Voting, Elections, and Political Culture in the US

Voting eligibility at founding

White male property owners who conformed to accept religious practices.

Impact of the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments

Black males (15), women (19), and 18-year-olds (26).

US voter participation compared to other democracies

We are near the bottom having lower voter turnout than most other democratic countries.

Voter participation in presidential elections

Presidential about 55%, Congressional about 33%.

Difference between popular vote and electoral college vote

Majority electoral vote is required, but popular vote is not.

Outcome of the 2020 vs 2016 presidential elections

2020 winning candidate got both the electoral and popular vote; 2016 winning candidate got the electoral vote but not the popular vote.

Responsibility to register to vote

The individual.

Level of government controlling voter registration requirements

The State.

Political candidates selection process in the US

Primary elections.

Impediments to voting

Voter registry laws, Real IDs, and other factors noted on the PPT slide. Lower voter turnout is the consequence.

Definition of American political culture

Shared body of values and beliefs that shapes our attitudes and perceptions about government and politics that influences our political behavior.

Definition of public opinion

The sum of individual opinions on issues.

Relation of public opinion to individual opinion

It is derived from individual opinions.

Definition of political socialization

The cumulative process by which we acquire our individual opinions.

Factors or agents of socialization

Family, school, church, generational, and media.

Definition of public opinion polling

Surveying the public to learn where individuals stand on policy matters.

Factors affecting opinion polling

Polls can be erroneous, accuracy is diminished when individuals don't know anything about a particular issue, and sampling error decreases with larger sampling.

Largely unregulated media outlet

Compared to other outlets, the internet is less regulated.

Primary source of information about government and politics

TV.

Important form of media for elections

The internet.

Reason for negative campaigning

It tends to be sensational, captures attention, and constitute the largest share of political ads.

Most important aspect of media's role in newsmaking

Setting the legislative agenda.

Focus of news media

Sensational, often negative stories.

Definition of muckraking and yellow journalism

Stories that focus on sensationalism to sell newspapers.

Findings of scholarly research on network media content

In terms of news content, there is little bias.

Definition of a political party

An intermediary organization that works between people and government to get their candidates elected to office.

Types of political parties

Major Parties: The dominant parties in a system (e.g., Democrats and Republicans in the U.S.). Third Parties: Smaller parties that challenge the major parties (e.g., Libertarian Party, Green Party). Ideological Parties: Focus on a specific ideology (e.g., Communist Party USA). Single-Issue Parties: Focus on one main concern (e.g., Prohibition Party).

Splinter Parties

Formed by breaking away from a major party (e.g., Bull Moose Party from the Republicans).

Two-Party System

The U.S. has a two-party system because of its winner-take-all electoral system, which discourages smaller parties from winning elections.

Origin of Political Parties in the US

Political parties in the U.S. began in the 1790s with the rivalry between Federalists (led by Alexander Hamilton) and Democratic-Republicans (led by Thomas Jefferson).

Winner-Take-All System

The candidate who gets the most votes wins all the power (e.g., U.S. elections).

Proportional Representation System

Seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes a party receives (common in Europe).

Party Platform

A party platform is a formal set of beliefs, policies, and goals that a party promotes during elections.

Republican Views

Conservative policies: Lower taxes, Limited government, Strong national defense, Pro-life stance, Gun rights (Second Amendment support), Free-market economy, More restrictive immigration policies.

Reasons for Republican Growth

Economic growth in Texas has attracted conservative voters, the rise of social conservatism on issues like abortion and gun rights, migration from liberal states leading some to adopt more conservative policies.

Democratic Views

Liberal policies: Higher taxes on the wealthy, Expanding social programs, Support for abortion rights (pro-choice), Stricter gun control laws, Stronger environmental regulations, More lenient immigration policies.

Important Demographic for Future Parties

Hispanic/Latino voters, as they are a growing demographic and can be swing voters in key states like Texas and Florida.

Interest Group

An organization that seeks to influence government policy without running candidates for office.

Types of Interest Groups

Economic Interest Groups (e.g., U.S. Chamber of Commerce), Public Interest Groups (e.g., Sierra Club, ACLU), Government Interest Groups (e.g., National Governors Association), Religious Interest Groups (e.g., Christian Coalition), Civil Rights Groups (e.g., NAACP).

Most Numerous Interest Groups

Economic interest groups (especially business groups).

Collective Good

A benefit that is shared by everyone, whether they contribute to it or not (e.g., clean air, national security).

Function of Interest Groups

They lobby policymakers, fund campaigns, conduct research, and mobilize public opinion to influence government decisions.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A legal document filed by an interest group to influence court decisions by providing additional information or arguments.

Iron Triangle

A relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups where each benefits from the others (e.g., defense contractors working with Congress and the Pentagon).

Direct Lobbying Tactics

Meeting with lawmakers, testifying in Congress, donating to campaigns.

Indirect Lobbying Tactics

Mobilizing public opinion, running ads, organizing protests.

Success of Direct Lobbying Tactics

Personal relationships and campaign contributions give lobbyists direct influence over lawmakers.

Grassroots Lobbying

Mobilizing ordinary citizens to pressure politicians (e.g., organizing petitions, rallies).