Government review 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12
what is true about PACs
pacs are primarily formed to give monetary based support to political candidates
frontloading
The recent tendency of states to hold primaries early in the calendar in order to capitalize on media attention.
Describe the role of interest groups in American politics.
The role of interest groups in American politics is to influence public policy, especially during times when there is no election going on. These groups are a vehicle to keep the conversation going about issues they care deeply about, or even start new conversations. The NAACP is an example of an interest group.
What are the main functions of national political party conventions today? In what ways are they still relevant?
They choose the presidential candidates and decide on the party platform. Relevant: they promote party unity, faith in party, and enthuse the voters.
hyperpluralism
a theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened
super pac
a type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.
maine and nebraska plan
a winner take all system that never the less gave the candidate with the most popular votes the extra two votes in the electoral college
Protestants vote for
republicans
What is the average age in the House and Senate?
house-57 senate-62
15th Amendment (1870)
U.S. cannot prevent a person from voting because of race, color, or creed
Medicare:
a program for people ages 65 and over who have qualified (and paid into) the Social Security and Medicare programs. Pays for 80% of hospital, doctor, and pharmacy costs.
Medicaid:
a program for poor people that qualify based on financial need. It pays for all of their health care costs.
bill
a proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration
about 80% of lobbyists are
men
Discuss your best argument for and your best argument against the claim that the personal characteristics of its members prevents Congress from representing effectively average Americans who are much more diverse in terms of age, race, and gender.
personal opinion
public opinion
the distribution of the population's beliefs about politics and policy issues
which best predicts the likelihood that citizens will vote
their educational level
what is not an appropriate lobbying strategy
threatening members of congress if they don't vote yes for their bill
well educated people are more likely to
vote in elections, participate in campaigns, and be aware of political issues
A state has 11 electoral votes. In a presidential election, the Dem candidate receives 48% of the state popular vote, the republican receives 40% and an independent receives 12%. If the state is similar to most other states, how will the electoral votes likely be allocated?
the dem will recieve all 11 votes
suffrage
the right to vote in political elections
The health care industry is considered a
"market failure" - an industry in which the market outcomes of price and quantity are not satisfactory to society.
Federal Election Campaign Act
First major federal law (1971) to regulate federal elections. Created Federal Election Commission (FEC). Required disclosure of sources of campaign funds (transparency), set limits on contributions to candidates (individuals, PACs = $5000), spending limits for candidates, limits on independent expenditures.
collective good
Something of value (money, a tax write-off, prestige, clean air, and so on) that cannot be withheld from a group member.
2. Outline the key developments in the history of mass media and American politics - starting with the newspaper, radio, TV and arriving at the internet today. (7.2)
Newspapers were long the dominant media through which Americans got their news. But ever since the emergence of television they have been on the decline. The Internet has further accelerated the decline of newspaper reading; newspapers have thus far failed to establish profitability for their online editions. The nightly network news broadcasts on CBS, NBC, and ABC were the #1 means by which Americans got their news from the 1960s through the 1980s. But ever since the emergence of cable and cable news they have seen their audiences shrink, as American television has moved from the broadcasting to the narrowcasting era. The Internet provides more access to political information than ever possible before. How much typical citizens will take advantage of these opportunities remains to be seen. But certainly campaigns and political activists have been able to use the Internet to organize for political action and to get specially targeted messages out.
you suspect a news article to be false, which step would you not take to determine whether or not it is false
check to see if it appears on a widely-used site like facebook
3. Explain the reasons why political reporting has become more superficial. (7.2)
dramatized to hook people stations need money bc they are for profit stations have become partisan to persuade viewers to vote how the station wants
which of the following would result from the direct election of presidential candidates
each vote would count equally in determining which candidate won the election
Economic Interest Groups
groups that organize to influence government policy for the economic benefit of their members Most U.S. citizens belong to a job-related interest group. These groups support labor issues such as jobs, wages and worker safety.
Regarding voter eligibility, the original Constitution
has been amended several times to expand the electorals
independent journalism
independence from political pressure and sought journalism as an established profession
the primary election system of selecting presidential candidates has had which of the following effects?
it has loosened the hold of party leaders over the nomination process
Press conferences
meetings of public officials with reporters
soft money
money raised in unlimited amounts by political parties for party-building purposes and limited to local and state parties for voter registration.
in the process and structure of public policy-making, "iron triangles" refer to the
networks of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that create policies
in the us, which of the following is a rule on voting found in the constitution or amendments?
no person 18 years of age or older may be denied the right to vote on account of age
nearly all adult citizens have belonged to this type of interest group
occupational
liberal
open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.
