Exam Questions

Campaign Finance Reform

Changes made to laws governing how much money individuals and organizations can contribute to political campaigns.

McCain-Feingold Act

2002 legislation aimed at regulating campaign finance and limiting money in politics.

Citizens United v. FEC

2010 Supreme Court decision that allowed for unlimited contributions to political campaigns from corporations and unions.

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often contrasting with established elites.

Insurgents

Members or factions within a political party seeking to challenge and change the established leadership's direction or policies.

Establishment Republicans

Traditional leaders within the Republican Party often resistant to drastic changes in party ideology.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often at the expense of broader international considerations.

Gridlock

A situation in which progress is impossible due to opposing parties or interests preventing legislative action.

Voter Outreach

Efforts made by candidates to communicate with and mobilize potential voters.

Super PACs

Political action committees that can raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals to advocate for or against candidates.

Party Discipline

The tendency of party members to vote according to party lines and follow the party's platform.

Constituents

The residents of a congressional district or state who are represented by an elected official.

Identity Politics

Political positions based on the interests and perspectives of social groups with which people identify.

Party Affiliation

An individual's political party alignment that influences their voting behavior and candidate support.

High Costs of Campaigning

The significant financial investment required to run a political campaign, including advertising and outreach.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the powers of the others.

Populist Ideals

Beliefs that prioritize the needs of the common people and often challenge the established political order.

Legislative Action

The process by which laws are made and enacted by the legislative branch of government.

Political Polarization

The increasing ideological divide and political hostility between opposing parties or groups.

Beyond Normal Politics

A term describing political situations or behaviors that deviate from traditional party norms or expectations.

Financial Influence in Elections

The impact that monetary contributions have on the electoral process, candidate viability, and campaign effectiveness.