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What is the 'Folk Theory' of democracy?

The idea that candidates earn votes by developing competing policy platforms that voters study and choose from based on their preferences.

What are some limitations of the 'Folk Theory' of democracy?

Most people pay little attention to politics, lack stable views on policy issues, and other forces like group membership and retrospection influence decision-making.

What factors influence voter decision-making?

Group memberships, ideology/values, and material interests.

What is 'in-group preferentialism'?

The natural instinct to favor individuals within one’s own group over those in different groups.

What is the 'Minimal Intergroup Situation'?

A concept indicating that any shared affiliation can create intergroup dynamics, found in experiments where participants favor members of their own assigned group.

What are some examples of relevant group memberships in contemporary politics?

Religion, gender, class, region, economic status, geographic location, and education level.

How is ideology defined in the context of politics?

A worldview as it pertains to political issues, which influences how individuals perceive and react to social, economic, and security issues.

What are the two ways to measure ideology?

Operational ideology (left-right score based on policy views) and symbolic ideology (ideological self-identification as liberal or conservative).

What are 'valence' issues?

Issues that voters generally have a consensus on, such as economy, national security, disaster response, and corruption.

How do values relate to ideology?

Values are tied to ideology but are more stable; they influence reactions to political events and differ across various value systems.

What is the role of political parties in democracy?

Political parties help organize elections, represent diverse interests, and provide a framework for political debate.

How do demographic factors influence voting behavior?

Demographic factors such as age, ethnicity, and income level can significantly impact how individuals vote and their political preferences.

What is the concept of 'political socialization'?

Political socialization is the process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values, influenced by family, education, and media.

What are 'issue networks'?

Issue networks are coalitions of interest groups, policymakers, and researchers that collaborate on specific policy issues.

What is the impact of media on public opinion?

Media influences public opinion by shaping the narrative around issues, framing the context of events, and determining which stories are highlighted.

What does voter turnout indicate about a democracy?

Voter turnout is a vital indicator of a democracy's health, reflecting the public's engagement and trust in the political system.

What is electoral participation?

Electoral participation refers to the extent to which eligible voters engage in the electoral process, including voting and activism.

What is partisanship?

Partisanship is loyalty to a political party, influencing individuals' political behavior and attitudes.

What are swing voters?

Swing voters are those who do not consistently vote for one party and can be influenced to vote differently in different elections.

What is the significance of primary elections?

Primary elections determine party nominees for the general election, influencing which candidates compete for office.