U.S Government Unit 4 Vocabulary
two ways interest groups differ from political parties:
- interest group membership is limited -interest groups are organized around a common issue.
three ways a two party system reflects a democratic society
- people have an opportunity to participate in the direction of the government and its policies - political parties link the people to the gov. by giving people a voice - political parties convert public opinion into public policy by representing the voters political beliefs
personal responsibilities:
- take ownership of one's self, family and community - work to provide one's own basic needs
The roots of both conservatism and liberalism find a basis in the social contract theory of _______ that teaches that human nature results in selfishness that government must address to some degree.
John Locke
Liberal ideology is considered to be _____ of center.
Left
________ Advocate government intervention for social issues, such as environmental protection, healthcare, childcare, and greater government oversight of education.
Liberals
Special interest groups sometimes use ____ through test cases that challenge constitutionality of existing laws.
Litigation
Organizing fundraising events, contributing money, and publicizing candidates through press releases, telephone campaigns, and campaign literature typically take place at a ___________ level.
Local
Alexis De Tocqueville found America " ________________________ " because common people could compete with the elite in politics and capitalism.
Peculiar in Nature
the belief that one can make a difference in government is referred to as
Political Efficacy
which paragraph best describes the two-party system and its political organization in the United States?
Political parties have evolved into loosely organized groups whose goal is to influence governmental policy by electing officials to office. The parties are large and compete for members; therefore, they shy away from controversial issues that might alienate voters from the party. Each level of organization is independent of the others.
Checks and Balances separate and limit the power of the executive and legislative branches in a ________.
Presidential form of Government
____________ organizations seek policy changes that do not result in profit for the organization but meet group goals.
Public Interest
________ groups bring local and state issues before Congress.
Public interest
_________ groups attempt to influence policymakers to protect freedom of religion and support moral causes.
Religion
Conservative ideology is considered to be __________ of center.
Right
The ___________ error of a poll is based on margin of error and level of confidence.
Sampling
Civic Responsibility
Something that you should do as a citizen, but is not required.
What led to the creation of the second party system?
The Democratic-Republican Party split into rival factions: the National Republicans, led by John Quincy Adams, and the Democratic-Republicans,led by Andrew Jackson.
What was a consequence of the first contested presidential election resulting in a President from the Federalist Party and a vice president from the Democratic-Republican Party?
The Twelfth Amendment was passed, providing separate balloting for the offices of President and vice president.
Second Party system (1828-1856)
The party system developed as a result of a division in the one-party rule by the Democratic-Republicans.
how might interest groups such as the National Rifle Association or Sierra Club influence politics?
They promise politicians that by supporting their position , the politicians can attract voters to the party.
Third Party System (1860-1892)
This system began around the time of Abraham Lincoln's election. The parties were defined by geographical or regional beliefs, with the South being primarily Democratic and the North being primarily Republican.
`First Party System (1796-1824)
This system developed as a result of two factions that were left over from the ratification of the Constitution.
Sixth Party System (1980- Present)
This system developing during the Reagan administration experienced a dealignment of voter loyalty to parties rather than realignment.
What is the legacy of the second party system?
