Comprehensive Guide to U.S. Political Ideologies, Elections, and Campaign Finance

What are the two basic purposes of the decennial Census?

To measure population and reveal demographic shifts.

What is birthright citizenship according to the 14th Amendment?

All born in the U.S., regardless of parentage, are citizens.

What are the two methods of acquiring citizenship in the U.S.?

Birth (jus soli) and naturalization.

What is the significance of the Simpson-Mazzoli Bill of 1986?

It provided amnesty for undocumented aliens and established fines for employers hiring them.

What impact did the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act have on the U.S. population?

It dramatically altered the racial and ethnic makeup, increasing diversity.

What percentage of the U.S. population was white in 1965 compared to projections for 2065?

In 1965, 84% were white; projected to be 46% by 2065.

What is political culture?

The widely shared beliefs, values, and norms that citizens share about government.

List three characteristics of American political culture.

Liberty, equality, and democracy.

What does political efficacy refer to?

The sense that one can understand and influence public policy.

What trend in trust in government was observed during Obama's presidency?

Average trust among Republicans fell to 13%, the lowest level since the 1960s.

What is social capital according to Robert Putnam?

The networks of relationships among people in a society that enable cooperation and support.

How does social capital relate to political awareness and involvement?

Stronger social capital leads to higher political awareness and involvement.

What metaphor does Putnam use in 'Bowling Alone'?

The decline of bowling leagues represents the increasing alienation of Americans from communities.

What are some rights that aliens have in the U.S.?

Most rights are similar to citizens, but they cannot vote or serve on juries.

What are the three types of aliens in the U.S.?

Resident, nonresident, and undocumented.

What is the 'American Dream'?

The belief in the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work.

What does the term 'culture war' refer to?

The conflict between orthodox and progressive views on moral issues.

What was the primary immigration source before 1880?

Primarily Northern and Western Europe.

What is the significance of the National Origins Act of 1924?

It established a quota system favoring Northern and Western European nations.

What does the term 'mistrust of government' indicate?

A growing skepticism towards government institutions, especially since the 1960s.

What is the role of family in shaping political culture?

The family serves as a primary source of political socialization and beliefs.

What is the relationship between technology and social capital?

Technology can create new avenues for building social connections, though it may also contribute to isolation.

What is the impact of social capital on economic prosperity?

It facilitates trust and cooperation, making business transactions easier and boosting economic growth.

What is the trend in the number of Latino elected officials from 2013 to 2017?

An increase from 6,011 to nearly 6,600, marking a 10% growth.

What percentage of Latino elected officials are Latina as of 2017?

36% of Latino elected officials are Latina.

What is social capital and how does it benefit society?

Social capital improves civic and democratic institutions, increases the flow of information, and enhances health and happiness through human contact.

What are the three types of publics in public opinion?

Elites (with disproportionate political resources), Attentive (active interest in government), and Mass (little interest in government).

What are the four types of opinions in public opinion?

Stable (little change), Fluid (frequent change), Latent (dormant but can be aroused), and Salient (personally important).

What distinguishes consensus opinions from polarized opinions?

Consensus opinions are shared by 75% or more of the population, while polarized opinions are shared by less than 75%.

What are the three main methods politicians use to measure public opinion?

Elections, straw polls, and scientific polls.

What is a representative sample in polling?

A sample that accurately reflects the population being studied, typically requiring 1500-2000 respondents for national polls.

What is sampling error in polling?

The margin of error in poll results, indicating the potential inaccuracy of the findings.

What are some flaws of polling?

Emphasis on 'horse-race' mentality, pandering to public whims, and discouraging voter turnout through projections.

What is political socialization?

The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs.

How does family influence political socialization?

Family has the strongest influence, with a correlation between parents' party affiliation and children's beliefs.

What role do schools play in political socialization?

Schools impart basic civic values but typically do not change political orientation; college attendance tends to liberalize views.

How does religion affect political socialization?

Different religious groups have varying political leanings, with Protestants generally more conservative and Catholics more liberal.

What is the gender gap in voting?

Women are more likely than men to vote Democratic, with significant differences in voting patterns across various elections.

How do geographic regions influence political affiliation?

Regions like the Northeast and West Coast lean Democratic, while the South and Midwest have a stronger Republican presence.

What is liberalism in the context of political ideology?

A belief system advocating for an expanded role of government to protect people's well-being and address social issues.

What characterizes conservatism as a political ideology?

A belief in limited government, individualism, and traditional values, with a resurgence since the late 1970s.

What is the concept of compassionate conservatism?

A philosophy that combines compassion for citizens in need with a conservative emphasis on responsibility and results.

What is socialism and its perception in the U.S.?

A political and economic system where the government controls production and distribution, often viewed negatively in the U.S.

What is libertarianism?

A political ideology emphasizing individual liberty and minimal government intervention.

What was the significance of the 'Year of the Woman' in 1992 and 2018?

These years saw a significant increase in women elected to Congress, reflecting changing political dynamics.

What impact did the 2020 election have on women's voting patterns?

57% of women voted for Biden, with notable support from Black women (91%) compared to white women (44%).

What are the implications of the Dobbs decision in 2022?

The overturning of Roe v. Wade influenced voting patterns, particularly among women voters.

How does income level correlate with political affiliation?

Higher income individuals tend to be more conservative and support Republicans, while lower income individuals are more liberal and support Democrats.

What is socialism?

A political and economic system where the means of production, distribution, and exchange are controlled by the government.

How is socialism viewed in the U.S.?

It is weak and often associated with radicalism, conflicting with beliefs in individualism and the American Dream.

What does libertarianism emphasize?

An extreme emphasis on individual liberty and a significant reduction in the role of government.

