Exam 3 Study Guide: Voting, Elections, and Political Processes (copy)

Who was allowed to vote when our nation was founded?

Initially, voting rights were restricted predominantly to white male property owners.

What did the 15th Amendment accomplish?

It granted African American men the right to vote.

What significant change did the 19th Amendment bring?

It granted women the right to vote, marking a significant stride for gender equality in suffrage.

What is the impact of the 26th Amendment?

It lowered the voting age to 18, expanding eligibility to younger citizens.

How does US voter participation compare to other democracies?

Voter participation in the US tends to be lower compared to other democracies, particularly in mid-term elections.

What percentage of eligible voters typically participate in presidential elections?

Approximately 60-66% of eligible voters participate in presidential elections.

What is the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College?

The popular vote is the total number of votes cast by citizens, while the Electoral College is the mechanism for the indirect election of the President and Vice President.

What observations can be made about the voter turnout in the 2020 vs. 2016 presidential elections?

The 2020 election saw higher voter turnout compared to 2016, reflecting increased voter engagement and different political climates.

Who is responsible for voter registration in the US?

Individual citizens are responsible for registering to vote.

Who controls voter registration requirements?

State governments control voter registration requirements.

How are political candidates primarily selected in the US?

Political candidates are primarily selected through primaries, caucuses, and conventions within political parties.

What barriers can impede voting and affect turnout?

Barriers such as voter ID laws, limited polling locations, and misinformation can hinder voter turnout.

What factors can lead to decreased voter turnout?

Factors include apathy, disenfranchisement, lack of access to voting, and complex registration processes.

What are individual benefits of voting?

Voting allows individuals to express their opinions, influence government policy, and participate in democracy.

What advantages do incumbents have?

Incumbents often have advantages such as greater visibility, established networks, and funding resources for campaigning.

What is a divided government?

A divided government occurs when one party controls the presidency and another controls Congress, potentially leading to gridlocks.

What are key characteristics of American political culture?

American political culture is characterized by values such as individualism, democracy, equality, and a belief in civic duty.

What does public opinion refer to?

Public opinion refers to the collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on various issues.

How is public opinion shaped?

Public opinion is shaped by individual opinions aggregated across society.

What is political socialization?

Political socialization is the process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values.

Who are the main agents of political socialization?

The main agents of political socialization include family, schools, peers, media, and significant life events.

What is the purpose of public opinion polling?

Public opinion polling measures public sentiment on various issues and influences political decision-making.

What factors can affect opinion polling outcomes?

Factors affecting opinion polling include sample size, selection bias, question wording, and timing.

What sources do individuals typically rely on for information on government and politics?

Most individuals rely on media (television, internet) for information on government and politics.

What is a largely unregulated media outlet?

The internet and social media are often less regulated compared to traditional media sources.

How is social media significant for elections?

Social media is becoming increasingly significant for political campaigning.

What is negative campaigning?

Negative campaigning involves candidates discrediting opponents to draw voter attention, often leading to higher engagement.

What role does media play in newsmaking?

The media frames news stories and shapes public perception.

What types of stories do news media often emphasize?

News media often emphasizes sensational stories, political scandals, and breaking news.

What is muckraking?

Muckraking is investigative journalism aimed at exposing corruption.

What is yellow journalism?

Yellow journalism is sensationalized news that often exaggerates or misrepresents information to attract readers.

What do studies indicate about network media content?

Studies indicate biases in media coverage and how it influences public opinion and political behaviors.

What defines a political party?

A political party is an organization that seeks to gain power by winning elections and influencing government policy.

What types of parties exist in the US?

The US has major parties (e.g., Democrats, Republicans) and minor parties (e.g., Green Party, Libertarian Party).

What characterizes the US party system?

The US has a two-party system due to plurality voting, ballot access laws, and historical precedent.

When did political parties originate in the US?

Political parties originated in the US in the late 18th century as factions formed around differing ideological beliefs.

What is a winner-take-all system?

A winner-take-all system is an electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, leaving no representation for losing candidates.

What is a proportional representation system?

A proportional representation system is an electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

What is a party platform?

A party platform is a document outlining a party's principles and policy goals.

What views does the Republican Party typically support?

The Republican Party typically supports lower taxes, less regulation, and conservative social policies.

What factors contribute to increasing Republican membership?

Growth in Republican membership is attributed to shifting demographics, appeals to conservative ideologies, and local and state issues.

What views does the Democratic Party generally favor?

The Democratic Party generally favors social equality, increased regulation, and progressive taxation.

Why are demographic factors important for future political parties?

Demographic factors, especially Latino and younger voters, are increasingly important for both major parties' electoral success.

What is an interest group?

An interest group is an organization formed to advocate for specific causes, interests, or policies.

What types of interest groups exist?

Types of interest groups include economic groups (e.g., trade unions), public interest groups (e.g., environmental organizations), and ideological groups (e.g., religious groups).

Which type of interest group is most numerous?

Economic interest groups tend to be the most numerous.

What is a collective good?

A collective good is a benefit that cannot be denied to anyone in a group, regardless of whether they contributed to its provision.

How do interest groups function?

Interest groups lobby, conduct research, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize members for campaigns.

What is an amicus curiae brief?

An amicus curiae brief is a legal document submitted by non-litigants to advise the court on matters of law or policy related to a case.

What is the iron triangle?

The iron triangle is a stable relationship between government agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees that influence policy.

What are direct vs. indirect lobbying tactics?

Direct lobbying involves direct interaction with lawmakers; indirect lobbying mobilizes public opinion to influence decision-makers.

Why is direct lobbying often successful?

Direct lobbying is often successful due to established relationships and access to decision-makers.

What is grassroots lobbying?

Grassroots lobbying involves mobilizing the general public to contact legislators and influence policy decisions.