PSC Test 2

Conservatism

A political ideology advocating for limited government, free-market economy, traditional values, and a strong national defense.

Liberalism

A political ideology supporting an active government role in social and economic issues, advocating for welfare programs, regulations, and social equality.

Primary goal of political parties

To win elections and influence government policies.

Republicans vs. Democrats

Republicans favor limited government and free markets, while Democrats support government intervention and social welfare programs.

Political socialization

The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

Main agents of political socialization

Family, education, peers, media, and significant life events.

Importance of public opinion

It influences policy decisions, elections, and government legitimacy.

Public opinion measurement

Measured through polling and surveys using population samples and random sampling.

Free-rider problem

When individuals benefit from a group's efforts without actively contributing.

Strategies to overcome free-rider problem

Providing material, solidary, and purposive benefits.

Agenda-setting in the media

The media’s ability to influence which issues receive public attention.

Framing in the media

The way media presents and shapes how an issue is perceived.

Watchdog role of the media

Holding government officials accountable through investigative journalism.

Equal Time Provision

An FCC regulation ensuring fairness in broadcasting political content.

Soft news vs. hard news

Soft news includes entertainment and human-interest stories, while hard news focuses on political, economic, and policy issues.

Unified vs. divided government

Unified government occurs when one party controls the White House and Congress; divided government occurs when different parties control different branches.

Realignment in political history

A shift in political party support, such as the New Deal Realignment in the 1930s.

Incumbent

A current officeholder who is running for reelection.

Advantages of incumbents

Name recognition, fundraising ability, and policy experience.

Plurality vs. majority voting

Plurality voting awards victory to the candidate with the most votes; majority voting requires more than 50%.

How the Electoral College works

Presidents are elected through electoral votes allocated by states, rather than by direct popular vote.

Swing states

Competitive states that can determine the outcome of presidential elections.

Revolving door in politics

The movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying jobs.

Inside vs. outside lobbying

Inside strategies involve direct lobbying with policymakers; outside strategies mobilize public opinion.

PACs vs. Super PACs

PACs donate directly to campaigns; Super PACs can spend unlimited funds on advertisements without coordinating with candidates.

Grassroots mobilization

Encouraging the general public to contact lawmakers and advocate for policy changes.

Role of national party committees

They oversee party operations, fundraising, and election strategies.

Mail-in and early voting

Methods that allow voters to cast ballots before Election Day, increasing turnout and accessibility.

Proportional representation

An electoral system where parties gain seats based on the percentage of votes received.

Single-member district plurality voting (SMDP)

A winner-takes-all system where the candidate with the most votes wins.

Role of interest groups in elections

They influence public policy through lobbying, campaign contributions, and voter mobilization.

Interest groups vs. political parties

Interest groups advocate for specific policies; political parties aim to win elections and control government.

Material benefits from interest groups

Tangible rewards such as discounts, services, or financial incentives.

Media conglomeration in news reporting

Large corporations owning multiple news outlets can influence news content and perspective.

Example of media bias

Selective reporting that favors one political viewpoint over another.

Proportional allocation in elections

Distributing delegates or seats based on the proportion of votes each candidate or party receives.

Why third parties struggle in the U.S. electoral system

The winner-takes-all system and major party dominance limit their success.

Retrospective vs. prospective voting

Retrospective voting is based on past performance; prospective voting considers future policies.

Media profit motives and news coverage

Sensational stories may be prioritized over substantive policy coverage.

What Super PACs can do that regular PACs cannot

Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts on advertisements without coordinating with candidates.