Parties / Interest Groups

Media, interest groups, political parties, and elections are examples of..?

Linkage Institutions

Linkage Institutions

Institutions that link the events of the government and the events of the people

Political Parties

Alliances of people who work together to win elections at all levels of government

The 2 Parties

Exist at every level of government, do not work closely with one another, and are not hierarchical

Realignment

Long-term transitioning of a coalition of voters to another party

Dealignment

Transitioning support from one of the major parties to neither party

Centrist Voters/Independents/Moderates/Split Ticket Voters

Do not belong to any party and vote for the best candidate regardless of that person's party affiliation

Ballot Access (3rd Party Hindrance)

3rd parties need thousands of petition signatures to get on the ballot

Winner Take All System (3rd Party Hindrance)

Even if a 3rd party does get on the ballot, they are unlikely to win the majority of a state, earning them no electoral votes

Equality (3rd Party Hindrance)

Those governing elections want to protect the 2-party system

Financial Problems (3rd Party Hindrance)

A 3rd party must have received at least 5% of the vote in the previous election to qualify for the Presidential Campaign Fund

Lack of Media Attention (3rd Party Hindrance)

3rd-party candidates have to get at least 15% of votes in the national polls to participate in the debates

Ways 3rd Parties Affect American Politics

Introducing new ideas, putting issues on the agenda, and keeping the major parties honest

Spoil Effect

When a 3rd party draws enough votes to prevent a major party from winning

Interest Groups

Groups of people acting together in support of a common interest and seeking favorable legislation for that interest

What federal document most explicitly supports interest groups?

Fed. 10

Why do interest groups enter federal agencies?

To lobby those who implement federal policies passed by the 3 branches

Why do interest groups enter Congress?

To testify, educate, and inform Congress to make policies

Why do interest groups enter courts?

To send amicus curiae briefs to lobby and influence the court's decision

Issue Networks

When interest groups provide money, info, and resources to get political support from the government

Amicus Briefs

Information given to the court to try to influence decisions

Focus on one issue

Interest Groups

Focus on multiple issues

Political Parties

Don't run for office

Interest Groups

Run for Office

Political Parties

Don't have the franking privilege

Interest Groups

Have the franking privilege

Political Parties

Franking Privilege

The ability to send official mail through the post without paying postage

Participate in grassroots lobbying

Interest Groups

Participate in grassroots campaigning

Political Parties