unit 4 test Flashcards
Explain the different types of proliferation of interest groups
America is diverse with countless immigrants, races, and religions
C) because of its federal system, there are multiple points of access to the governmetn
D) political authority is shared by several branches of governemtn, each of which might be targeted by interest frousp
E) political parties are relatively weak, which helps explain the strength and number of interest groups
What activities have increased interest groups’ activities?
hire lobbyists to represent them in talking with members of congress, attempt to influence the government to enact policies they favor, educate the public about issues, and monitor the activities of the government.
How can interest groups prevent the “free-rider” problem?
by giving them an incentive to join
Why are lobbyists policy specialists and Congress is considered policy generalists?
lobbyists are policy specialists with expert knowledge in their area Congress are generalist with general knowledge in many areas
What is grassroots lobbying?
a form of lobbying that focuses on raising awareness of a particular cause at the local level, with the intention of reaching the legislative and making a difference in the decision-making process. It asks the general public to contact legislators about issues.
What are some concerns about the influence of lobbyists on the government?
many lobbyists are formal federal officials who gave up their positions in government to work for interest groups
What are some restrictions on the interactions between members of Congress and interest groups?
Members of Congress may not accept gifts of any value from registered lobbyists
What are earmarks?
A provision in a law that provides a direct benefit to a client without being reviewed on the merits by all members of congress.
What are PACs? What is the difference between PACs and Super PACs?
A PAC, or political action committee, is a type of organization that collects campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaign for or against candidates, ballot initiatives or legislation.The difference between a PAC and a Super PAC has to do with the amount spent within the organization.
Why is providing information by interest groups important?
Groups often have technical knowledge that legislators lack, and they are eager to educate lawmakers on the issues they care about. It’s true that the information they provide generally comes with a bias that reinforces the group’s interests.
On average, what amount is reflective of the most common PAC donation?
300
a place or organization that people tend to enter and leave very quickly.
What is the “revolving door
Protection for the activities of interest groups can be found in which amendment?
first amendment
How do American political parties compare with political parties in Europe?
Europeans are much more party oriented, and often vote a straight party ticket (voting for all candidates from the same party on the same ballot)
who are super delegates
party leaders and elected officials who become delegates to the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses.
What are the problems with political machines?
Patronage giving jobs to people who helped the candidate
Graft illegal use of political influence for personal gain
kickbacks illegal payment for sources
Long-standing third parties such as the Socialist, Libertarian, and Green parties are examples of what kind of parties?
Ideological parties
What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?
A primary is an election held to nominate a candidate for a particular party. (Public
A caucus is a private meeting of members of a particular party to plan action (Private
If there is no majority winner in the presidential election, where is the election settled?
the House of Representatives chooses a president from among the top three recipients of electoral votes
what does a national convention do?
the governing authority of the political party. They give direction to the national party chairperson, the spokesperson of the party, and the person who heads the national committee, the governing body of the party. They are also the forums where presidential candidates are given the official nod by their parties.
What was the cause of the rise of the direct primary?
associated with a significant
increase in “split-ticket” voting, both across states and within states over time
What is the purpose of a party’s national committee?
A standing committee of a national political party established to direct and coordinate party activities between national party conventions
The decline of political parties has been contributed to what factors
supplanted by media, money, interest groups, and candidate-centered politics.
How are Presidential and congressional races different?
First, presidential races are more competitive than those for the House of Representatives. Second, a much smaller proportion of people vote in congressional races during off years. Third, members of Congress can do things for their constituents that a president cannot. They take credit-sometimes deserved, sometimes not-for every grant, contract, bridge, canal, and highway that the federal gov. provides the district or state.
How does party identification play a role in voting choices?
one is more likely to vote for someone oof the same party
What are some criticisms of the caucus system?
(1) disproportionate attention goes to early caucuses/primaries ; (2) Prominent politicians find it difficult to take time out from their duties to run. ; (3) $ Plays too big a role ; (4) Participation in primaries/caucuses is low and unrepresentative ; (5) System gives too much power to the media.
What are some factors that could help an incumbent president get re-elected?
A voter’s view of an incumbent’s previous performance greatly influences that voter’s decision. Most presidential elections feature an incumbent candidate
What is the difference between ideological, prospective, split-ticket, and retrospective voters?
retrospective voting- focuses on what a candidate did in the past.
Prospective: see what they can do for you in the future
Idealogical: voting based off of ones values and beliefs
Split Ticket:A vote for candidates of different political parties on the same ballot, instead of for candidates of only one party. In the presidential elections, for example, a voter may choose a Republican candidate for president, but a Democratic candidate for senator.
How would one describe a voter in primary elections?
only voters who register as members of a political pary may bote in theat party’s closed primary while independents and other may be eligible to vote in open primaries
What is the significance of Buckley v. Valeo?
- First, it held that restrictions on individual contributions to political campaigns and candidates did not violate the First Amendment since the limitations of the FECA enhance the “integrity of our system of representative democracy” by guarding against unscrupulous practices.
- Second, the Court found that governmental restriction of independent expenditures in campaigns, the limitation on expenditures by candidates from their own personal or family resources, and the limitation on total campaign expenditures did violate the First Amendment.
What are presidential “coattails”?
The tendency of lesser-known or weaker candidates to profit from the presence on the ticket of stronger candidate
What is the difference between an open primary, closed primary, blanket primary, and the general election?
open prim. anyone can vote
closed prim. only members that register with a political party
blanket primary. A primary in which voters can vote for the Democratic candidates, the Republican candidates, or some from each party
general election. An election used to fill an elective office
What is the largest source of funding for congressional elections?
individuals
What is the significance of the Citizens United v. the FEC case?
corporations have a 1st Amendment right to expressly support political candidates for Congress and the White House
Why is it difficult for congress to make policy
a) Congress must worry about voter’s preferences, so it engages in arguments on important issues
b) Congress does not choose the president, so there is no guarantee a bill will become law
d) Congress is bicameral, and a bill must pass both houses
e) each member of Congress faces reelections, and the interests of the members of his or her district must be considered
How has the composition of Congress change from the 1950s
More minorities and women
Faithfully execute
It provides that the President should take care that the laws are carried out faithfully
How did Carter structure his White House staff
Circular.
How are cabinet secretaries in the Attorney General selected and removed
President appoints secretaries in the turn on general subject to send confirmation by Congress
How did the president is programs enacted
Has to PERSUADE
Difference between and veto and a pocket veto
A veto refers to the constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to congress with reasons for rejecting it. A pocket veto occurs when congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill and the prez simply lets the bill die by neither signing it or sending it back
What are the duties of the Vice President
To preside over the boat in the body given the case of a tie occurs to participate and policy meetings undertake special assignments and serve as a member of the national Security Council
What does the White House office staff
Oversee policy interests of the president
What happens to presidential popularity overtime
It lessens
Significance of U.S VS Nixon
Ruled executive privilege unconstitutional
What are the constitutional powers of the president
Sign veto legislation, command armed forces, convae or ajorn congress, grant reprieves and pardons, and receive ambassadors
Divided government
When one party controls the presidency and the other controls congress
