American Government unit 3

What is the electoral college

A group of people that votes a candidate to try to get them into office

How is the electoral college created

Larger states based on population have more electoral votes that match their numbers of HOR. 538 members and 270 to win

What is an interest group?

An organized group of people that seek to pursue policy goals and influence public policy

What are some examples of Interest groups

MADD, DADD, NRA, NAACP

One good thing about interest groups

Links people to the government since anyone can participate in interest groups

One bad thing about interest groups

Only a few powerful groups and individuals will benifit

Who is the representative of an interest group

The Lobbyist

What does the lobbyist do

Use their voice to educate lawmakers on the issues they care about and give ideas for bills

What amendment can they do this under

The first amendment (Petition the government)

Can the lobbyist bribe the government, why, and under what principle of government

Yes, because they are elected representatives, and republicanism

What are the four roles of media in politics

Media Bias, Media as a gatekeeper, Media as a agenda setter, and Media as a watchdog

Media bias and example

When media leans toward one political ideology over another; Almost all news media today

Media Gatekeeper and example

When the media decides what to report on for the public eye; Comicsgate

Media as an agenda setter and example

When the media decides what issues society discusses in the public sphere; MSNBC: Liberal, CNN: Liberal but is traditionally more moderate, Fox News: Conservative

Media as a watchdog and example

When the media speaks out to alert the public if something happens that should not (Flint, Michigan Water Crisis)

Media as entertainment and examples

When the media allows viewers to react to politics in a comedic way; SNL, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight

What is mass media

A method of communicating with a large number of people

What were the warnings in Washington’s farewell address 

Stay away from political parties and foreign affairs

Purpose of the political parties and interest groups

They both are organized groups who share similar views with their group and try to influence the government 

Difference between political parties and interest groups

Political parties try to fight to gain political power by having candidates elected to office, Interest groups try to get their ideas passed into law

Difference between a political plank and a political platform

The political platform is a set of statement describing the party’s views on ALL the major issues facing the nation, A plank is an individual belief that help build a party’s platform

10 things democrats are for

Strong Federal Gov, Gun Control, Lenient Voting laws, Public Education, Higher Taxes for the wealthy, $15 minimum wage, Universal Healthcare, 2 STATE SOLUTION FOR ISRAEL AND PALESTINE, Free Trade, Entitlement Spending

2 things democrats are against

Death Penalty, Torture

10 Things Republican Party are for

Strong State Gov, Life, 2nd Amendment, Strict Voting laws, School Choice, Border Security, Lower taxes for Corporations, Private Health Insurance, Israel (1 state solution), Manufacuring

2 things republicans are against

Gun Control, Universal Healthcare

Party Animals

Democrat: Donkey, Republican: Elephant

What are the purposes and effects of third parties

Purpose: Force Compromise, Effect: Take votes away

Some of the third party names

Libertarian Party, Green Party, Reform Party, Constitution Party, Perot 92

What is the majority party

The party with the most elected members can most easily influence laws and policy by getting all its members to vote the same way on a bill

What is the minority party

The party not in control, often forced to compromise in order to get anything done

Similarities of a primary and Caucus

They both influence the state delegates who vote for POTUS candidate at a national convention

What is presidential Primary

A secret ballot as delegates are rewarded based on counties won

The first two presidential primaries

NH and SC

What is presidential Caucus

Supporters elect candidates through meet and greets and discussions

First Caucus States

Iowa and Nevada

Who votes for the president if the electoral college ended in a 269 to 269 tie

The HOR

If the house ties, what happens

The chamber needs to keep at it until the tie is broken

Who is in the electoral college to make it 538

Congress and 3 from Washington D.C.

What amendment gives DC the right to vote

the 23rd amendment

What happens if there is still a tie by the time it comes from the president to take ofiice

The current vice president becomes president until the HOR elects a POTUS

Timeline of the election

People vote (November), States Elects (December), Votes counted in January (confirmed by the senate), POTUS takes office on January 20th (20th Amendment)