Lecture 3: Political Parties & Campaign Dynamics

Result of a survey question phrased to influence a respondent

It leads to a leading response

Definition of 'saliency' in public opinion polling

The perceived importance of an issue

The 'bandwagon effect' in politics

Voting for a candidate because they appear to be winning

Primary difference between a political party and an interest group

Political parties nominate candidates for public office

How political parties reduce information costs for voters

By providing a recognizable brand name

Term for an individual who works to shepherd a specific policy to adoption

Policy entrepreneur

Definition of a party platform

A statement of a party's positions on issues

Definition of a 'midterm election'

A congressional election in the middle of a presidential term

What GOTV stands for in political campaigning

Get Out The Vote

Level where the fundamental organization of a political party is found

Precinct

Primary function of a precinct president

Organizing the next precinct reorganization meeting

Timing of national political party conventions

Only during presidential election years

What a citizen can do on election day regarding voter lists

Request to see who has voted at their precinct

Example of a party acting as a policy entrepreneur

Advocating for and advancing specific legislation

The 'coattail effect' when a president is unpopular

It tends to hurt their party down-ballot

Are political parties considered government organizations?

No, they are private, nonprofit entities

Key role of the majority party in the House of Representatives

Selecting the Speaker of the House

Function of a party's executive committee at the county level

Receive filings for candidates

The 'illusion of saliency'

The belief that an issue is important just because it is in a poll

Factor making it harder for pollsters to reach voters today

People refusing to answer unknown numb