Is the impeachment process appropriate or would you recommend changes? Explain.
opinion
Which of the following individuals would be most likely to vote in a republican primary?
a 45 year old white business man from South Carolina who attends church weekly
party identification
a citizen's self-proclaimed preference for one party or the other
veto
a constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.
A corporate lobbyist would be LEAST likely to have an informal discussion about a pending policy matter with which of the following?
a federal judge in whose court a case important to the corporation is being heard
political ideology
a more or less consistent set of beliefs about what policies government ought to pursue
direct popular election plan
a proposal to abolish the electoral college and elect the president directly by national popular vote
seniority system
a system that gives the member of the majority party with the longest uninterrupted service on a particular committee the leadership of that committee
Explain the factors that influence whether people vote, including political efficacy, civic duty, voter registration, and demographic characteristics (particularly education, age, race and ethnicity, gender)
political efficacy is the belief thta people can influence the government civic duty is the sense that it is your democratic duty as a citizen to vote. People who have a sense of political efficacy and civic duty tend to vote more. Some states have easier voter registration than others, making it easier to vote. States with easier registration vote more. Educated and high income earners vote more, less educated and poorer people tend to vote less. Blacks and hispanics vote less than other races. Women vote more than men. Married people vote more, but single women numbers are rising. Government employees vote more.
Doctrine of Sufficiency
suggests that candidates need just "enough" money to win, not necessarily "more"
narrowcasting
targeting media programming at specific populations within society
How often has the impeachment process been seriously attempted?
ten times
the interest group with the most members in the us is
the aarp
speaker of the house
the leader of the majority party who serves as the presiding officer of the House of Representatives
majority leader
the legislative leader elected by party members holding the majority of seats in the House or Senate
what is true concerning voter turnout
voter turnout is highest in presidential elections, it's higher in general elections than in primaries, it's higher in other countries than in the US
Impeachment
A formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office
authoritarian
A government in which one leader or group of people holds absolute power.
cabinet
A group of advisers to the president.
Electoral College
A group of people named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president. 2 senators each and then the house of representatives based on population
Public Sector Interest Groups
A lobby that represents the interests of elected officials and other major governmental actors involved in the intergovernmental relations system. An example is the National Governors' Association. Most big cities and most states have permanently employed DC lobbyists that are hired to represent their respective cities and states at the federal level.
caucus
A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform.
National Convention
A meeting of party delegates held every four years in the July of the election year. Day 1 - keynote address Day 2 - party platform - states party's goals for the next 4 years Day 3 - Pres and VP balloting Day 4 - Presidential candidate acceptance speech
national party convention
A national meeting of delegates elected in primaries, caucuses, or state conventions who assemble once every four years to nominate candidates for president and vice president, ratify the party platform, elect officers, and adopt rules.
conservative
A person who believes government power, particularly in the economy, should be limited in order to maximize individual freedom.
lobbyist
A person who is employed by and acts for an organized interest group or corporation to try to influence policy decisions and positions in the executive and legislative branches.
open primary
A primary election in which voters may choose in which party to vote as they enter the polling place
closed primary
A primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote
filibuster
A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor and thereby delays proceedings and prevents a vote on a controversial issue.
cloture
A procedure for terminating debate, especially filibusters, in the Senate.
Talking head
A shot of a person's face talking directly to the camera. Because this is visually unappealing, the major commercial networks rarely show a politician talking one-on-one for very long.
elitism
A theory of government and politics contending that an upper-class elite will hold most of the power and thus in effect run the government.
pluralism
A theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power by any one group.
Council of Economic Advisors
A three-member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy.
civic duty
a belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs like voting
How diverse is the Senate in terms of gender and race?
