Unit 5

Question 1

Rational-Choice Voting

Answer 1

Voting based on what is perceived to be in the citizen’s individual interest

Question 2

Retrospective voting

Answer 2

Voting to decide whether the party or candidate in power should be re-elected based on the recent past

Question 3

Prospective voting (opposite of retrospective)

Answer 3

Voting based on predictions of how a party or candidate will perform in the future

Question 4

Straight Ticket Voting

Answer 4

Supporting a party by voting for candidates from one political party for all public offices across the ballot

Question 5

Systematic Factors that affect voting behavior

Answer 5

legal rules, processes, government and political institutions organizing efforts, political culture.

Question 6

Individual factors that effect voting behavior

Answer 6

social status, personal characteristics, attitudes

Question 7

Political efficacy

Answer 7

political efficacy is the citizens’ trust in their ability to change the government and belief that they can understand and influence political affairs.

Question 8

Demographics that encourage or discourage voting

Answer 8

Laws, procedures on how when and where, race, gender, political efficacy

Question 9

Linkage institutions

Answer 9

entities or structures that connect citizens to the government and allow them to influence government decisions

Question 10

Political parties

Answer 10

Political parties are organizations that seek to influence government policy by nominating candidates for office, mobilizing voters, and shaping political platforms. They serve as a crucial link between citizens and the government by providing a means for people to express their political preferences and participate in the democratic process.

Question 11

Elections

Answer 11

Elections are a fundamental mechanism through which citizens choose their representatives and leaders. Voting allows individuals to have a direct impact on the composition and policies of the government. Elections serve as a linkage institution by translating public preferences into political power and shaping the composition of legislative bodies and executives.

Question 12

Interest Groups

Answer 12

Interest groups are organizations that represent specific segments of society and advocate for their members’ interests. These groups can focus on a wide range of issues, such as labor rights, environmental protection, or civil liberties. By lobbying, organizing campaigns, and engaging in advocacy, interest groups act as a bridge between citizens and policymakers, working to influence government decisions.

Question 13

Media

Answer 13

The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about political events, policies, and issues. It serves as a linkage institution by shaping public opinion, providing a platform for political discourse, and holding government officials accountable through investigative journalism. The media facilitates the flow of information between citizens and the government, allowing people to stay informed and engaged in the political process.

Question 14

Candidate Recruitment

Answer 14

Political parties are involved in identifying and recruiting individuals to run for public office. This process is crucial for maintaining a pool of qualified and electable candidates who align with the party’s values.

Question 15

Campaign Management, Including Fundraising and Media Strategy

Answer 15

Parties are actively engaged in managing election campaigns. This includes fundraising activities to support candidates and party operations, as well as developing strategic media plans to communicate with voters.

Question 16

Jonathon Rauch

Answer 16

Rauch observes that traditional party leaders have less power than before. They struggle to protect members who cooperate with others or make decisions for the party. The rise of individual-focused politics and ideologically driven candidates makes it hard for leaders to maintain control.

Incumbents, though safe in gerrymandered districts for general elections, are vulnerable to extreme challengers in party primaries. This dynamic pulls the party toward ideological extremes, contributing to the polarization and dysfunction in American politics. Rauch’s view highlights the changing dynamics and challenges within political parties.

Question 17

Structural Barriers

Answer 17

Things that make it hard for third party candidates to succeed

Limited visibility (cant get attention cause no money)

Voter habits: people have a habit of voting for major parties

Election rules make it hard for third party candidates to get on ballots

Question 18

Advantages and potential issues of interest groups

Answer 18

interest groups can be beneficial by representing specific interests and providing expertise, but problems may arise if their influence leads to bias, inequality, or a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

Question 19

15th amendment

Answer 19

Granted African Americans the right to vote

Question 20

17th amendment

Answer 20

Allowed US citizens to cast district votes for US senators

Question 21

19th amendment

Answer 21

Any sex or gender has the ability to vote

Question 22

24th amendment

Answer 22

Abolished any federal or state government from imposing taxes on voters during federal elections

Question 23

26th amendment

Answer 23

US citizens 18 years or older can not be denied the right to vote

Question 24

Term: Interest Group Influence

Answer 24

Definition: The ability of interest groups to impact elections and policymaking.

Question 25

Term: Inequality of Political and Economic Resources

Answer 25

Definition: The uneven distribution of political and economic resources among interest groups, influencing their ability to advocate for their interests.

Question 25

Term: Unequal Access to Decision Makers

Answer 25

Definition: Varied levels of access that interest groups have to policymakers, affecting their ability to communicate their concerns effectively.

Question 26

Term: “Free Rider” Problem

Answer 26

Definition: The challenge where individuals benefit from the efforts of interest groups without actively participating or contributing, potentially weakening the group’s overall impact.

Question 27

Term: Political Actors in Policy

Answer 27

inition: Various individuals and groups that play a role in shaping public policy outcomes.

Question 28

Term: Interest Group Strategies

Answer 28

Definition: The methods and approaches used by interest groups to influence public policy, often outlined in interest group slides.

Question 29

Term: Federal Policies Impact

Answer 29

Definition: The contested impact of federal policies on campaigning and electoral rules, as debated by both sides of the political spectrum.

Question 29

Term: U.S. Presidential Election Processes

Answer 29

Definition: The different processes involved in a U.S. presidential election, including the nomination of the president and comparisons between primary elections and earlier selection methods.

Question 30

Term: Electoral College Impact

Answer 30

Definition: The influence of the Electoral College system on democratic participation, considering concepts such as winner-take-all, popular votes, and electoral votes.