Unit 4 Flashcards
referendum
allow citizens to vote directly on issues or laws
initiative
private citizens vote on proposed laws
recall
an elected official may be removed from office by popular vote
primary
vote by secret ballot
caucus
group with similar beliefs come together and discuss who/what they should vote for
List 4 major interest groups and what they lobby for
NRA - 2nd Amendment
PETA - Animal treatment
MADD - Mothers against drunk drivers
AARP - Retired persons
How have interest groups changed over the last 50 years
They used to only concern labor, business and agriculture
What was the lobbying disclosure act
Stated that interest groups and lobbyists had to make their financial contributions to candidate’s public. Tracks the influence lawmakers
how are interest groups similar to political parties
They both want to get the government to do certain things
what is the legislative goal of labor unions
safety
name 3 examples of labor unions
NEA, United Steel Workers, Screen Actors Guild
What are PACs
a group that organizes to raise money to help a candidate
Why were PACs formed
allow labor unions and businesses to get around campaign finance laws
What supreme court case established Super PACs
Citizens United v. FEC
How do political parties influence all three branches of govt.
legislative - who will be in control of the House and Senate
executive - which political party will be in the white house
judicial - presidents nominate Supreme Court Justices who favor their party’s views
when do we have the general election
1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November every 4 years
where in the constitution is info on the Electoral College
Article II