Men: 75; Women: 25 White: 91; Black: 3; Hispanic: 4; Asian: 3
demography
The scientific study of population characteristics.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the caucus system. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the closed primary system. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the open primary system
-Caucus: Pro: If your nominee is booted, you can vote for someone else. Con: Time consuming, only party members can participate, less accurate of public opinion, Closed Primary: where only persons already registered in a party may vote for a candidate in their party. Problems with closed primaries are that independents cannot vote and that democrats often elect the most liberal democrats while Rep's often elect the most conservative Rep's Open primary: Advantage: Every registered voter can vote Gives the winner a much better idea of how they will do in the general election, since the voters who participated in the primary represent the larger voting population better than if the primary is closed only to members of the party. Disadvantage:voters who aren't invested in a political party get to vote
Explain some of the reasons that Americans do not vote as much as citizens from other countries.
-Many Americans feel there are too many elections and that it's not worth it. - Many people cannot get off work, so Tuesday is a bad day. - They don't want to wait in line. -They had registration issues -They struggled with transportation
Other Interest Groups
-Religious -Nationality -Environmental -Rights -Etc. There are other types of interest groups that don't fit into the above categories such as the American Legion (veterans group that promotes patriotism and support for US military), Italian-American Club, Knights of Columbus, the Masons, etc. NGO's (Nongovernmental organizations) are nonprofit organizations that operate outside of government to advocate for a particular cause. Lots of the interest groups mentioned are NGO's.
3. Identify the demographics of people who typically might vote for Democrats or Republicans in terms of income, occupation, gender, age, race, religion, city v. country, and state. (6.1)
-southerners are more conservative and usually vote Republican -democrats advocate for blacks and favor social programs for underprivileged people. -city people are more liberal/democrat -african americans, latinos, and asian americans tend to vote democrat.
Briefly describe each of the 5 special Presidential powers discussed in Ch. 12.
///
Explain 3 reasons why congressional incumbents (especially House members) usually win elections.
1) Advertising- incumbents get free advertising. 2) Credit Claiming- Enhancing their standing with constituents through service to individuals and the district. They do this in two ways, casework and pork barrel. Casework- helping constituents as individuals- cutting through the bureaucratic red tape to give people what they think they have a right to get. Pork barrel- federal projects, grants and contracts available to state and local governments, businesses, colleges and other institutions in a congressional district. 3) Position Taking- They must take positions on policies when they vote and when they respond to constituents questions. The positions they may take can affect the outcome of an election 4) Weak Opponents- they are likely to face weak opponents because the advantages of incumbency scare off potential effective opponents. 5) Campaign Spending- costs to beat an incumbent are v high
Explain 2 reasons why incumbents are sometimes defeated by challengers.
1) sometimes challengers receive unexpected help. An incumbent tarnished by scandal or corruption becomes instantly vulnerable. 2)Incumbents may lose supporters if the boundaries of their districts change. An incumbent would have to fight against another incumbent, or it might split the district of an incumbent's of a minority party to make that district more competitive. 3)Major political tidal waves can change the views of the constituents causing a change in the constituents votes, causing incumbents to lose votes
2. Identify the 5 chief agents of political socialization and explain the role each plays in shaping political opinions. (6.2)
1. Family- has their own views which shape children's minds. 2. Schools- tells both sides of the story 3. Peers and Community- friends/community talks and we listen. 4. Religion- certain factors of religion shape opinions 5. Media- covers both sides and 2/3 of americans receive information from them.
There are 2 main problems in the US health care industry that deemed it a market failure:
1. The cost of health care is high and rising above inflation 2. Too many Americans do not have good access to care
Congress passing the Federal Election Campaign Act FECA (1974)
1. required public disclosure of names of people or groups and the amount contributed 2. contribution amounts to campaigns from individuals and groups were limited 3. set up public financing for Presidential elections via tax returns and 4. set up the FEC (Federal Election Commission) to oversee campaign financing.
Describe process of impeachment
1.) impeachment begins in House of Representatives 2.) a majority of the House members must vote to impeach or formally accused 3.) trial is held in Senate 4.) 2/3 of Senators must find the official guilty to remove that person from office
Individuals pay ___ of their health care costs directly.
12%
Why did the Founding Fathers appoint electors to vote for Pres?
1st - Framers felt that citizens would not know enough about the candidates to make wise choices so having representatives make informed decisions would be better. 2nd - Framers thought that this system would give a little extra power to the smaller-populated states 3rd - Framers knew that people who lived far from voting places could not vote in the old days before cars and trains
There are 4 stages in Presidential Elections
1st - Nomination of candidates 2nd - Primary/Caucus season 3rd - National Party Conventions 4th - General Election b/t top candidates
Also, U.S. spending per capita is more than ___ times the OECD average.
