Exam 3 Study Guide - Topic 3 Voting and Elections

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to voting and elections, political culture, public opinion, socialization, media, political parties, and interest groups.

Who was allowed to vote when our nation was founded?

White, wealthy men.

What amendments impacted voting rights for black males, women, and 18-year-olds?

15th, 19th, and 26th amendments.

How does US voter participation compare to other democratic countries?

Lower than nearly every other democracy.

What percentage of the voting population participates in presidential elections?

More than 50%.

What is the difference between the popular vote and the electoral college vote?

To become President, a candidate does not need to win the popular vote.

What was the outcome of the 2020 presidential election compared to 2016?

Trump did not win the popular vote in either, but won the electoral college vote in 2016 and not in 2020.

Who holds the responsibility to register to vote?

The individual.

Voter registration requirements are controlled by which level of government?

States.

How are political candidates selected in the US?

In primary elections.

What are impediments to voting?

Limiting absentee voting, voting by mail, and reducing polling places.

What accounts for decreased voter turnout?

Alienation, burdens of voter registration, lack of interest in politics, and frequent elections.

What are the individual benefits of voting?

Expressing political views and participation in politics.

What is the incumbent advantage?

Greater than 90% chance of being reelected.

What is divided government?

Different parties controlling different branches of government.

What is the American political culture?

Commonly held values and beliefs about government and politics.

What is public opinion?

The sum of individual opinions on issues.

What is political socialization?

The process by which we acquire our views on issues.

What are the factors of socialization in order?

Family, school, church, media, and generation.

What is public opinion polling?

Asking individuals their views on issues.

What factors affect opinion polling?

Subject to error, sampling error decreases as sample size increases.

Where do most people get their information about government and politics?

Most from TV.

Which media outlet is largely unregulated?

The internet.

What form of media is becoming important for elections?

Internet and Social Media.

Why do political candidates engage in negative campaigning?

It is easier and more entertaining.

What is the most important aspect of the media's role in newsmaking?

Agenda setting.

What does muckraking mean?

Reporting on scandalous activities.

What is yellow journalism?

Sensationalism and exaggeration.

What has research on network media content revealed?

Content is not biased but often negative.

What is the definition of a political party?

Intermediary organization whose goal is to get their candidate elected.

What are the types of political parties?

Ideological, single issue, protest, splinter.

What type of party system does the US have?

Two-party system.

Why does the US have a two-party system?

Historical precedents, electoral rules, and restrictions on minor parties.

What is a winner take all system?

Winning candidate takes all the votes.

What is a proportional representation system?

Candidates take seats in proportion to the votes.

What is a party platform?

Written statement of the party's views on issues.

What views are typically held by Republicans?

Free market, deregulation, pro-life.

Why have Republicans gained members in recent decades?

Polarization of strongly held beliefs.

What views are typically held by Democrats?

Regulation of market, pro-choice, individual choice.

What demographic will be important for the future of both parties?

Hispanics.

What is the definition of an interest group?

An intermediary organization that influences government action.

What are the types of interest groups?

Single issue and public interest.

Which interest groups are the most numerous?

Business groups.

Define collective good.

Something that belongs to all, like air or water.

How do interest groups function?

Lobbying, using direct and grassroots tactics.

What is an amicus curiae brief?

Friends of the court briefs designed to sway judicial opinions.

What is an iron triangle?

Strong relationship between bureaucrats, legislators, and lobbyists.

Identify direct and indirect lobbying tactics.

Direct lobbying goes directly to the official; indirect relies on public pressure.

Why are direct lobbying tactics successful?

They are often beneficial to the official through money and information.

What is grassroots lobbying?

Relying on the public to pressure their representative.