it or expensive to travel or not close to bus area
- voting location not close by, gotta vote in-person
- all of this affects voter turnout
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How do voting costs account for differences in voter turnout among the states?
People don't vote because of the costs (often time) outweighs the benefits
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what is the 1965 Voting Rights Act?
- provided a major expansion of access to voting for millions of americans
- key: taking control of elections away from state/local govt
- key: granting authority over many voter registration and election procedures to the US Department of Justice
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What is the impact of the 1965 Voting Rights Act on African American and Hispanic involvement in state politics?
- racial gerrymandering happened after the act was passed to further add barriers to minorities' vote
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How do states restrict third parties?
- States restrict third parties by making them look bad for supporting a certain ideology that to them does not represent a fellow American
- for example, the socialist and communist parties were looked down and unwanted especially during WWI.
- ex: straight ticket voting
---> asked if you wanted to vote for all the candidates of one party
-----> kicks out third party
-----> speeds up elections
-----> endorses people to vote by party lines
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what is legislative professionalism?
- high pay
- large staff
- a lot of resources
- full-time legislator = being there longer = becomes a profession
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arguments for legislative professionalism?
- better/more diverse pieces of legislation
- better staffing jobs
- promote progressive ambition
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arguments against legislative professionalism?
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amateur "citizen" legislatures means:
- often part-time because they don't get paid much or at all
- less resources available
- small amount of staff
- citizens as staff for politician
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What type of legislature do we have in VA (Professional or Citizen)?
VA has a Citizen legislature
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What can legislative party leaders do to the agenda and/or budget to maintain party control of the state legislature?
- Legislative party leaders can bribe their supporters in the legislature secretly to maintain party control.
- or the legislative party leaders could shut down the legislature by not coming to a decision
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what role does money play in state politics when elections are involved?
- the more money you have = the more advertisements you can put out to promote your campaign = more people know about you = more people will vote for you
- if you have less money, you aren't able to easily gain votes because voters don't know you
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Can legislators' votes be "brought?"
Yes, legislators' votes can be easily brought by taking them out to eat secretly or other things
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Types of legislative: passive
- low policy ambition
- little interest in re-election
- citizen/part-time legislatures
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Types of legislative: advertiser
- high policy ambition
- little interest in re-election
-hybrid
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Types of legislative: spectator
- low policy ambition
- strong interest in re-election
- hybrid
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Types of legislative: politico
- high policy ambition
- strong interest in re-election
- professional/full-time
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what does progressive ambition mean?
a desire to ascend to a higher office
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bicameral
- 2 chambers
- a house of representatives and a senate
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unicameral
- 1 chamber
- Only Nebraska Legislature
---> has a senate, but no house
