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49 Terms
1
Conservatism
A political ideology advocating for limited government, free-market economy, traditional values, and a strong national defense.
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Liberalism
A political ideology supporting an active government role in social and economic issues, advocating for welfare programs, regulations, and social equality.
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3
Primary goal of political parties
To win elections and influence government policies.
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4
Republican Party
Generally supports limited government intervention, free-market policies, and conservative social values.
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5
Democratic Party
Generally supports government intervention in social and economic issues, progressive policies, and social welfare programs.
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6
Political socialization
The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.
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7
Main agents of political socialization
Family, education, peers, media, and significant life events.
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8
Importance of public opinion
It influences policy decisions, elections, and government legitimacy.
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9
How is public opinion measured?
Through polling and surveys using population samples and random sampling.
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10
Free-rider problem
When individuals benefit from a group's efforts without actively contributing.
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Strategies to overcome free-rider problem
Providing material, solidary, and purposive benefits.
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12
Agenda-setting in media
The media’s ability to influence which issues receive public attention.
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13
Framing in media
The way media presents and shapes how an issue is perceived.
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14
Watchdog role of the media
Holding government officials accountable through investigative journalism.
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15
Equal Time Provision
An FCC regulation ensuring fairness in broadcasting political content.
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16
Soft news
Entertainment and human-interest stories, often less focused on policy issues.
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17
Hard news
Reporting that focuses on political, economic, and policy-related issues.
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18
Unified government
When one party controls both the White House and Congress.
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19
Divided government
When different parties control different branches of government, often leading to gridlock.
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20
Realignment in political history
A shift in political party support, such as the New Deal Realignment in the 1930s.
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21
Incumbent
A current officeholder who is running for reelection.
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22
Challenger in an election
A candidate running against an incumbent for office.
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23
Advantages of incumbents
Name recognition, fundraising ability, and policy experience.
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24
Plurality voting
A system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if under 50%.
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Majority voting
A system where a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes to win.
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26
Electoral College
Presidents are elected through electoral votes allocated by states, rather than by direct popular vote.
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27
Swing states
Competitive states that can determine the outcome of presidential elections.
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28
Revolving door in politics
The movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying jobs.
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29
Inside lobbying
Direct interaction with policymakers to influence legislation.
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Outside lobbying
Mobilizing public opinion to put pressure on policymakers.
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31
PACs (Political Action Committees)
Organizations that raise money to support political candidates.
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Super PACs
Groups that can raise and spend unlimited funds on advertisements but cannot coordinate with candidates.
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Grassroots mobilization
Encouraging the general public to contact lawmakers and advocate for policy changes.
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Role of national party committees (DNC, RNC)
They oversee party operations, fundraising, and election strategies.
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Mail-in voting
A process allowing voters to cast ballots by mail rather than in person.
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Early voting
Allowing voters to cast ballots before the official Election Day.
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Proportional representation
An electoral system where parties gain seats based on the percentage of votes received.
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38
Single-member district plurality voting (SMDP)
A winner-takes-all system where the candidate with the most votes wins.
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Role of interest groups in elections
They influence public policy through lobbying, campaign contributions, and voter mobilization.
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Difference between interest groups and political parties
Interest groups advocate for specific policies, while political parties aim to win elections and control government.
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41
Material benefits provided by interest groups
Tangible rewards such as discounts, services, or financial incentives.
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42
Media conglomeration
Large corporations owning multiple news outlets can influence news content and perspective based on financial interests.
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43
Example of media bias
Selective reporting that favors one political viewpoint over another.
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44
Proportional allocation in elections
Distributing delegates or seats based on the proportion of votes each candidate or party receives.
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45
Why do third parties struggle in the U.S. electoral system?
The winner-takes-all system and major party dominance limit their success.
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46
Retrospective voting
Voting based on a candidate’s past performance.
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Prospective voting
Voting based on a candidate’s proposed future policies.
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Media profit motives impact news coverage
Sensational stories may be prioritized over substantive policy coverage.
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49
What can Super PACs do that regular PACs cannot?
Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts on advertisements without coordinating with candidates.
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