Study Guide for Exam 2: Public Opinion, Media, Political Parties, and Elections

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to public opinion, media, political parties, and elections.

Opinion Variables

These are factors that influence how individuals form opinions, including latent opinions and preformed opinions.

Latent Opinions

Opinions created on the spot, often influenced by immediate circumstances.

Preformed Opinions

Opinions that are shaped early in life and typically remain stable throughout a person's life.

Public Opinion

What people think about politics or government.

Political Ideology

A person's identification as either liberal or conservative.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals form their political beliefs, influenced by family, community, and culture.

Mass Media

Everyday sources, such as newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet, that provide people with information.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

A government agency responsible for regulating the media.

Equal Time Provision

A requirement that broadcasting networks must give political candidates equal time on air to prevent biased media.

Spoils System

A practice where individuals who help candidates get elected receive government jobs regardless of their qualifications.

Party Principle

The concept that a political party organization is distinct from its elected officials, with candidates aligning to the party rather than the party to the candidates.

Electoral College

A body of electors that votes to elect the president, with the number of electors for each state based on its population.

Swing States

States that can be won by either major political party in an election, making them crucial targets for candidates.

Retrospective Evaluation

An analysis of an incumbent's job performance, which can impact voter decisions.

Majority Voting

A voting system in which a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes to win.

Plurality Voting

A voting system in which the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not achieve a majority.

Campaign Ads

Advertisements created by candidates to attract voters' interest and highlight differences between themselves and their opponents.

Party Platform

A set of promises a candidate makes that outline what they will do if elected, used to influence voters.

Issue Ownership

The strategy where a party concentrates its campaigns on issues deemed important to its identity.

Party Coalitions

Groups of voters who consistently support a political party based on shared historical or ideological traits.