Political Science Review

Review for second political science exam (college level?)

Why do we use polls?

To measure public opinions, predict elections, and to gauge confidence in political order.

The literary digest failed because…

Had a biased sample that didn’t represent the full election.

George Gallup succeeded because…

Used a random sample which is better than a biased sample.

Is polling accurate?

It depends on how the poll is conducted but is better today.

Random statistical errors…

Are unpredictable changes in measurements that happen because of chance and are hard to identify which leads to inconsistent results.

Example of push poll?

Push public opinions rather than measure them.

Perceptual lens that guides action?

Partisanship is the lens that guides future action.

Best predictor of person’s party ID?

Their parents.

Reasons knowledge is not worrisome?

can lead to informed decision-making and engagement in civic duties, making a positive impact on democracy.

Democrats and Republicans are farther apart on spectrum…

One is liberal while the other is not. Political polarization.

Is the public polarized?

We don’t know but they’re biased against the opposing party.

Why doesn’t the gov’t regulate print media?

Is a check and balance within gov’t but is a check outside gov’t.

Freedom of the press is protected by?

1st amendment.

Who uncovered the Watergate scandal?

Washington Post.

Worries about change in media?

Concentration of media ownership, fewer facts, selective exposure, misinformation, rise in cable TV leads to a decline, soft news.

What is the 'Minimal effects model'?

Media influence a small part of the public.

What is 'Selective exposure'?

Choose to only consume certain types of media that they agree with.

What is 'selective perception'?

Perceiving the same information differently.

What is the 'not so minimal effects model'?

Media is more effective than we thought but in subtle ways.

Interest groups are good because…

Bring attention to particular issues, can collectively bargain, can get their voices heard, advance economic well-being.

Interest groups are bad because…

Influence of money and politics, get to meet people with the same views.

What is the 'revolving door'?

Most rallies held public sector jobs.

What does the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) do?

Monitors financing of campaigns.

2010 Supreme Court ruling?

Corporations have the same 1st amendment rights as people do. Led to less regulation of campaign finance.

What is the 'free rider' problem?

People not contributing to something but getting the same benefits.

Which party has a greater demand for diversity?

Democratic Party.

What happened in 1932 and 1968 to change the 2 parties?

1932 FDR created the New Deal and in 1968 the New Society was created.

Modern-day liberal democrats…

Would support the New Deal and Great Society.

Modern-day conservative Republicans would…

Oppose the New Deal and Great Society.

Duverger’s law…

Will always be 2 main political parties.

The 17th amendment…

Allowed people to directly appoint senators. Led to more power to public since we couldn’t do so before.

Why the Electoral College?

Supportive in democracy - didn’t trust people to be in charge, and wanted to enhance state power.

Can a president win without a popular vote?

Yes, has happened multiple times.

What does the 12th Amendment do?

Elect president and vice president together.

Campaign spending increased or decreased?

Increased by a lot.

General election campaigning…

Focus on battleground or swing states.

What is replacing traditional ads?

Microtargeting. Target messages to fit specific groups of people.

U.S. turnout…

Is low compared to other countries because election day isn’t a national holiday.

What is motivating Gerrymandering?

Voting Rights Act which gave votes to minorities and wanted to stop that.

What are presidential coattails?

The tendency for a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election

What was ruled unconstitutional in 2000?

Florida's method of counting ballots in the presidential election violated the 14th Amendment.

Democracy is

a system of government in which power is vested in the people (all of the above)

The framers generally wanted

a balanced society

Conservatives generally believe what on economic issues?

Lower taxes will eventually benefit everyone and less gov’t interference

The very definition of tyranny

all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, leading to oppression and the destruction of liberty.

Which is not a check and balance

President chooses majority, house and senate leader

Has the election of the Senate changed?

The direct election of Senators by the public, rather than their election by state legislatures.

Race to the bottom

States may wish to lower their regulations and taxes to attract businesses,

Opponents of gun rights focus on which part of the 2nd amendment?

The first part

Privatizations of prisons: good or bad thing?

Bad - created incentives for people to make money.

Racial bias in the prison system?

yes.