Today's Republican and Democratic parties formed during this period
Match the Statements to the correct Vocab:
Totalitarianism- Under the control of a single faction, political organization, or class domination, the state has now limits to its authority. Communism- Private ownership is abolished, and all factors of productions are placed under central control within a classless society Socialism- Government intervenes widely in an attempt to ensure equal results, not equal opportunities. Fascism- A strong central government supporting a nationalistic ideology is organized as a police state with a strong military under a dictator. Populism- Broad Government Intervention works to achieve equal results and to maintain an ordered liberty Libertarianism- The individual experiences autonomy from government interference, which provides unrestricted opportunity and liberty
Chagrin
Vexation
Vocab:
Woman's Suffrage- right to vote Segregation- a separation into different groups American Revolution- taxation without representation Civil Rights- weakened discrimination against minority groups and brought about desegregation Labor Laws and Unions- improvement of working conditions Antiwar- conscientious objections to morality of war Abolition of Slavery- freedom for individuals and equality of man
Realignment
a change of identification within an existing political structure
socioeconomic
a combination of social and economic factors
Bimetallism
a currency system that accepts both gold and silver as legal tender
stereotype
a generalized image of something; a common conception
Grassroots Campaign
a political movement beginning at the local level where many volunteers give their time to support the local party, which can lead to helping the national party
platform
a political party's statement of goals and values
Dealignment
a removal of identification with a particular group
segregation
a separation into different groups
Gridlock
a situation in which something cannot move in any direction
Glass ceiling
an expression that refers to situations where qualified individuals within a hierarchical organization are stopped at a lower level because of discrimination
National Association of Manufacturers
business economic interest group
Twelfth Amendment
came about as a result of an election in which members of different parties were elected President and vice president
grassroots
campaigns seek to pressure policymakers by rallying members and nonmembers to contact policymakers and to protest.
efficacy
capacity for producing a desired result or effect
paradox
contradiction
Political Action Committee (PAC)
does not accept contributions that exceed $5,000 but allows groups to actively support chosen candidates
Civil Disobedience
following ones conscience by refusing to follow a law
National Conference of Mayors
government interest group
Anarchism
ideology in which government restraint is abolished
how do interest groups ensure that people may participate in the governing process?
interest groups allow citizens to be apart of groups promoting their own interest.
how does the national party organization benefit the state organization?
it provides financial support in helping state organizations to fund potential candidates' campaigns for elected office.
Apathy
lack of interest; indifference
Disproportionate
out of proportion
societal
pertaining to a society
scheme
plan;design
Magnate
powerful or influential person
Bipartisan politics
practiced by members from differing political parties who agree to work together on specific issues or positions
nonpartisan polities
practiced by those who profess to work for what they feel is best and do not declare a party affiliation
partisan politics
practiced by those who support a party's policies without any consideration of other ideologies
National Parent Teacher Association
public interest group
Proliferation
rapid growth
The Christian Coalition
religious interest group
voters who cannot make it to a polling station may _____
request an absentee ballot in advance
Civic duty
requirement that one must fulfill
which person would be most likely to exercise the right to vote?
retired male executive of a mid-size company
skew
slant or distort
why would interest groups use grassroots methods to influence policymakers?
such methods get officials to take notice of an issue
Which answer is NOT a possible error that could influence the accuracy of a poll?
the age and gender of the poll taker
defines the common good
the common good protects the minority while establishing policies that are most beneficial for the community as whole
Ideology
the set of beliefs that guide individuals or groups
how can PAC contributions benefit interest groups?
they can " buy time" ; ensure access to elected officials
scrutinize
to analyze
renomination
to be nominated for an office one currently holds
why have third parties emerged throughout the different periods in American history?
to bring attention to important issues that the major political parties would not address
disdain
to despise
which statement is NOT a reason why Americans should be knowledgeable about political issues?
to guarantee one's financial success
subordinate
to place in a lower position
Boycott
to withhold participation
Dubious
uncertain , doubtful, or untrustworthy
Reading System
used in British politics is effective because it engages party members in personal contacts and reminds them of their civic duty.
which statement is NOT a strategy used by interest groups to pressure policymakers?
using litigation to personally sue individuals policymakers
Heterogeneous
varied and diverse
electorate
voters
Electorate
voting population ; voters
What issue is most prominent in the current immigration debate?
whether or not immigrants should be allowed to receive governmental services
State Party Organization
works to elect party members to state offices
National Committee
writes a party's platform, plots election strategies, coordinates fundraising, and campaigns for candidates
presidential form of government:
-Controversial social issues are personal matters. -Checks and Balances separate the legislative and executive branches -The farmers preferred this system to prevent abuses of power
two facts about political action committees:
-Corporate and trade association PACs usually ignore party lines, opting to back candidates who are likely to win and who will support their views. -PAC contributions connot exceed $5,000 per elections to any candidate seeking federal office.
