US & VA Government - Chapter 19: Public Opinion and Interest Groups

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Chapter 19 concepts on public opinion, polling methodologies, political socialization, and interest groups in US government.

Public opinion

The ideas and attitudes that a significant number of Americans hold about government and political issues.

Representative sample

A small group of people who are typical of the larger group being studied.

Universe (polling)

The entire group of people to be studied when conducting polls.

Scientific polls

The most reliable measure of public opinion.

Exit poll

Polling that involves interviewing voters as they leave the polling place and asking them for whom they voted, allowing news media to project winners before polls close.

Political socialization

The process through which individuals learn their political beliefs.

Political culture

The shared set of values that sets the boundaries within which citizens develop and express their opinions.

Political efficacy

A person's belief that he or she can have an impact on government and policy; a primary reason people join interest groups.

Ideological interest group

An interest group that forms around a shared liberal or conservative philosophy.

Public interest group

A type of interest group whose members focus their work on influencing policies that they believe affect the general public, not just themselves.

Economic interest group

An interest group focused on economic and labor matters, exemplified by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

Single-issue group

An interest group that focuses intensely on one specific issue, such as the National Rifle Association or the Brady Campaign.

SuperPACs

Independent expenditure-only political action committees that, unlike traditional PACs, can collect unlimited sums of money.

Lobbyists

Representatives of interest groups who impact public policy primarily through direct contact with policymakers.

Role of interest groups

To influence public policy.

PAC and SuperPAC spending goal

Spending money to influence election outcomes and to gain access to lawmakers.

Source of interest group power

The number of members within the interest group.

Mass media distortion

Giving a distorted view of public opinion by primarily focusing on news with visual appeal or shock value.