U.S Democracy & Participation Flashcards
Affirmative Action vs. Minority Participation in Congress: How does affirmative action impact education and employment opportunities?
It increases access to higher education and employment for racial minorities.
Example: Affirmative action policies at Harvard and the University of California significantly increased minority enrolment.
Affirmative Action vs. Minority Participation in Congress: How does affirmative action address systemic discrimination?
It proactively creates opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, confronting the legacy of systemic racism.
Example: Following the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action helped dismantle segregation in hiring and education, especially in the South.
Affirmative Action vs. Minority Participation in Congress: Why does affirmative action have a widespread reach across society?
It affects millions nationwide, unlike congressional legislation, which takes years to implement.
Example: Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) upheld race as a factor in college admissions, impacting thousands of students annually.
Affirmative Action vs. Minority Participation in Congress: How does minority participation in Congress shape national policy?
Minority legislators can create, influence, and pass laws promoting racial equality with long-term effects.
Example: The Voting Rights Act of 1965, supported by African American legislators, protected minority voting rights.
Affirmative Action vs. Minority Participation in Congress: What role does minority participation play in representation and role modelling?
It provides symbolic representation, inspiring future generations and showcasing political empowerment.
Example: The elections of Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reflect growing diversity in Congress.
Affirmative Action vs. Minority Participation in Congress: How does minority participation in Congress promote sustainability and democratic legitimacy?
Legislative changes led by minority members are more sustainable and democratically legitimate than affirmative action, which courts can overturn.
Example: Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023) restricted affirmative action in college admissions.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties in Influencing Elections: How do interest groups influence elections through campaign contributions?
They spend vast amounts of money via PACs and Super PACs, often more effectively than political parties.
Example: Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed unlimited independent expenditures by corporations and unions.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties in Influencing Presidential Elections: What are targeted issue-based campaigns in the context of interest groups?
Interest groups focus on specific issues, targeting voters more effectively than broad political parties.
Example: Americans for Prosperity, backed by the Koch brothers, mobilised conservative voters on tax reform and limited government.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties in Influencing Presidential Elections: How do interest groups benefit from independence from party constraints?
They are not bound by party platforms and can lobby both parties to achieve their goals.
Example: AIPAC lobbies Republicans and Democrats for bipartisan support of pro-Israel policies.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties in Influencing Presidential Elections: How do political parties control candidate selection and party infrastructure?
They play a central role in nominations, shaping who runs for president and managing campaign infrastructure.
Example: In the 2020 Democratic primaries, leaders rallied around Joe Biden to consolidate support.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties in Influencing Presidential Elections: What are the advantages of political parties’ comprehensive national campaign networks?
Parties have strong ground operations, fundraising, and volunteer networks to mobilise voters nationwide.
Example: Obama’s campaigns (2008, 2012) relied on the Democratic Party’s grassroots organisation and data management.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties in Influencing Presidential Elections: How do endorsements and party unity strengthen political parties in elections?
Endorsements from key figures can sway primaries and unite the party base.
Example: Barack Obama’s endorsement of Joe Biden in 2020 helped consolidate Democratic support.
US Electoral System - Campaign Finance & Key Issues: What is the disproportionate influence of wealthy donors and corporations in US elections?
The lack of campaign finance reform allows wealthy individuals, corporations, and Super PACs to influence elections disproportionately.
Example: Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed unlimited political expenditures by corporations and unions.
US Electoral System - Campaign Finance & Key Issues: How does campaign finance contribute to the erosion of democratic accountability?
Candidates become reliant on large donors, prioritising donor interests over the general electorate’s needs.
Example: Michael Bloomberg and the Koch brothers spent millions to influence election outcomes.
US Electoral System - Campaign Finance & Key Issues: What impact does campaign finance have on public trust in democracy?
The dominance of money in politics fosters public cynicism and perceptions of corruption.
Example: The 2020 election saw over $14 billion spent, raising concerns about fairness and integrity.
US Electoral System - Campaign Finance & Key Issues: How does the Electoral College undermine democratic legitimacy in US elections?
It allows presidents to be elected without winning the popular vote.
Example: George W. Bush (2000) and Donald Trump (2016) both became president despite losing the popular vote.
US Electoral System - Campaign Finance & Key Issues: How does polarisation and partisan politics affect US democracy?
It leads to political gridlock, extreme partisanship, and weakens bipartisan cooperation.
Example: The January 6th Capitol riot (2021) highlighted deep political divisions.
US Electoral System - Campaign Finance & Key Issues: What role does low voter turnout and political apathy play in US electoral issues?
It reduces democratic participation, often due to systemic barriers and disengagement.
Example: Only 55% of eligible voters participated in the 2016 presidential election.
