AP Gov Set 4

Bully Pulpit

First used by Roosevelt to refer to position that gives people opportunity to speak out about things and be heard by many

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party to choose candidates and party platform

Gerrymandering

the drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a party or specific group

Hard Money

campaign contributions donated directly to candidates

Soft Money

Campaign contributions made to political parties and committees to support candidate

Hatch Act

Prohibits govt employees from engaging in unethical pol. activities like bribing voters, and coercing campaign contributions. Does not apply to president or vice president

Issue Network

Alliances of experts, interest groups, journalists, and government officials focused on shaping specific public policies

Limitus Test

An examination of the political ideology of a nominated judge, used to determine if they are liberal or conservative before confirmation

Lobbying

Interest groups go door to door to influence and get support for passing something or general cause

Mandates

Order from federal government that all state and local govs must follow

Mass Media

Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and other means of popular communication to distribute info about politics. Key linkage institution

McCain-Feingold Act/Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

Amended Federal Election Campaign Act to ban national parties and federal candidates from giving soft money contributions and increased hard money limits (can donate more)

Pork Barrel

the use of government funds for projects designed to please voters or legislators usually within a representatives district

Public Opinion

Opinions wants and desires of the people that informs policy making

Revolving Door

Employment cycle in which individuals who work for governmental agencies that regulate interests eventually end up working for interest groups or businesses with the same policy concern.

Super PAC's

Independent political action committee that is able to raise and spend large amounts of money to support candidate running for office but cannot donate money to candidate directly

Watchdog

Journalist of publication that informs people about events going on in government that may provoke change in public opinion. Fact check and hold people accountable