Chapter 15-16

What are factions according to James Madison in Federalist No. 10?

Groups of citizens united by a common interest that opposes the rights of others or the community's good.

What is Madison's solution to control the harm of factions?

A large republic with many competing factions prevents any single faction from gaining too much power.

What is the primary cause of factions according to Madison?

Unequal distribution of wealth/property.

What does the Participatory Democracy Theory suggest?

Citizens influence policy by joining groups to advocate for specific policies.

What is the main idea of Pluralist Theory?

Political power is spread among many competing groups, ensuring that no single group dominates.

According to Elitist Theory, who holds most political power?

A small, wealthy elite controls the policy agenda and has better access to policymakers.

What is the Collective Action Problem?

The difficulty individuals face in combining their efforts for a shared goal, especially for a collective good.

What is the Free Rider Problem?

Individuals benefit from a group's efforts without joining or contributing.

What are selective benefits?

Special benefits offered only to members or contributors to encourage participation.

What are interest groups?

Organizations that try to influence public policy in favor of their members’ interests.

What are some common tactics used by interest groups?

Lobbying, electioneering, litigation, grassroots mobilization, and submitting amicus curiae briefs.

What is an Iron Triangle?

A three-way alliance between Congress, the Bureaucracy, and an Interest Group that mutually benefits each other.

What defines social movements?

Large-scale collective efforts by citizens to bring social or political change.

What are some common tactics of social movements?

Protests, marches, sit-ins, civil disobedience, litigation, and media coverage.

What are the stages of a movement?

Emergence, Coalescence, Institutionalization, and Decline.

What role does the media play in politics as a gatekeeper?

Decides which issues get coverage.

How does media shape politics through framing?

Media presentation affects how the public interprets an issue.

What is the Equal Time Rule?

Broadcast stations must offer equal opportunities to all candidates.

What is net neutrality?

The principle that Internet Service Providers should treat all data on the internet the same without discriminating or charging differently.