2
Equality Interest Groups
2 sets of interest groups: minorities and women have made equal rights their main policy goal. Equality interests are those groups representing minorities and women who make equal rights their main policy goal. Equality at the polls, in housing, on the job, in education, and in all other facets of American life has long been the dominant goal of African-American groups, the oldest of which is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Women's rights groups include the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the (ERA) Equal Rights Association. EX. NAACP
Political Action Committee (PAC)
A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money from voluntary donations
Private health companies/insurers pay ___
33%
Govt pays approximately __ of health care costs
43%
War Power Resolution Act
48 hours to inform congress/move troops, 60 days plus 30 days to withdraw, congress can stop with resolution A law passed in 1973 spelling out the conditions under which the president can commit troops without congressional approval.
Health care costs were ___ of GDP in 1960 Health care costs reached nearly ___ of GDP in 2018
5%, 18%
14. Which of the following is NOT considered a linkage institution? a. Dept of Defense b. Republican Party c. MSNBC News d. Midterm Election
A
15. Which of the following groups would be most likely to support a constitutional amendment banning all abortions? a. Conservatives b. Libertarians c. Independents d. Liberals
A
5. Since 2004, the American electorate has become a. more independents b. increasingly liberal c. increasingly conservative d. increasingly Socialist
A
9. All of the answers below are true about the South EXCEPT (In other words, which statement is FALSE?) a. the south is becoming less distinct from the rest of the U.S. over time b. until the 1970's, the South voted for Democrats at all levels of government c. Southerners are more religious than people in other parts of the country d. the civil rights movement & Vietnam War contribute to the end of the Solid South voting Democrat
A
horse race
A close contest; by extension, any contest in which the focus is on who is ahead and by how much rather than on substantive differences between the candidates.
iron triangle
A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group
Federal Election Commission
A commission created by the 1974 amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act to administer election reform laws. Its duties include overseeing disclosure of campaign finance information and public funding of presidential elections, and enforcing contribution limits.
census
A complete enumeration of a population.
congressional caucus
An association or members of Congress based on party, interest, or social group such as gender or race.
House Rules Committee
An institution unique to the House of Representatives that reviews all bills (except revenue, budget, and appropriations bills) coming from a House committee before they go to the full House.
National Security Council
An office created in 1947 to coordinate the president's foreign and military policy advisers. Its formal members are the president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and it is managed by the president's national security assistant.
Office of Management and Budget
An office that prepares the president's budget and also advises presidents on proposals from departments and agencies and helps review their proposed regulations.
incumbent
An officeholder who is seeking reelection.
interest group
An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy
General Elections
August-November Begins immediately following the National Conventions in July Debates TV and Radio Ads - Radio > TV more listeners/viewers The Outcome - depends most on the state of the economy, voter turnout, & $$
11. When a child's parents both identify strongly with the same political party, the child will most likely a. identify with the opposing party b. identify with the parent's party c. have a low sense of political efficacy d. become an independent rather than a party identifier
B
17. The media play what kind of role related to public policy? a. It raises money to support candidates running for office b. It has the job of connecting the electorate to the formal institutions of government c. It helps formulate the personal ethics of elected officials d. It prevents foreign influence in U.S. elections
B
19. Narrowcasting contributes to all of the following EXCEPT (A) creating a polarized electorate (B) helping conservative candidates win in national elections (C) people engaging in selective exposure (D) people being less informed about political matters
B
4. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census projections, which U.S. population is declining? a. Asian Americans b. White Americans c. African Americans d. Mexican Americans
B
gender gap
Difference in political views between men and women
electioneering
Direct group involvement in the electoral process. Groups can help fund campaigns, provide testimony, and get members to work for candidates, and some form political action committees (PACS) Application: This is how people fund campaigns. It is effective and face to face. Groups tend to agree if the person is agreeable.
agenda setting
By calling attention to certain issues, the media help determine what topics will become the subject for public debate.
