AP GOV UNIT 2 VOCAB

Agenda Setting

The media’s ability to influence what issues people think are important by choosing which stories to cover.

Media Events

Planned events designed to attract media attention (e.g., press conferences, speeches).

Trial Balloons

Information intentionally leaked to test public reaction before making a decision official.

Media Profit Motive

The idea that media outlets prioritize stories that increase ratings, clicks, or profits, sometimes over public interest.

Media Regulation FCC

The Federal Communications Commission regulates broadcast media (radio, TV) to ensure fairness, competition, and public interest.

Media Bias

The perception that media outlets favor one political viewpoint or ideology over others.

Political Parties

Organized groups that seek to gain and maintain political power by electing candidates.

Purpose of Parties

Recruit candidates, Organize elections, Shape public policy, Provide voter cues

Democratic Party

Generally supports expanded government services and social equality.

Republican Party

Generally supports limited government, free markets, and traditional values.

Tripartite Model

Party in Electorate (voters), Party in Organization (leaders and committees), Party in Government (elected officials)

Green Party

Focuses on environmentalism and social justice.

Libertarian Party

Emphasizes individual liberty and limited government.

Independent

A voter or candidate who does not affiliate with a political party.

Platform

A political party’s official list of policy positions and goals.

Party Polarization (political)

The growing ideological divide between political parties, with fewer moderate views.

Party Realignment

A major shift in party loyalty among voters, often after critical elections.

Dealignment

A decline in party identification, with more voters identifying as independents.

Campaign Work/Finance

Activities used to support candidates, including fundraising and advertising.

Citizens United vs. FEC 2010

Supreme Court case that allowed unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions.

Political efficacy

A citizen’s belief that their participation matters and can influence government.

Political Action Committees (PAC’s)

Organizations that raise and spend money to support or oppose political candidates.

Closed Primary

Only registered party members can vote in that party’s primary.

Open Primary

Voters can choose which party’s primary to vote in, regardless of affiliation.

Caucus

A meeting where party members discuss and select candidates, rather than voting by ballot.

Delegates

Individuals chosen to represent voters at a party’s national convention

Party Convention

A meeting where a party officially nominates its presidential candidate and adopts its platform.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the U.S. president, where states cast electoral votes based on popular vote results.

Winner-Take-All

A system where the candidate with the most votes wins all of a state’s electoral votes.

Initiative/Proposition

A process allowing citizens to propose and vote on laws directly.

Interest Groups

Organizations that attempt to influence public policy without running candidates.

Selective Benefits

Special incentives offered to encourage membership (e.g., discounts, services).

Lobbying

Direct interaction with lawmakers to influence legislation.

Lobbying Regulation

Laws requiring lobbyists to register, disclose funding, and follow ethical rules.

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between Congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups

Electioneering

Supporting or opposing candidates through endorsements, donations, or ads.

Litigation

Using the court system to influence policy and interpretation of laws.

The Labor Market

The supply of workers and the demand for jobs in the economy.

Labor Union

Organizations that represent workers in negotiations over wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Blue-Collar

Manual or industrial labor jobs.

White-Collar

Professional, managerial, or office jobs.