Unit 4 - Political Participation Flashcards
Incumbency effect
People are more likely to vote for and donate to someone they are familiar with
Federal Election Campaign Act
Imposed limits on individual campaign contributions, and requires reporting of who donates
Soft Money
Can only be used for party building and issue ads, but not directly for the actual candidate
How has nominating a presidential candidate changed over time?
it has included more power for state primaries and a longer timeline for the process.
Those opposed to the electoral college feel that…
The Electoral College lessens political participation in “safe” states, undermines majority rule, and violates the one-person, one-vote expectation.
What was the “King Caucus”?
a group of party operatives from state legislatures that reflected the rise of political parties
What is the purpose of Political Party Caucuses?
to select a party’s candidates.
Purpose of primary systems during the Progressive Era?
to influence the outcome of voter selections in a primary election.
3 Necessities for running for president…
acquire a majority of you parties delegates, compete in caucuses, and maintain 50 different state campaigns
What is a brokered convention?
no candidate acquires a majority of a party’s delegates before the start of its convention.
2 Strategies to be considered when running for office…
negative campaigning and focusing on independent voters.
How are general elections different from primary?
You face a whole new group of voters.
Describe district method for voting
allocates one electoral vote to the popular vote winner of each congressional district and two electoral votes to the winner of a state’s popular vote.
What determines outcome of Presidential elections
Electoral votes and swing states
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral college votes?
the House of Representatives determine who of the top three finishers will be elected with each state having one vote.
What is one advantage of the Electoral College system?
The Electoral College system, with its runoff procedure, has always worked.
What is the primary goal of interest groups?
to influence public policy.
Who or what is represented by a membership interest group?
a large number of people, usually paying dues, in support of common policy goals.
Whom does a lobbyist represent?
an individual, a company, a group of companies, unions, or a great variety of groups
Main basis or tactic for lobbying?
Exchange of information
Define Outside lobbying
Influencing public opinion as a means to influence public officials
How do interest groups influence politics?
contacting government officials and politicians and trying to influence the general public.
Define public interest group
Interest group that wants to better overall public situations/services ex. stricter seat belt laws
Who do legislative liasons represent?
Government institutions such as U.S. Dept of Health
