AP Gov Spring unit 3

What are the major voting amendments and legislation?

the 15th Amendment (prohibiting denial of the right to vote based on race), the 19th Amendment (granting women the right to vote), the 24th Amendment (prohibiting poll taxes), and the 26th Amendment (lowering the voting age to 18).

What is prospective voting?

when voters make decisions based on their expectations of how candidates will perform in the future, focusing on their proposed policies and promises.

What is rational choice voting?

a theory where voters make decisions based on a calculated analysis of their own interests and the expected outcomes of candidates' policies.

What is retrospective voting?

occurs when voters evaluate candidates based on their past performance in office, judging whether they have met their expectations and needs.

What is party-line voting?

the practice where voters align their votes with their political party's candidates, often reflecting loyalty to party ideology and platform.

What are institutional or structural barriers to voting?

laws and practices that restrict access to the electoral process, such as voter ID laws, registration requirements, and polling place accessibility issues.

What is the road to the White House?

the series of steps that candidates undertake to become President, including primaries, caucuses, party conventions, and the general election.

What is the Electoral College?

a body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States based on the popular vote in each state.

What are campaign financing regulations?

govern the funds raised and spent by candidates and political parties during election campaigns, aiming to ensure transparency and limit corruption.

What was the impact of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

a landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited under the First Amendment, leading to an increase in campaign spending by corporations and unions.

What does realignment in political parties refer to?

significant and lasting shifts in the political alignment of voters, parties, and the issues that dominate the political landscape, often resulting in the emergence of new party coalitions.

What is the role of third parties in the political system?

provide alternative options to the dominant two parties, often bringing attention to specific issues or ideologies that are not addressed by the major parties, although they rarely win major offices.

How do interest groups and social movements influence the legislative process?

lobbying lawmakers, mobilizing public opinion, and contributing to election campaigns to promote their interests and agendas.

What is the role of media in politics?

shaping public perception, providing information on political issues, candidates, and events, and serving as a watchdog by holding government actions accountable.

What are the key components of Chapter 13 on voting rights?

the expansion of voting rights in the U.S., focusing on key amendments, legislation, and the impact of systemic barriers on voter participation.

What significant Supreme Court case addressed voting rights?

Shelby County v. Holder (2013) is a significant case which struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, affecting states' voting regulations.

What is voter turnout?

the percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election, indicating civic engagement and the health of a democracy.

What factors influence voter turnout?

age, education, income, ethnicity, and the competitiveness of the election.

What were the key findings in Chapter 14 regarding the electoral process?

the structure of elections, the role of primaries, caucuses, and the influence of media coverage on voter perception and choice.

What does the Electoral College process entail?

consists of 538 electors, where a majority of 270 is required for a candidate to win the presidency, determined by state-specific rules and popular votes.

What are block grants?

federal funds provided to state or local governments for broad purposes with fewer restrictions than categorical grants, allowing for more flexibility in spending.

How does the media influence public perception of elections?

directing attention to specific issues, framing narratives, and providing a platform for political debate during elections.

What does Chapter 15 highlight about interest groups?

interest groups advocate for specific policies, mobilize members, and significantly influence legislation through lobbying and funding.

What are some strategies used by third parties to gain influence?

focusing on niche issues, participating in debates, leveraging discontent with major parties, and forming coalitions to gain media attention and support.

What was the outcome of the Citizens United ruling?

enabled corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on political campaigns and independent expenditures, reshaping campaign financing.

What major changes occurred in political party realignment?

shifts in party ideologies, demographics, and voter coalitions, often seen during critical elections that signal changing political trends.

What is retrospective voting influenced by?

voters' evaluations of a candidate's past performance, particularly concerning the economy, policy implementation, and national security.

What characteristics define the models of voting behavior discussed in Chapter 16?

the sociological model (influence of social factors), psychological model (voter perceptions), and rational choice theory (cost-benefit analysis of voting).

What are some significant laws that expanded voting access?

the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting, and the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which aimed to improve election administration.

How do socioeconomic factors influence voter behavior?

income, education, and occupation can significantly impact voter turnout and candidate preference, often aligning with party identification.

What is the role of state governments in the electoral process?

regulate elections, including voter registration, polling locations, and voting procedures, which can lead to variations in access and participation.

What is a primary election?

an election in which political parties select candidates for the general election, which can be open, closed, or semi-closed depending on state laws.

What are the differences between open and closed primaries?

In open primaries, any registered voter can participate regardless of party affiliation, while in closed primaries, only registered party members can vote in their party's primary.

What are concerns related to campaign financing?

the potential for undue influence by wealthy donors and corporations, leading to corruption or prioritization of interests over public accountability.

What are some effects of media on elections?

Media can shape public opinion and influence voter perceptions through coverage of candidates, issues, and debates, often impacting election outcomes.

What role do interest groups play in the political process?

influence policymakers, mobilize citizens, and represent specific interests or causes, enhancing civic engagement and policy advocacy.

What is the concept of 'realignment' in political parties?

a significant and lasting change in the voting patterns and coalitions within political parties, often driven by major social, economic, or political shifts.

How do structural barriers affect voter participation?

Structural barriers, such as strict voter ID laws, limited polling locations, and complex registration processes, can discourage or prevent eligible voters from participating in elections.

What strategies do parties use to mobilize voters?

voter outreach campaigns, door-to-door canvassing, social media engagement, and targeted messaging to mobilize voters and increase turnout.

What is the judicial significance of Citizens United v. FEC?

The ruling established that political spending by corporations and unions is protected free speech under the First Amendment, significantly impacting campaign financing dynamics.

What are the principal objectives of Chapter 13?

the historical evolution of voting rights, examining landmark legislation and the various barriers that have been encountered in ensuring universal suffrage.

What issues does Chapter 14 address regarding elections?

the electoral process, discussing how elections are structured at federal and state levels, including the nomination process and general election procedures.

What is the significance of political socialization discussed in Chapter 15?

the process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and behaviors, heavily influenced by family, education, and mass media.

What is the focus of Chapter 16?

the role of media in politics, exploring how media affects public opinion, informs voters, and influences the political agenda.

What is the difference between categorical grants and block grants?

Categorical grants are federal funds provided for a specific purpose with strict regulatory conditions, while block grants are allocated for broad purposes with more flexibility and fewer restrictions.

What factors have historically influenced voter turnout?

socio-economic status, age, education level, cultural influences, and major social movements, all impacting turnout rates.

What are some examples of institutional barriers to voting?

strict voter ID laws, limited registration periods, language requirements, and accessibility issues at polling places.

What steps do candidates take in their road to the White House?

phases of fundraising, campaigning, participating in debates, and securing endorsements, culminating in the primaries and general election.

How does the Electoral College affect presidential elections?

allocates votes to states based on their representation, requiring candidates to build coalitions and focus on battleground states to secure a majority.

What implications did the Citizens United v. FEC ruling have on political spending?

The ruling allowed for unlimited independent expenditures in campaigns, fundamentally altering the landscape of campaign financing and increasing corporate influence in politics.

How do third parties impact the political landscape?

introduce new ideas and issues into political discourse, influence major party platforms, and occasionally alter election outcomes by drawing votes away from major candidates.

In what ways do interest groups influence legislation?

lobbying, grassroots mobilization, funding campaigns, and conducting research to advocate for specific policy outcomes.