GOV EXAM III

What is the Delegate Model of representation?

Representatives act according to constituents' preferences.

What is the Trustee Model of representation?

Representatives use their judgment to make decisions in the best interest of the public.

What is individual public opinion?

Personal beliefs and attitudes toward politics.

What is aggregate public opinion?

The sum of individual opinions that create broader public trends.

What are the sources of individual public opinion?

Self-interest, values, and political socialization influence opinions.

What does rational ignorance imply?

Individuals choose to remain uninformed about politics when the cost of acquiring information outweighs the benefits.

What are heuristic devices in polling?

Tools like political party affiliation, ideology, and identity politics that simplify decision-making.

What is a random sample?

A sample where every individual has an equal chance of selection.

What is the margin of error in polling?

A measure of polling accuracy; smaller margins indicate more reliable results.

What are some reasons for low voter turnout in the U.S.?

Barriers to registration, frequent elections, weak party mobilization, and scheduling conflicts.

What are Single-Member Districts?

Districts with one representative; favors two-party systems.

What are Multi-Member Districts?

Districts with multiple representatives; allows for proportional representation.

What does Rational Voter Theory suggest?

Voters weigh the costs and benefits of voting; low perceived benefits lead to abstention.

What is the Voting Paradox?

The contradiction that collective benefits exist, but individual incentives to vote are weak.

What is the Median Voter Theory?

Politicians gravitate toward centrist policies to win the most votes.

What did the Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883) accomplish?

Ended patronage and required government jobs to be awarded based on merit.

What did the Tillman Act (1907) ban?

Banned corporate contributions to federal political campaigns.

What did the Taft-Hartley Act (1947) restrict?

Restricted labor unions’ political spending.

What is the purpose of the Federal Elections Campaign Act?

Established contribution limits and disclosure requirements for campaigns.

What is the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)?

Banned soft money and regulated electioneering communications.

What was the outcome of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

Allowed unlimited independent expenditures by corporations and unions.

What is the role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

Enforces campaign finance laws.

What are Political Action Committees (PACs)?

Organizations that fund campaigns with contribution limits.

What are Super PACs?

Can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with candidates.

What are 501(c) Groups?

Tax-exempt organizations that engage in political activities without disclosing donors.

What is meant by Dark Money in politics?

Political spending by non-disclosing groups.

What is meant by collective action problems in political parties?

The difficulty in coordinating individuals for a common political goal due to differing interests.

How do parties help solve collective action problems for candidates?

By providing resources, fundraising, and voter mobilization.

What does Duverger's Law explain?

Single-member districts favor two-party systems due to strategic voting.

What are the Six Party Systems in U.S. History?

The Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans, Democrats vs. Whigs, Democrats vs. Republicans (post-Civil War), industrialization-era party realignments, New Deal Coalition dominance, and modern polarization.

Why are there so many interest groups in the U.S.?

U.S. federalism creates multiple access points for influence and diverse interests require varied representation.