Political Science Review Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary related to political science, including voter rights, political socialization, interest groups, and lobbying.

Electorate

All of the people entitled to vote in a given election.

Suffrage

The right to vote.

Political Socialization

The process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions.

Public Affairs

Events and issues that concern the people at large.

Public Opinion

The complex collection of the opinions of many people on many topics.

Propaganda

A technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors to create a particular belief.

Lobbying

Activities by which group pressures are brought to bear on legislators and the public-policy-making process.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote, prohibiting discrimination based on sex.

Voter Registration

Required process to prevent voter fraud, must be completed 15 days prior to the election for first-time voters.

Factors Influencing Voting

Education level and income are the most prevalent factors determining if someone will vote.

Agents of Political Socialization

Family, school, mass media, peer groups, opinion leaders, historical events and life experiences.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and government decisions in favor of specific interests.

Business Groups

Interest groups promoting and protecting business interests.

Labor Groups

Organizations of workers who share the same type of job or who work in the same industry.

Political Parties vs Interest Groups

Political parties focus on winning elections, while interest groups focus on specific issues.

Lobbying can be directed towards…

all three branches - the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

Positive Effects of Interest Groups

They help stimulate public awareness and debate about issues and provide valuable information to government officials.

Who was mostly responsible for establishing voter qualifications?

the states

5 requirements to vote in CA (know these 2)

Must be a US citizen

must be a resident of CA

two voting requirements that are now required by all states but not in constitution

citizenship and residency

two factors that determine IF one will vote

education and income

two factors that determine HOW people will vote

sociology and psychology

most significant agent of political socialization

family

3 ways elected officials can measure/learn about public opinion

nominations, primary focus, scope of interest

main goal of interest groups

to influence public policy and government decisions in favor of their specific interests/causes

interest groups are also called

pressure groups