American Governemnt Final Exam Review

change in print media over time

• include digital media

• reach wider audiences

• adapt to technological advancements

when and how tv became the dominant form of media

• during 1960 elections

• shaped political perception

• highlighted visual aspects of political communication

regulation of political advocacy

• by governmental bodies

• vary to ensure divers and unbiased information spreading

negative campaigning

candidates or groups attacking opponents character/policies rather than focusing on merits

interest groups

organized association of individuals who share common goals/work together to influence public policy

the rider problem and how it can be overcome

• when individuals benefit from a collective effort without contributing

• selective/exclusive benefits for group members

benefits interest groups provide for members

information, material benefits, solidarity, and expressive benefits

activities interest groups carry out

lobbying, advocacy, public relations, and campaign contributions

political action committee (PAC) and role in american politics

• organization that raises/spends money to elect/defeat political candidates

• campaign financing

how citizen united supreme court cased changed role on interest groups

• corporations/units allowed to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns

• impacted interest groups influence

responsibilities of county, city, and special districts

public safety, infrastructure, education zoning,and public services

organizations of county governments and elected officials at county level

• boards or commissions

• commissioners, sheriffs, and assessors

how counties raise funds and what it’s spent on

• through taxes and receiving state/federal aid

• public services, infrastructure, and administration

problems with county government structure

• inefficiency, unequal representation, and challenges in meeting diverse community needs

types of city government in texas

council-manager, major-council, commission forms of government

electoral systems used in city government elections

at large representation or district based systems

regulation of land by cities

zoning ordinances, planning communities, and development regulations

special districts an their functions

• a local government unit created for specific functions to provide specialized services in a defined area

• water supply, sanitation, or fire protection