12. Which groups favor the idea of the government supporting job programs for unemployed workers? a. Conservatives and Republicans c. Liberals and Democrats b. Conservatives and Democrats d. Liberals and Republicans
C
20. Calling public attention to certain issues the media are partaking in a. issue framing b. issue advocacy c. agenda setting d. talking heads
C
3. Which of the following is NOT true of older Americans? a. Older Americans vote more often than younger Americans b. Older Americans are more politically aware than younger Americans c. The vote of older Americans is important in presidential elections than Congressional elections d. Older Americans rely on the government for covering a lot of their health care costs
C
7. Party identification in the U.S. is most successfully transmitted by which of the following? a. workplace b. church c. family d. educational system
C
8. Today, immigrants represent around what percent of the U.S. population? a. 5% b. 8% c. 13% d. 18%
C
Unfortunately, disproportionate attention goes to early caucuses and primaries. Why?
Candidates spend most of their time in early primary states (Iowa, NH, SC, NV and Super Tuesday states) to be seen as frontrunners. In response, many states have moved their primaries up on the calendar... (this is called frontloading)
conference committee
Committee appointed by the presiding officers of each chamber to adjust differences on a particular bill passed by each in different form.
hard money
Contributions given directly to a party or a candidate. Corporations and Unions cannot contribute but individuals and PAC's can - but only up to $5000.
10. The agenda-setting function of the media refers to the power to a. endorse specific candidates for political office b. favor the position of one interest group over another c. counter the censorship activities of the media watch groups d. decide which issues are important enough to bring to public attention
D
13. Conservatives would tend to support each of the following EXCEPT: a. low taxes c. free market (no government) solutions b. increased military spending d. affirmative action
D
16. Which of the following concepts refers to the beliefs about government and politics that people in the U.S. hold most deeply? a. ethnic pride b. party identification c. group identity d. political culture
D
18. Older Americans get their political news primarily from a. the internet b. newspapers c. the radio d. television
D
2. Which of the following demographic groups has voted most consistently Democratic in presidential elections over the last three decades? a. Mexican Americans b. Wealthy males c. Protestants d. Black Americans
D
Catholics and Jews vote for
Democrats
partisan
Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause
revolving door
Employment cycle in which individuals who work for governmental agencies that regulate interests eventually end up working for interest groups or businesses with the same policy concern. Lobbyists are often former legislators (House representatives or Senators) who have lost campaigns and get paid as a lobbyist - although they have to wait a year. This practice is called the revolving door.
lobbying
Engaging in activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and the policies they enact.
Media event
Events that are purposely staged for the media and that are significant just because the media are there.
executive orders
Formal orders issued by the president to direct action by the federal bureaucracy.
mass media
Forms of communication, such as newspapers and radio, that reach millions of people.
What is frontloading? What is the incentive for states to participate in frontloading? What are the consequences of frontloading?
Frontloading is the movement of states to hold their primaries earlier in the electoral process to generate greater influence over the nomination. States that hold early primaries have a disproportionate amount of influence compared to those that hold their primaries later. Candidates will spend a great deal of time in states with early primaries and less time in those that hold late primaries. Moving the primaries earlier contributes to the sense that the presidential campaign is lengthening.
19th Amendment (1920)
Gave women the right to vote
patronage
Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
Briefly describe 5 of the Constitutional roles of the president.
Head of State - The role as ceremonial head of the government Chief executive - The role as head of the executive branch of the government. Commander in Chief - The role as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the state National Guard units when they are called into Federal Service. Chief diplomat - The role of the president in recognizing foreign governments, making treaties (with advice and consent from Senate. 2/3rds vote for ratification), and effecting executive agreements. chief legislator - The role of the president in influencing the making of laws
3 strategies have been used to try to prevent abuse
Imposing limitations on giving, receiving, and spending political money Requiring public disclosure of the people who give and how the $ is used Giving government financing to candidates, campaigns and parties to reduce candidate's reliance on raising money.
Discuss differences between the House and the Senate in terms of how bills come to the floor, how long bills are discussed, how long members can talk, how bills can die or be delayed and the role of the House Speaker vs. Senate President.
