American Gov final

Party machine

A hierarchical arrangement of party workers, often organized in an urban area to dominate power politics; they helped integrate immigrants into the political system—but at the price of bias and corruption. Most active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Party identification

Strong attachment to one political party, often established at an early age.

What is negative partisanship?

Participating in politics and forming opinions in opposition to a party one dislikes.

Why has it grown so rapidly in the last three

decades?

Partly because the party members themselves have split into separate clusters; It’s also because elections have become so close

Party platform

The written statement of a party’s core convictions and issue priorities. Generally revised every four years, in time for the national party convention.

Party organization

The portion of a political party that includes activists, state/local leaders, and affiliated professionals, such as fundraisers and public relations experts

Party in government

The portion of a political party’s organization that comprises elected officials and candidates for office.

Party in the electorate

The largest (and least organized) component of a political party, drawn from the public at large: registered members and regular supporters.

What are the three essential functions of media in a democratic system?

They provide information, act as a public watchdog, and help shape the policy agenda.

Provide information

When the media does its job well, we are more informed voters and more engaged citizens.

Public watchdog

Media coverage that alerts the public when a problem arises in politics or society.

Policy agenda.

The issues that the media covers, the public considers important, and politicians address. Setting the agenda is the first step in political action.

Priming

Affecting public perceptions of political leaders, candidates, or issues by reporting on topics in ways that either enhance or diminish support.

Personal presidency

The idea that the president has a personal link to the public. Made initially possible by the twentieth-century technology of radio.

Infotainment

The blurred line between news and entertainment.

What are the “three concerns” raised by media analysts about new media?

most stories are developed by traditional reporters, important stories get lost,