Unit 5 Flashcards
Rational-Choice Voting
Voting based on what is perceived to be in the citizen’s individual interest
Retrospective voting
Voting to decide whether the party or candidate in power should be re-elected based on the recent past
Prospective voting (opposite of retrospective)
Voting based on predictions of how a party or candidate will perform in the future
Straight Ticket Voting
Supporting a party by voting for candidates from one political party for all public offices across the ballot
Systematic Factors that affect voting behavior
legal rules, processes, government and political institutions organizing efforts, political culture.
Individual factors that effect voting behavior
social status, personal characteristics, attitudes
Political efficacy
political efficacy is the citizens’ trust in their ability to change the government and belief that they can understand and influence political affairs.
Demographics that encourage or discourage voting
Laws, procedures on how when and where, race, gender, political efficacy
Linkage institutions
entities or structures that connect citizens to the government and allow them to influence government decisions
Political parties
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.
Elections
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.
Interest Groups
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.
Media
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.
Candidate Recruitment
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.
Campaign Management, Including Fundraising and Media Strategy
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.
Jonathon Rauch
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.
Structural Barriers
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
Advantages and potential issues of interest groups
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.
15th amendment
Granted African Americans the right to vote
17th amendment
Allowed US citizens to cast district votes for US senators
19th amendment
Any sex or gender has the ability to vote
24th amendment
Abolished any federal or state government from imposing taxes on voters during federal elections
26th amendment
US citizens 18 years or older can not be denied the right to vote
Term: Interest Group Influence
Definition: The ability of interest groups to impact elections and policymaking.
Term: Inequality of Political and Economic Resources
Definition: The uneven distribution of political and economic resources among interest groups, influencing their ability to advocate for their interests.
Term: Unequal Access to Decision Makers
Definition: Varied levels of access that interest groups have to policymakers, affecting their ability to communicate their concerns effectively.
Term: “Free Rider” Problem
Definition: The challenge where individuals benefit from the efforts of interest groups without actively participating or contributing, potentially weakening the group’s overall impact.
Term: Political Actors in Policy
inition: Various individuals and groups that play a role in shaping public policy outcomes.
Term: Interest Group Strategies
Definition: The methods and approaches used by interest groups to influence public policy, often outlined in interest group slides.
Term: Federal Policies Impact
Definition: The contested impact of federal policies on campaigning and electoral rules, as debated by both sides of the political spectrum.
Term: U.S. Presidential Election Processes
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.
Term: Electoral College Impact
Definition: The influence of the Electoral College system on democratic participation, considering concepts such as winner-take-all, popular votes, and electoral votes.