House: Bills introduced into "the hopper" and referred to committee by the Speaker Senate: Bills introduced (may be introduced directly on the floor) and normally referred to committee by majority leader senate spends two days on a bill house spends... on a bill House members: 20 minutes Senate members: unlimited time After passage by both houses, a bill is submitted to the President. The President may choose to sign the bill, thereby making it law. The President may also choose to veto the bill, returning it to Congress with his objections. In such a case, the bill only becomes law if each house of Congress votes to override the veto with a two-thirds majority. Finally, the President may choose to take no action, neither signing nor vetoing the bill. In such a case, the Constitution states that the bill automatically becomes law after ten days (excluding Sundays). However, if Congress adjourns (ends a legislative session) during the ten day period, then the bill does not become law. Thus, the President may veto legislation passed at the end of a congressional session simply by ignoring it; the maneuver is known as a pocket veto, and cannot be overridden by the adjourned Congress. The House of Representatives has the power to impeach an elected official. The Senate, on the other hand, doesn't have this power.
2010 - Citizens United vs. FEC - weakened FECA
In this case, the Supreme Court said that "issue advocacy" ads by groups that are independent of a candidate cannot be limited by campaign finance law because it limits their "free speech". It stated that unions, corporations, and individuals can use whatever amounts of money they want to spend on issue advocacy ads that feature candidates as long as they register as a "Super PAC". However, the Super PAC must remain "independent" of the candidate; the candidate and staff may not contribute to them. With the ruling, the Court gave corporations, unions and other groups the same right to free speech and privileges that the Constitution gives to persons. So... we have resumed to an era of unlimited campaign financing on independent expenditures.
Independent expenditures
Individuals and groups that are truly independent of a party or candidate can make donations to a campaign.
26th Amendment (1971)
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18
Appeals to the Public
It is a a serious or urgent request, aimed at the public.
Primary/Caucus Season
January-June Time to craft a positive personal image and get name out Time to distinguish themselves from other candidates Time to seek media attention but avoid blunders 3/4s states use primaries and the rest use caucuses
Yellow Journalism
Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers
5. Be ready to explain 3-4 key aspects of each ideological group.
Liberals: individuals should have freedom of speech, press, assembly, have right to own property and businesses, govt should protect the personal rights of people, the govt needs to ensure equal opportunity and to promote it if necessary, the govt should pay for these programs through a progressive tax rate system which taxes higher income earners more Conservatives: individuals should have freedom of speech, press, assembly, individuals should have right to own property and businesses, govt should protect rights of people, business-owners and help promote competition, minimal govt is necessary to ensure protection of individual rights Authoritarian: govt determines society's economic and social goals for all people, govt owns the resources, govt makes production decisions, the govt sets prices Libertarianism: cherishes individual liberty and insists on a minimal government in the economy, in foreign policy, and in regulating social affairs.
Explain how interest groups use lobbying, electioneering, litigation, and appeals to the public as strategies to shape public policy. Key terms: lobbying, electioneering, political action committees (PACs)
Lobbying or Rallying to get laws passed Electioneering and supporting candidates or forming new political parties like the Green Party Litigation - suing Going Public through mass mailing, TV and Internet ads, door-to-door canvassing, etc. The four basic strategies are lobbying, electioneering, litigation, and appealing to the public. Application: These are not exclusive strategies. Most groups use multiple combinations of these. Their goal is to pursue their policy goals.
Why do congressmen listen to lobbyists?
Lobbyists lobbyists are important sources of information. Congressmen must be policy generalists, but lobbyists can be experts in a specific policy area and provide info on the effects of various policy options. Lobbyists are also politically savvy and can serve as consultants, offering advice on how to carry policy through or how to win the votes of a certain constituency/voters. Members of Congress are always eager to claim credit, and lobbyists can give them ideas for bills to introduce. Lobbyists can also work on a candidate's political campaign.
Why do we regulate campaign financing?
Many people make small donations to political candidates, but the cost of campaigns is so high that wealthy contributors can buy special influence over elected officials, to the detriment of middle class and poorer Americans.
libertarian
One who believes in limited government interference in personal and economic liberties
whips
Party leaders who work with the majority leader or minority leader to count votes beforehand and lean on waverers whose votes are crucial to a bill favored by the party.
1. Describe how American politician choreograph their messages through the mass media incorporating media events, commercials and the right image. (7.1)
Politicians stage media events for the primary purpose of getting attention from the media. These events are artfully stage-managed to present the intended message. Campaign commercials are also carefully crafted to convey specific images and information.
Gerymandering
Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power.
