linkage institutions

26th Amendment

established that the lowest voting age was 18 for all states (established around the time of Vietnam because if you could go to war you should be able to vote).

the electorate

people who are eligible to vote in an election

disenfranchised

deprive someone the right to vote

hard money donatinos

hard money donations must be raised in accordance to regulations sent out by the FEC. Hard money cannot be donated by unions or corporations directly. Hard money cannot be donated by unions or corporations directly. It has to come from individuals (DIRECT DONATION)

soft money donations

soft money is referred to money donated to political parties for a general purpose, as opposed to promoting a specific candidate. Political parties could spend soft money on whatever they wanted as long as it fits a generic objective to “increase the vote” (INDIRECT DONATION)

PACs

A PAC is a political action committee that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates. Most PACs represent businesses. An origination’’s PAC will solicit money from the groups employees or members and make contributions in the name of the PAC to candidates and political parties

Citizens UNited v FEC

the U.S supreme court ruled that in 2010 that political spending is a form of free speech that’s protected under the First Amendment; opened the door for corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money to support their chosen political candidates, provided they were technically independent of the campaigns themselves

revolving door

refers to the movement of individuals between roles in the public sector (government positions) and the private sector (corporations, lobbying firms etc.")

Which group of voters tend to vote with Republicans?

men, gun owners, elderly, old white men, christian, people who watch Fox news

which group of voters tend to vote with democrats

people of color, those in poverty, people who live in urban areas, blue collar workers, other religions (not christians) those who watch CNN

which groups of voters tend to not vote in elections because they lack political efficacy

young voters, low-income individuals, less educated people, minorities, and those disillusioned with the political system.

what are a few of the reasons that the US has such low voter turnout when compared to other democracies

benzadyoga a Russian term for a collective feeling of hopelessness that paralyzes any sustained effort to create change and marginalizes those who try

national rifle assosciation

is involved in any issue that directly or indirectly affects firearms ownership and use

National Right to Life

Major Pro-Life organizations; anti abortion, educates people about pro-life cause, and influence legislatures to make pro life laws

defense contractors

private companies that support support the department of defense

national education association

largest professional organization and labor union representing educators in the United States; advocates for public education, improves teachers work conditions, advocates for students, union representation

two party system

the 2 party system prevents third parties from having a real chance, pushing out the voice of those that don’t fall in line with one of the two major parties

low voter turnout

low voter turnout weakens democratic legitimacy (not everyone is actually getting a say) excludes certain groups

soft $ donations

wealthy donors have influence on policy decisions, soft money can be spent in ways that make it harder for the public to see who is funding political activity which can lead to a lack of accountability

revolving door phenomenon

this could lead to a lack of public trust and corruption in the government because people working in government roles are only looking out for themselves and their company. Powerful industries have too much power in government positions