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