Sound bites
Short video clips of approximately 10 seconds. Typically, they are all that is shown from a politician's speech on the nightly television news.
purple or battleground states
States with a high concentration of swing voters. About 10 of these states
purple states
States with a high concentration of swing voters. About 10 of these states
outrage discourse
Stoked by sensationalism to generate attention from viewers efforts to provoke a visceral response from the audience, usually in the form of ager, fear, or moral righteousness through the use of overgeneralizations, sensationalism misleading or patently inaccurate information, ad hominen attacks, and partial truths about opponents
how the network of subgovernments or "iron triangles" supports the hyperpluralist view of policymaking.
Sub governments are composed of interest group leaders interested in a particular policy, the government agency in charge of administering that policy, and the members of congressional committees and subcommittees handling that policy; they exercise a great deal of control over specific policy areas. Application: These are caused by hyper pluralists. They argue that the interest group system is our control. This is promoted by sub governments
Electronic media
Television, radio, and the Internet, as compared with print media.
Ideological or Single-Issue Interest Groups
The NRA, Christian Coalition, Conservation Foundation, Right-to-Life, etc. - these groups organize around special issues and try to influence civil liberties, the environment, etc. They often tend to be strongly liberal or strongly conservative - tho some moderate groups have formed.
legislative veto
The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power
political efficacy
The belief that one's political participation really matters - that one's vote can actually make a difference
Describe the relationship between politicians and political action committees (PACs). How do PACs affect politicians and policymaking? How does this affect democracy and representation?
The campaign reforms of the 1970s also encouraged the spread of political action committees, generally known as PACs. Before the 1974 reforms, corporations were technically forbidden to donate money to political campaigns, but many wrote big checks anyway. Unions could make indirect contributions, although limits were set on how they could aid candidates and political parties. The 1974 reforms created a new, more open way for interest groups such as business and labor to contribute to campaigns. Any interest group, large or small, can now get into the act by forming its own PAC to directly channel contributions of up to $5000 per candidate in both the primary and general election. Candidates need PACs because high-tech campaigning is expensive. Tightly contested races for the House of Representatives can sometimes cost over $1 million; Senate races can easily cost $1 million for television alone. PACs play a major role in paying for expensive campaigns. Thus there emerges a symbiotic relationship between the PACs and the candidates: Candidates need money, which they insist can be used without compromising their integrity; PACs want access to officeholders, which they insist can be gained without buying votes. Most any lobbyist will tell their clients that politicians will listen to any important interest group but that with a sizeable PAC donation they'll listen better. Critics of the PAC system worry that all this money leads to PAC control over what winners do once in office. On some issues, it seems clear that PAC money has made a difference. It is questionable, however, whether such examples are the exception or the rule. Most PACs give money to candidates who agree with them in the first place. The impact of PAC money on presidents is even more doubtful. Presidents have well-articulated positions on most important issues and a small contribution from any one PAC is not likely to turn a presidential candidate's head.
Explain how the electoral college system works. In particular, how are the number of electors for each state determined? How do states distribute their electoral votes? How many votes does a candidate need to win the Presidency?
The electoral college is made up of 538 electors. Each state has 2 senators and then a number of house of representative members that is based on population. Each state decides how they vote. Most have the electors decide. Nebraska and Maine each vote in a way that the winner of each district is awarded one electoral vote, and the winner of the state-wide vote is then awarded the state's remaining two electoral votes. The rest of the states have a winner takes all vote where whoever wins the vote in their state gets all the votes. A candidate needs 270 votes to win an election.
Briefly explain or list the 7 steps taken for a Bill to become a law.
The first step is the idea for the new law is brought up in either house. The second step is the new bill is assigned to a committee. Third, the bill must pass the committee with a majority vote. In the fourth step, the bill is brought to the Senate or the House it must pass a vote. In the fifth step, the bill will then be sent to the other house and pass their vote. The sixth step is if the opposing house changes the bill and passes a different version then both the House and the Senate must meet in a committee to go over the new changes. Finally, the bill is approved through the houses and sent to the president. The President can either veto the bill or sign it into law.
policy agenda
The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actively involved in politics at the time.
