ap gov unit 5 study guide

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Linkage Institution

Structures that connect people to the government, such as political parties, interest groups, the media, and elections.

Examples of Linkage Institutions

Political parties, interest groups, media, and elections.

15th Amendment

Gave Black men the right to vote and banned racial discrimination in voting.

17th Amendment

Allowed direct election of U.S. Senators by voters.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

23rd Amendment

Gave Washington D.C. residents the right to vote for President.

24th Amendment

Banned poll taxes in federal elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Banned literacy tests and other discriminatory practices that kept African Americans from voting.

Voter Apathy

Lack of interest in political participation or belief that one's vote doesn't matter.

Political Efficacy

The belief that political participation matters and that one's vote can make a difference.

Rational-Choice Voting

Voting based on what benefits the voter most personally.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on a candidate's or party's past performance.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on what a candidate promises to do in the future.

Party-Line Voting

Voting for all candidates from one political party.

National Voter Registration Act

Requires voter registration services at DMVs and government offices.

Election Day Ballot (Australian Ballot)

Government-printed, anonymous ballot used on election day.

Provisional Ballot

A temporary ballot used when voter eligibility is uncertain.

Absentee Ballot

A ballot submitted by mail if a voter can't attend in person.

Online Voting Methods

Allow some voters to register or vote via the internet (varies by state).

Voter ID Laws - For

Prevents fraud and increases public trust in elections.

Voter ID Laws - Against

May suppress turnout and disproportionately affect minorities and the poor.

Mobilize and Educate Voters (Party Function)

Parties organize rallies, ads, and campaigns to inform and activate voters.

Create Platforms (Party Function)

Parties publish official policy goals and beliefs every four years.

Recruit Candidates (Party Function)

Parties seek out candidates, raise funds, and help run campaigns.

Govern and Implement Policy (Party Function)

Party members work together in government to pass laws based on party goals.

Candidate-Centered Campaigns

Focus more on the candidate's personality and media image than on party affiliation.

Federal Election Campaign Act (1971)

Set rules for campaign finance disclosure and created the FEC.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)

Banned soft money and regulated political ads near elections.

Hard Money

Regulated donations made directly to a candidate's campaign.

Soft Money

Previously unregulated donations to parties for 'party-building' purposes.

PAC

Political Action Committee; donates limited funds directly to candidates/parties.

Super PAC

Can raise unlimited funds but can't coordinate directly with candidates.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Ruled corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on independent political ads.

Third Party Influence

Can shift issue focus, pull votes from major parties, and influence platforms.

Precinct

Smallest unit of election organization; determines where people vote.

Polling Place

The physical location where voting takes place.

Initiative

Voters propose new laws/amendments and vote on them.

Referendum

Voters approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.

Recall

Voters can remove an elected official before their term ends.

Caucus

Party members gather locally to debate and vote on a candidate.

Primary

Statewide election where voters cast secret ballots for candidates.

Delegate

Represents state voters at national party conventions.

Open Primary

Any voter can vote in any party's primary.

Closed Primary

Only registered party members can vote in that party's primary.

Straight-Ticket Voting

Voting for all candidates from one party.

Split-Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot.

Party Conventions

Nominate the presidential candidate, finalize the platform, and energize the base.

Primary vs. General Election

Primaries choose party nominees; general elections decide the winner of the office.

Electoral College

System where state electors vote for president based on the state's popular vote.

Winner-Take-All System

Most states give all electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote.

Incumbent Advantage

Incumbents benefit from name recognition, funding, and prior service.

Interest Group

Organization that tries to influence government policy in favor of its members.

Examples of Interest Groups

AARP (retired), NRA (gun rights), NAACP (civil rights).

Drawbacks of Interest Groups

May lead to unequal influence, narrow focus, and political polarization.

Free Rider Problem

People benefit from a group's efforts without actively participating or contributing.

Special-Issue Group

Focuses on one narrow topic (e.g., MADD for drunk driving, National Right to Life).

Media's Role in Politics - Instant News

24/7 coverage pushes faster reactions and decision-making.

Media's Role - Social Media

Lets politicians directly connect with the public.

Media's Role - Echo Chambers

People follow news sources that match their views, increasing polarization.

Media's Role - Sensationalism

Focus on scandals over substance to boost ratings.

Media's Role - Misinformation

Media must fight false claims but also struggles with accuracy.