Which facter likely has the greatest impact on one's political socialization process?
-Family
civic duties:
-Pay taxes -defend the nation by serving in the military -serve in court on juries -attend school -obey the law
Parliamentary form of government:
-The head of government reports to the legislative branch. -Political parties are highly organized, and officials are elected based on party platform. -The chief executive may call for elections at any time; the legislative may hold a vote of confidence regarding the chief executive.
three typical reasons why a voter may choose a affiliate with a particular party
-based on one's educational level -based on one's income level -based on one's work environment
three inside strategies most typically used by lobbyists to influence lawmakers.
-can testify before legislative hearings as an expert witness on particular issues. -can assist in writing legislation -can meet personally with the lawmaker
Democratic Party:
-once called the Jeffersonian,Anti-Federalist, or Democratic-Republican Party -dominated presidential elections between 1828-1860 -maintained a half century of political domination beginning during the Great Depression -had attracted new voters,young people,and women in recent elections -supported bimetallism
three grassroots strategies most typically used by interest groups to get their members to pressure policymakers.
-organizing demonstrations and protests to get media attention or endorse candidates -urging members to contact policymakers before an important vote or start petition drivers -using mass mail-outs and telephone calls to rally public support for the group's cause
two people/groups that direct state party organizations
-state chairperson -central committee
Republican Party:
-tends to have Southerns, Catholics, and conservatives as constituents -won the majority of presidential elections between 1860-1932 -party of Herbert Hoover -Platform against slavery before the Civil War -regained the Presidency due to national unrest and rioting, coupled with the opposing party's rising involvement in the unpopular Vietnam War
three ways third parties influence elections
-they bring attention to the issue that majority parties may not want to address - they provide a venue for dissatisfied voters to vote against "politics as usual" - they encourage voter turnout at the polls
three ways early party systems contributed to the evolution of political parties that exist today:
-they defined the role of government in setting public policy -they held elected officials accountable to their constituents -they allowed differences of opinion over various issues to be resolved
Civic Responsibilities:
-volunteer for public services -respect the rights of others -contribute to the common good -stay informed on public issues -hold the government accountable -vote to influence policy
two reasons why " get out the vote " drives are effective in mobilizing voters?
-voters are reminded of their civic responsibility to vote -the political party focuses on getting its supporters out to vote
four responsibilities of national committee
-write the parties' platforms -plot election strategies -campaign for candidates -coordinate fundraising
Party Machinery
A party organization headed by a boss or a self-ruling group that commands enough votes to maintain political and administrative control of a city , country or state.
American Farm Bureau Federation
Agricultural economic interest group
Frenchman _____________ feared that Americans would come to value equality more than freedom.
Alexis de Tocqueville
public interest group
American Association of Retired Persons
_________________focus on ordered liberty and emphasize opportunity over government efforts to ensure equality
Conservatives
The American ________ is the belief that all Americans have the opportunity to achieve a better and happier life, if they are willing to work for it
Dream
_________ groups are divided into business, professional, and agricultural groups.
Economic
The goal of the state party organizations is to ______?
Elect candidates to state offices
Fifth Party System (1932-1980)
Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal expanding government power established Democratic Dominance for decades.
Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton contributed to breaking the _________ keeping women from running from the nations highest office
Glass ceiling
GOP/Republican Party- is an abbreviation for
Grand Old Party
Match the Terms: Vocabulary
Gridlock- a situation in which something cannon move in any direction. Dealignment- a removal of identification with a particular group. Magnate- a powerful and influential person. Realignment- a change of identification of individuals into like-minded groups. Bimetallism- a currency system that accepts both gold and silver as legal tender. Renomination- to be nominated for an office one currently holds
Fourth Party System (1895-1928)
In this system, the Republican Party became the majority party because of its strong support for a gold standard.
american diversity is united through equality and
Individualism
An ________ is a small group of people who are well-informed about politics.
Issue