Political parties

What is the primary goal of interest groups?

To influence policy to benefit their group.

In Federalist #10, James Madison warned against the dangers of what political entities, which are precursors to modern interest groups?

Factions.

What is the main method of influence for interest groups?

Lobbying.

According to James Madison in Federalist #10, a republic with a greater number of parties and interests makes it less probable that a _ will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens.

Majority of the whole.

Which type of organization nominates candidates for public office and is accountable to the public?

Political parties.

Which type of organization supports specific candidates, influences government policies, and concentrates on issues important to its members?

Interest groups.

What is a shared characteristic of both interest groups and political parties?

They are both concerned with public policy and unite people for a political purpose.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is an example of what type of interest group?

A single-issue group.

The National Governors Association is an example of what type of interest group?

An institutional group (specifically, an intergovernmental group).

What is the term for institutional groups created due to federalism, allowing state and local governments to lobby for federal funding?

Intergovernmental groups.

The American Medical Association (AMA) and American Bar Association (ABA) are examples of what type of interest group?

Professional associations.

What term describes individuals who benefit from a group's efforts to change a law or policy without being paying members of that group?

Free-riders.

What type of incentive for joining a professional organization comes from the belief that one is supporting a worthy cause?

Purposive incentives.

What type of incentive for joining an organization allows individuals to have gatherings with like-minded people?

Solidary incentives.

Receiving specific benefits like discounts or complimentary items for joining an organization is an example of _ incentives.

Material.

What type of interest group forms to address a narrow area of concern or a single topic?

Single-issue groups.

What type of interest group forms around a particular political ideology?

Ideological groups.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are examples of _ groups.

Single-issue.

The ACLU, NOW, and NAACP are examples of what type of interest group?

Ideological groups.

What is a primary goal of a lobbyist regarding a legislator's vote?

To gain information and knowledge to best lobby for their groups' interests, not necessarily to change a vote.

How do interest groups use the media to influence policy?

They use television, radio, social media, and the Internet to broadcast their beliefs and opinions widely.

What is the term for an interest group's attempt to inform, persuade, and mobilize large numbers of people?

Grassroots lobbying.

According to the pie chart, what type of interest group makes up the largest percentage (41%) of those registered to lobby?

Businesses.

How do interest groups lobby the courts (litigation)?

Through sponsorship of cases or amicus curiae briefs.

How do interest groups lobby the executive branch?

Through private meetings with White House staff and Cabinet members, and by endorsing presidential appointments.

What is a PAC (Political Action Committee)?

A group formed to contribute money to federal campaigns or support candidates indirectly.

What is the term for the policy-making relationship between Congress, the bureaucracy, and special interest groups, where the public has little influence?

Iron Triangle.

What is an issue network?

A larger, looser, more temporary coalition of interest groups, policy institutions, and experts that coordinate on a policy issue.

The news media is often referred to as the _, indicating its role as a check on government power.

Fourth Estate.

What is Yellow Journalism?

Sensationalized news stories designed to sell newspapers.

What is Muckraking?

Investigative reporting that focuses on problems in society, government, and business.

The news media is considered a _ because it connects people to the government.

Linkage institution.

The pace of television news changed with the first cable news network, _, in 1980.

CNN.

What are the four main categories of mass media evolution alongside communication technology?

Print Media, Broadcast, Subscription, and Digital.

What function of the news media involves covering issues to bolster the opinion that the topic is important?

Agenda setter.

What function of the news media involves tracking political successes and failures of candidates in elections?

Scorekeeper.

The media's role in revealing government abuses is known as its _ function.

Government watchdog.

What function of the news media involves controlling the flow of information to the public and government leaders?

Gatekeeper.

What is horse race journalism?

Political journalism that focuses on polling data and public perception instead of candidate policies.

According to the pie chart on campaign coverage, what topic receives the most news reports at 42%?

Horserace coverage.

What trend is observed in the tone of presidential nominees' news coverage from 1960 to 2016?

The coverage has become increasingly negative over time.

What is the general trend in the share of U.S. adults who say they closely follow the news from 2016 to 2022?

It has decreased.

According to a Gallup/Knight Foundation poll, what percentage of U.S. adults perceive news from social media as biased?

80%.

The tendency of media outlets to create programming aimed at a narrowly defined audience is known as _.

Narrowcasting.

What federal agency is responsible for regulating radio, television, Internet, and other forms of communication?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

What did the Fairness Doctrine (1949–2011) require of broadcasters?

To provide airtime for controversial issues and air contrasting views.

What does the Equal Time Doctrine require?

That broadcast stations provide equal opportunities to opposing political candidates.

What are the ways and extent to which citizens get involved in the political process?

Political participation.

What is the fundamental goal of political parties?

To win elections.

What term describes dramatic shifts in partisan preference that drastically alter the political landscape?

Party realignments.

Political scientists refer to elections that cause dramatic shifts in party affiliations as _ elections.

Critical.

What is party de-alignment?

When a large portion of voters abandon their previous party affiliation without adopting a new one.

What is a major cause of party realignment, as exemplified by the 1932 election?

A major economic crisis or war, such as the Great Depression.

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if it's not a majority, is called _ voting.

Plurality.

Why do single-member political districts contribute to the dominance of the two-party system in the U.S.?

Because only one candidate can win, making it hard for third parties to gain representation.

List two key activities of political parties.

Running candidates for office and mobilizing support/getting out the vote.

What term describes the increased ideological division between Democrats and Republicans?

Party polarization.

What is a major impact of party polarization on the legislative process?

Gridlock and lack of compromise.

The _ consists of all the elected and appointed officials who identify with a political party.

Party in government.

What is meant by party discipline in Congress?

Pressure on members to vote according to party positions.

As shown in the charts, what has happened to the partisan gap in presidential job approval ratings for recent presidents?

The gap has become much wider.

What is the typical outcome for the president's party in the House of Representatives during midterm elections?

The president's party usually loses seats.

What is divided government?

When the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties.

What is a third party (or minor party)?

A political party with little chance to win major elections.

A third party that is organized around a set of beliefs and full issue spectrum is known as an _ party.

Ideological.

What type of third party focuses exclusively on one specific area of public policy?

Single-issue party.

A _ party is a type of third party that breaks away from an existing major party.

Splinter.

The Progressive/Bull Moose party founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 is an example of what type of third party?

A splinter party.

The _ system is the single largest barrier to third-party success in the United States.

Winner-take-all.

How can major parties act as a barrier to third-party success?

By adopting third-party ideas and absorbing their supporters.

Besides structural barriers, what is a key role third parties play in the U.S. political system?

They introduce new ideas and pressure major parties to address neglected issues.

What does the 2003–2025 Gallup trend show about Americans' views on the need for a third major political party?

A majority (around 62%) believe a third party is needed.