4. Analyze the impact the media has on what policy issues Americans think about. (7.4)
The media are instrumental in setting the American political agenda - that is, the issues that get seriously addressed by politicians. What issues Americans think about is much influenced by which issues the media choose to cover It has often been said that the media are like a searchlight, bringing one episode and then another out of darkness and into the public eye.
nomination
The official endorsement of a candidate for office by a political party. Generally, success in the nomination game requires momentum, money, and media attention.
minority leader
The principal leader of the minority party in the House of Representatives or in the Senate.
selective exposure
The process by which individuals screen out messages that do not conform to their own biases.
minority majority
The situation, likely beginning in the mid-twenty-first century, in which the non-Hispanic whites will represent a minority of the U.S. population and minority groups together will represent a majority.
iron triangle
The three-way alliance among legislators, bureaucrats, and interest groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their respective interests. Hyperpluralists argue that there are too many special interests getting too much of what they want.
List 5 of the constitutional powers of the president.
Treaty Power Appointment Power Legislative Power Executive Privilege Commander in Chief
Evauluate primary and caucuses weaknesses specifically
Voters in primaries and caucuses tend to be unrepresentative of party membership, and of the electorate as a whole. Only about 25% of eligible voters cast ballots in primary elections, and about 5% participate in caucuses. Finally, the primary system gives tremendous power to the media. They get to be kingmakers by designating a candidate as the likely winner. Prominent politicians find it difficult to take time out from their duties to run Money plays too big a role in the caucuses and primaries Participation in primaries and caucuses is low and unrepresentative The system gives too much power to the media
issue framing
Where the media helps politicians frame or "spin" the news in a particular manner
How demographically diverse is the House of Representatives in terms of gender and race?
White: 326; Black: 52; Hispanic: 40; Asian: 12; Native American: 4 Men: 332; Women: 102
Public Interest Groups
an organization that seeks a collective good that will not selectively and materially benefit group members These groups seek a "collective good," by which everyone can benefit regardless of whether they joined in the lobbying.
political culture
an overall set of values widely shared within a society
4. Evaluate the influence of political ideologies on Americans' political thinking and behavior, particularly on party identification and voting. (6.4)
conservatism and liberalism = most prominent ideologies in American politics A political ideology is a coherent set of values and beliefs about public policy. the two most prominent ideologies in American politics are conservation and liberalism. These ideologies guide people's thinking on policy issues. although roughly 60 percent of the American public call themselves either conservatives or liberals, even many of these individuals are not necessarily ideologically consistent in their political attitudes often they are conservative in principle but liberal in practice; that is, they are against big government but favor more spending on a wide variety of programs.
according to the feca, candidates must
disclose who contributed directly to their campaigns and how the money was spent
Foreign Policy Interest Groups
promote or oppose foreign policy (free trade); Council on Foreign Relation, American Israel Pol't Action Committee (AIPAC), Arab American Institute; nonprofit, social, cultural, environ'l, nongov'l
national popular vote plan
proposal for electing the President whereby each State's election laws would provide for all of the State's electoral votes to be awarded to the winner of the national popular vote and enter into an interstate compact agreeing to elect the President by national popular vote
the primary function of a lobbyist to
provide information to congressmen that is favorable to a special interest group
5 General Economic Problems of High Health Care Costs
reduced access to insurance slower wage growth fewer full time jobs increase debt for local, state and fed govt too many resources being devoted to health care
explanations for low voter turnout include
registration requirements, weekday elections, frequency of elections are the local and state level
1. Identify major demographic trends, particularly the minority majority projected for the mid-21st century, and their likely impact on American politics. (6.1)
the non-hispanic white population is falling, African American population is rising, Hispanic population is rising, and asian american population is rising. democrats will see a rise in support
political socialization
the process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions
reapportionment
the process of reassigning representation based on population, after every census
litigation
the process of taking legal action
benefits of having a primary before a general election
the public learns the positions of the candidates the public gets to see how well candidates handle pressure it helps create a more democratic process as citizens vote for the candidate they like
pork barrel
the use of government funds for projects designed to please voters or legislators and win votes.
Investigative journalism
the use of in-depth reporting to unearth scandals, scams, and schemes, at times putting reporters in adversarial relationships with political leaders
features of the electoral college
there is a winner take all system in 48 states candidates have a strong incentive to campaign in large states they have a chance of winning candidates spend more time in the states that have early primaries even if they are not largely populated
5. Explain the media's role as a linkage institution. (throughout Ch. 7)
they present candidate platforms, cover issues, interview candidates, and show the election results
With what results of the impeachment inquiries?
two presidents (Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton) were impeached but not removed from office
