STUDY GUIDE

Conservatism

A political ideology advocating for limited government, free-market economy, traditional values, and a strong national defense.

Liberalism

A political ideology supporting an active government role in social and economic issues, advocating for welfare programs, regulations, and social equality.

Primary goal of political parties

To win elections and influence government policies.

Republican Party

Generally supports limited government intervention, free-market policies, and conservative social values.

Democratic Party

Generally supports government intervention in social and economic issues, progressive policies, and social welfare programs.

Political socialization

The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

Main agents of political socialization

Family, education, peers, media, and significant life events.

Importance of public opinion

It influences policy decisions, elections, and government legitimacy.

How is public opinion measured?

Through polling and surveys using population samples and random sampling.

Free-rider problem

When individuals benefit from a group's efforts without actively contributing.

Strategies to overcome free-rider problem

Providing material, solidary, and purposive benefits.

Agenda-setting in media

The media’s ability to influence which issues receive public attention.

Framing in media

The way media presents and shapes how an issue is perceived.

Watchdog role of the media

Holding government officials accountable through investigative journalism.

Equal Time Provision

An FCC regulation ensuring fairness in broadcasting political content.

Soft news

Entertainment and human-interest stories, often less focused on policy issues.

Hard news

Reporting that focuses on political, economic, and policy-related issues.

Unified government

When one party controls both the White House and Congress.

Divided government

When different parties control different branches of government, often leading to gridlock.

Realignment in political history

A shift in political party support, such as the New Deal Realignment in the 1930s.

Incumbent

A current officeholder who is running for reelection.

Challenger in an election

A candidate running against an incumbent for office.

Advantages of incumbents

Name recognition, fundraising ability, and policy experience.

Plurality voting

A system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if under 50%.

Majority voting

A system where a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes to win.

Electoral College

Presidents are elected through electoral votes allocated by states, rather than by direct popular vote.

Swing states

Competitive states that can determine the outcome of presidential elections.

Revolving door in politics

The movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying jobs.

Inside lobbying

Direct interaction with policymakers to influence legislation.

Outside lobbying

Mobilizing public opinion to put pressure on policymakers.

PACs (Political Action Committees)

Organizations that raise money to support political candidates.

Super PACs

Groups that can raise and spend unlimited funds on advertisements but cannot coordinate with candidates.

Grassroots mobilization

Encouraging the general public to contact lawmakers and advocate for policy changes.

Role of national party committees (DNC, RNC)

They oversee party operations, fundraising, and election strategies.

Mail-in voting

A process allowing voters to cast ballots by mail rather than in person.

Early voting

Allowing voters to cast ballots before the official Election Day.

Proportional representation

An electoral system where parties gain seats based on the percentage of votes received.

Single-member district plurality voting (SMDP)

A winner-takes-all system where the candidate with the most votes wins.

Role of interest groups in elections

They influence public policy through lobbying, campaign contributions, and voter mobilization.

Difference between interest groups and political parties

Interest groups advocate for specific policies, while political parties aim to win elections and control government.

Material benefits provided by interest groups

Tangible rewards such as discounts, services, or financial incentives.

Media conglomeration

Large corporations owning multiple news outlets can influence news content and perspective based on financial interests.

Example of media bias

Selective reporting that favors one political viewpoint over another.

Proportional allocation in elections

Distributing delegates or seats based on the proportion of votes each candidate or party receives.

Why do third parties struggle in the U.S. electoral system?

The winner-takes-all system and major party dominance limit their success.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on a candidate’s past performance.

Prospective voting

Voting based on a candidate’s proposed future policies.

Media profit motives impact news coverage

Sensational stories may be prioritized over substantive policy coverage.

What can Super PACs do that regular PACs cannot?

Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts on advertisements without coordinating with candidates.