Political Values and Civic Participation

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on political values, civic participation, electoral systems, and the influence of media.

What is political socialization?

The process by which individuals acquire their political values and opinions through influences like family, education, peers, media, and life experiences.

How does sampling help approximate public opinion?

___ involves selecting a small, representative group from a larger population to gather data, using techniques like random sampling to mirror the broader population.

How do interest groups channel civic participation?

By organizing people around shared goals, providing resources, amplifying voices, lobbying policymakers, and running awareness campaigns.

Who were the supporters that formed the modern-day Democratic Party?

Supporters of Andrew Jackson.

What issue sparked the creation of the modern-day Republican Party?

Opposition to the expansion of slavery, which led to its emergence in the 1850s.

What does Rational Choice Theory state about voting?

It states that the decision not to vote is often rational, as the costs of voting will outweigh the benefits.

Why do third parties struggle to gain traction in the United States?

Because of the winner-takes-all electoral system and voters fearing their votes may be wasted or 'spoil' the election.

What are the three ways to conceptualize political parties in the United States?

1. Party in the electorate (voters who identify with a party), 2. Party organization (formal structure), 3. Party in government (elected officials).

Which two parties dominated the first party system in the United States?

The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.

How did the first party system come to an end?

Ended primarily due to the fading away of the Federalist party

What is framing in the context of information presentation?

The process of emphasizing certain pieces of information to shape a person’s perception.

How are the number of votes in the Electoral College determined for each state?

By their total representation in Congress.

What is the minimum number of electors a state can have in the Electoral College?

Three (two Senators and one Representative).

Which state has the most electors in the Electoral College?

California.

What is agenda-setting in media influence?

The ability of the media to influence what issues are perceived as important.

Which president's election marked the beginning of the fifth party system?

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) in 1932.

Which president's election is viewed as the end of the New Deal Coalition?

Ronald Reagan in 1980.

What are solidary incentives?

Social benefits like companionship and a sense of belonging that persuade people to join interest groups.

What are material incentives?

Economic benefits such as discounts, insurance, or other perks that interest groups offer to attract members.

What are purposive incentives?

The satisfaction of advocating for a cause or principle that aligns with one’s beliefs.

How do interest groups' goals differ from political parties?

___ ___ focus on specific issues and lobbying, while ___ ___ aim to win elections and govern.

What is the collective action problem?

It arises when individuals benefit from a shared resource but are reluctant to contribute to achieving it.

What is a push poll?

A controversial tactic disguised as a survey, designed to influence opinions through biased questions.

What is a tracking poll?

A poll conducted repeatedly over time to monitor changes in public opinion.

What is an exit poll?

A survey conducted with voters as they leave polling stations, used to predict outcomes and analyze behavior.

What factors suppress voter turnout in American elections?

Voter registration requirements, election day scheduling, voter ID laws, gerrymandering, non-competitive elections.

What is the difference between public opinion and attitudes?

___ refers to the collective views of a population, while ___ are individual opinions or feelings about specific topics.

Which groups of Americans are most likely to vote?

Older Americans, those with higher education, high income individuals, and White Americans.

What is gerrymandering?

The process of drawing electoral boundaries to purposefully help or harm a certain type of voter or party.

Why do electoral laws vary by state?

The Constitution grants states significant authority over the administration of elections.

What does the Michigan Model explain about voting behavior?

It emphasizes party identification as a long-term psychological attachment shaped by social influences.

What is cognitive dissonance?

The discomfort individuals feel due to holding conflicting beliefs or values.

How does motivated reasoning relate to cognitive dissonance?

___ helps individuals interpret information in a way that supports their existing beliefs to reduce discomfort.

What is confirmation bias?

The tendency to seek out and remember information that aligns with preexisting beliefs.

What is selective exposure?

Choosing to consume media that confirms one's views.

How does the corporate structure of media outlets influence coverage?

Stories with high entertainment value or emotional appeal are prioritized to drive ratings and engagement.