What are historical qualifications for suffrage eliminated by the 15th Amendment?

Religious tests, property requirements, and race-based disenfranchisement.

What amendment eliminated sex as a qualification for voting?

The 19th Amendment in 1920.

What voting restrictions were used to disenfranchise Black voters?

Literacy tests, poll taxes, grandfather clauses, and white primaries.

What is the difference between VAP and VEP?

VAP (Voting Age Population) includes all individuals 18+, while VEP (Voting Eligible Population) accounts for those eligible to vote.

What demographic group has the highest voter turnout?

Older individuals tend to have the highest voter turnout.

What are some reasons for low voter turnout?

Institutional barriers, lack of political efficacy, dissatisfaction with candidates, and ballot fatigue.

What is the impact of the 2020 election on voter turnout?

Voter turnout spiked among both Democratic and Republican voting groups.

What is the significance of the Australian ballot?

It is a government-printed ballot that is uniform in size and shape, cast in secret, which was introduced to increase voter privacy.

What factors affect voter behavior?

Geography, political party identification, demographic factors (sex, race, social class), and issues like retrospective and prospective voting.

What is the incumbency advantage?

Incumbents have a significant advantage in elections due to name recognition, campaign funding, and established voter relationships.

What is the franking privilege?

The ability of incumbents to send mail to constituents at no cost, which helps in maintaining communication and support.

What is the difference between committee service and casework?

Committee service involves legislative responsibilities, while casework refers to assistance provided to constituents with specific problems.

What is the trend in voter turnout in U.S. elections since 1960?

There has been a sharp decline in voter turnout since 1960, with slight increases in some recent elections.

What is 'ballot fatigue'?

A phenomenon where voters become overwhelmed by the number of candidates or issues on the ballot, leading to lower participation.

What is 'election fatigue'?

A general sense of tiredness regarding the electoral process, often more pronounced in general elections compared to primaries.

What are the characteristics of those likely to vote?

Higher educational achievement, higher income, older age, and greater religious involvement.

What is the role of political parties in elections?

Political parties traditionally help organize elections, but money, media, and polling have become more influential.

What is the significance of swing states?

Swing states, like Ohio and Michigan, can be won by either major political party in elections, making them critical for electoral outcomes.

What is the impact of voter ID laws?

Voter ID laws can create barriers to voting, particularly affecting marginalized groups.

What is the trend in voting behavior among independents?

The number of independents is rising, particularly among younger, college-educated individuals.

What are 'safe seats'?

Districts where incumbents are highly likely to win due to gerrymandering or demographic advantages.

What percentage of incumbents won re-election in the 2018 general election?

92%

What is Fenno's Paradox?

The phenomenon where incumbents are highly favored in elections despite general discontent with Congress.

What type of election is characterized by the most competitive campaigns?

Open seat campaigns

What is the coattail effect and its current status?

The coattail effect refers to the tendency for a popular candidate to attract votes for other candidates of the same party; it is currently in decline.

What is the impact of midterm elections on the president's party?

The president's party typically loses congressional seats during midterm elections.

What is the significance of the New Hampshire primary?

It is the first state to hold a primary each election year, setting the tone for the primaries.

What is the difference between a closed primary and an open primary?

In a closed primary, only registered party members can vote, while in an open primary, any voter can choose a party ballot.

What is a modified blanket primary?

A primary where the top two candidates proceed to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

What role do superdelegates play in the Democratic Party's nominating process?

Superdelegates are party leaders and officeholders who can support any candidate at the convention, restoring prominence to their influence.

What is front-loading in the context of primaries?

The practice of scheduling primaries early in the election cycle, which can disadvantage states with later primaries.

How does the Electoral College allocate votes to states?

Each state has as many electoral votes as it has members of Congress, with a minimum of three votes.

What is the minimum number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?

270 electoral votes.

What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?

The House of Representatives selects the President from among the top three candidates.

What is the rationale behind the Electoral College system?

It was designed to balance direct election with congressional election, ensuring informed selection of the president.

What are some criticisms of the Electoral College?

Criticisms include the possibility of a minority president, overrepresentation of small states, and the winner-take-all system distorting margins of victory.

What is the purpose of campaign finance laws like FECA and BCRA?

To regulate campaign contributions and expenditures to ensure fair elections.

What is the significance of the Iowa caucus?

It is the first state to hold caucuses in the presidential election cycle, giving candidates momentum.

What is a delegate selection primary?

A primary where voters vote for delegates who will attend the national convention, typically binding to presidential preferences.

What is the role of campaign consultants in elections?

They provide strategic advice and support to candidates, increasingly important as political parties' influence declines.

What factors influence voter behavior in congressional elections?

Party affiliation, media influence, economic issues, and campaign strategies.

What is the significance of the 2024 election cycle for the Democratic Party?

The Democratic Party will hold its first caucus in Nevada in 2024, shifting from Iowa.

How does the nomination phase begin in presidential elections?

It begins with the 'invisible primary' or 'The Great Mentioner,' where potential candidates are discussed.

What is the role of PACs in campaign financing?

Political Action Committees (PACs) can contribute up to $5,000 to candidates in an election cycle.

What is the importance of campaign themes and strategies?

They help define the candidate's message and appeal to target voters during the election.

What is the significance of the 12th Amendment in the electoral process?

It established separate ballots for President and Vice President to prevent confusion in elections.

What does FECA stand for and what year was it enacted?

Federal Election Campaign Act, enacted in 1974.

What significant changes did BCRA (McCain-Feingold) introduce in 2002?

BCRA banned soft money donations to national political parties and increased limits on hard money contributions.

What is the limit on individual contributions to candidates under BCRA?

Increased from $1,000 to $2,000, indexed to inflation.