gov chapter 5 and 6 and 7
conventional participation
relatively routine political behavior that uses institutional channels and is acceptable to the dominant culture examples: voting, wearing a button, giving money/time, running for office
unconventional participation
relatively uncommon political behavior that challenges or defies established institutions and dominant norms Examples: protesting, civil disobedience, riots, forming a revolution
inactive participation
examples: paying taxes, watching tv, reading the paper, discussing politics.
private good
you do not benefit from it unless you buy it -- no one else benefits from it Example: FOOD
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
An independent federal agency that regulates interstate and international communication by radio, television, telephone, telegraph, cable, and satellite.
opportunity cost
Cost of the next best alternative use of money, time, or resources when one choice is made rather than another. the more costly the form of participation the lower rate of participation.
horse race journalism
Election coverage by the mass media that focuses on which candidate is ahead rather than on national issues.
standard socioeconomic model
a relationship between socioeconomic status and conventional political involvement: people with higher status and more education are more likely to participate than those with lower status
political participation
actions of private citizens by which they seek to influence or support government and politics
voting-age population
citizens over 18
major variables in political participation
income, education, race and age
instrumental self interest
is an action taken to help produce a result that one favors -- vote for a candidate because they do what you want
watchdog journalism
journalism that scrutinizes public and business institutions and publicizes perceived misconduct
Eligible Voting Population
people who can vote who are not restricted.
Cost-benefit self-interest
recognizes that individuals have goals that they want to achieve but only limited resources.
political socialization
the complex process by which people acquire their political values (family school community and peers and continuing socialization)
voter turnout
the percentage of eligible citizens who actually vote in a given election
suffrage/franchise
the right to vote
public goods
when one personal acquires it multiple people benefit from it. example: fresh air and national defense
