American Government - Test #2 Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering interest groups, lobbying methods, political parties, and voting concepts from the American Government Test #2 Study Guide.

Interest Groups

Organizations formed by individuals to influence government and public policy, distinct from political parties.

Lobbying

Methods and activities used by interest groups to influence public policy and government decision-makers.

Public-Interest Groups

A type of interest group focused on broader public concerns rather than narrow business, labor, or professional interests.

Political Parties

Political organizations that developed in early United States history to contest elections and organize government, distinct from interest groups.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

The two opposing groups that formed the foundation of early United States political party history.

Two-Party System

A political framework dominated by two major political parties that shapes party identification and electoral competition in the United States.

Party Identification

An individual's personal affiliation or alignment with a specific political party.

Third Parties

Minor political parties in the United States, including ideological parties, that operate outside the dominant two-party system.

Spoiler Effect

An electoral phenomenon associated with third parties and ideological parties drawing votes away from major party candidates.

Voting Coalitions

Groups of voters whose political party preferences align based on shared policy positions and interests.