Interest Groups and Political Parties

Flashcards covering key concepts regarding interest groups and political parties from the lecture notes.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence government decision making to obtain specific goals.

Revolving Door

The movement of individuals between roles as legislators and regulators and the industries affected by the legislation and regulation.

Grassroots Lobbying

A method that involves urging members of interest groups to contact their state legislators to support the group's policies.

Direct Strategies of Interest Groups

Methods that involve direct communication with policy makers on behalf of the interest group's agenda.

Indirect Strategies of Interest Groups

Methods used to influence policy through public outreach and advocacy, without direct petitioning of policymakers.

Issue Networks

A fluid web of connections among those concerned about a policy, including both policymakers and interest groups.

Iron Triangles

The interactions of mutual interests among Congress members, executive agencies, and interest groups during policymaking.

Solidary Incentives

Motivation to join an interest group based on companionship and socialization.

Purpose Incentives

Motivation to join an interest group based on ideological or moral beliefs.

Economic Incentives

Motivation to join an interest group based on the material benefits the group advocates for.

Super PACs

Political Action Committees that can receive unlimited contributions to finance independent political activity.

Free Rider

Someone who benefits from resources or services without contributing to the cost or effort.

Political Party

An organized group that seeks to gain government power by electing candidates to offices, distinct from interest groups.

Big Tent Principle

The concept of a political party encompassing a broad range of beliefs to attract a diverse member base.

Divided Government

A situation where control of the executive branch is held by one party and the legislative branch is held by another.

Linkage Institutions

Organizations that connect individuals to the government, such as media, political parties, and interest groups.

Incumbency Advantage

The various benefits that a sitting officeholder has when running for reelection.

Buckley v. Valeo

A 1976 Supreme Court case that recognized political spending as protected free speech and removed limits on personal campaign spending.

Citizens United v. FEC

A 2010 Supreme Court ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited funds on political campaigns through Super PACs.

Open Primary

A primary election in which all voters can participate regardless of their political party affiliation.

Closed Primary

A primary election where only registered party members can vote to select their party's candidates.

Winner-take-all System

An electoral system in which the candidate receiving the most votes wins all electoral votes or seats.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on the candidates' future promises and positions on issues.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on the evaluation of an incumbent's past performance.

Infotainment

Media programming that blends news and entertainment, often used to engage viewers with political content.

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)

Legislation that regulates campaign financing, establishing limits on contributions and expenditures.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

Legislation aimed at reducing the influence of soft money in political campaigns.

501(c)(4) Organizations

Nonprofit organizations that promote social welfare and may engage in political campaigning, operating under less regulation than traditional political groups.

527 Organizations

Tax-exempt groups created primarily to influence the nomination, election, or defeat of candidates, which are subject to FEC reporting requirements.