AP US Government Chapter 9 (part 2)

According to the text, what is the clearest way in which elections broadly affect public policy?

"Two way streets". Elections, to some degree, affect public policies. And public policy decisions party affect electoral outcomes

List and explain three major reasons why people might vote

-if they believe that the policies of one party will bring more benefits -political efficacy -impelled to vote by a sense of civic duty

What are the four conditions necessary for true policy voting to take place?

-must have a clear sense of their own policy positions -must know where the candidates stand on policy issues -must see differences between candidates on issues -cast a vote for the candidate whose policy positions coincide with their own

Briefly explain how the electoral college works

-number of electors is determined by the number of senators + the number of HORs -electors make their votes in December and the Vice President announces it in January -if no candidate receives the electoral college majority, it's thrown t the house which must choose from among the top 3 electoral vote winner (hasn't occurred since 1824)

List and explain six demographic factors that are related to voter turnout

Education- people with higher education are more likely to vote Age- young adults are less likely to follow politics regularly and lack motivation to vote Race and Ethnicity- minorities tend to feel misrepresented Gender- women participate in elections slightly more than men Marital Status- people who are married are more likely to vote Government Employment- having something at stake, like your job, and being in a position to know government impels workers to vote

What are the three most important dimensions of candidate image?

Integrity Reliability Competence

What are the two reasons why the electoral college is important to presidential elections?

Introduces bias into campaigning and electoral process Winner-take-all norm means candidates will focus on winning a relatively small number of battleground states

What is the major provision of the 1993 Motor Voter Act?

Made voter registration easier by requiring states to allow eligible voters to vote by simply checking a box on their driver's license application or renewal form

What are the two tasks. Elections accomplish according to democratic theory?

Socialize Institutionalize

How has the influence to party identification on voting changed since the 1950's?

Voting used to be based on party affiliation, but now, we have a lot more floating voters (normally young) that evaluate and make their own decisions on candidates. Election choices are an individual choice and votes are up for grabs