us democracy & participation key concepts

What are the two main stages of presidential elections in the USA?

Primaries and caucuses select party nominees, then the Electoral College decides the president.

When were primaries and caucuses first created?

In 1968 by political parties.

What is the difference between primaries and caucuses?

Primaries use private ballots at polling stations, while caucuses involve public meetings and open voting.

What is Super Tuesday?

A day when many states vote on the same day to increase influence, with 14 states voting on March 3, 2020.

How many delegates are needed to win the Democratic nomination?

At least 1990 out of 3979 delegates.

What are open primaries?

Primaries in which anyone can vote in either party's primary, leading to more participation.

What are closed primaries?

Primaries where only registered party members can vote, protecting party identity.

What are invisible primaries?

The period before voting begins where candidates build support through polls, fundraising, and media coverage.

What is the role of National Party Conventions?

To formally confirm the nominee, launch the general election campaign, and agree on a party platform.

What is the Electoral College?

A body created in 1787 to protect state power and limit direct mass democracy, with 538 total votes and 270 needed to win.

How are Electoral College Votes allocated?

Based on the number of House members and 2 Senators per state, with most states using winner-takes-all.

What was the popular vote for Biden in the 2020 election?

81.3 million votes.

What was the voter turnout in the 2020 election?

The highest since 1900 at 66.7%.

What is incumbency advantage?

The tendency for sitting officeholders to find it easier to win re-election than challengers.

What is Duverger's Law?

The principle that single-member districts and winner-takes-all elections encourage a two-party system.

What role do third parties play in elections?

They rarely win but can act as spoilers, drawing votes away from major parties.

What was the outcome of the 2020 presidential election?

Biden won with 306 Electoral College Votes and flipped five states from 2016.

What factors contributed to Trump's defeat in the 2020 election?

His divisive stance on Covid-related issues and loss of support among key demographics.

What is the significance of the 23rd Amendment?

It granted Washington D.C. 3 Electoral College Votes.

What was the viewing figure for the 2020 Democratic National Convention?

24.6 million viewers.

What was the viewing figure for the 2020 Republican National Convention?

23.8 million viewers.

What is the impact of fundraising in elections?

Candidates who raise more funds often have an advantage, leading to concerns over donor influence.

What happened during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021?

An attempt to overturn the election results, resulting in the death of 5 police officers.

What is the significance of the term 'faithless electors'?

Electors who do not vote for the candidate they pledged to support; they are rare.

What was the outcome of the 2020 Democratic primaries?

Biden became the nominee after receiving 2716 delegates, defeating Sanders who received 1112.

What years did incumbents lose in US presidential elections?

1980, 1992, and 2020

In which year did Trump lose swing voters in key battleground states?

2020

What is the primary concern regarding campaign finance in presidential elections?

It may favor wealthy candidates and lead to disproportionate influence from major donors.

What did the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 and 1974 aim to regulate?

Election finance, limiting contributions from individuals and groups.

What is the matching funds system in presidential elections?

Parties must receive over 5% in the previous election to qualify for federal funding.

What are PACs in the context of campaign finance?

Political Action Committees that are legally responsible for compliance with campaign finance laws.

What loophole did the FECA regulations create?

A distinction between hard money (regulated) and soft money (unregulated).

What significant change did George W. Bush implement regarding federal funding?

He declined federal funding in 2000, allowing unlimited fundraising and spending.

What is the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 also known as?

McCain-Feingold Act.

What did the Citizens United v FEC ruling declare?

Restrictions on issue advertisements were unconstitutional based on the First Amendment.

What are Super PACs?

Political Action Committees that can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate directly with candidates.

What are the core beliefs of the Democratic Party?

Support for civil rights, environmental regulation, and a larger role of government in welfare.

What distinguishes liberals/progressives within the Democratic Party?

A strong commitment to social justice and government action to reduce inequality.

What is the New Democrat Coalition?

A group within the Democratic Party that supports moderate policies and rejects 'medicare for all.'

Who are the key figures associated with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party?

Bernie Sanders and Pramila Jayapal.

What are the core beliefs of the Republican Party?

Limited government intervention, lower taxes, and strong national security.

What is the primary focus of fiscal conservatives within the Republican Party?

Reducing government spending and lowering taxes.

What do social conservatives within the Republican Party advocate for?

Conservative Christian values and opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

What is the role of the Federal Election Commission?

To oversee and enforce campaign finance laws.

What is the significance of the term 'soft money'?

It refers to unregulated funds raised by national party committees to support candidates indirectly.

What impact did the decline of federal funding have on presidential elections?

It led to massive spending disparities between candidates.

What is the Congressional Progressive Caucus?

A group within the Democratic Party focused on progressive policies.

What are the key policies supported by moderate Democrats?

Support for the Affordable Care Act and opposition to 'medicare for all.'

What is the significance of the 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v FEC?

It allowed for unlimited funding in political campaigns through Super PACs.

What is a key characteristic of moderate Republicans?

They are more willing to compromise with Democrats and less extreme on issues.

What major political conflict exists between the Democratic and Republican parties?

Ideological and policy conflicts over governance and social issues.

What is the primary political system in the US?

A strong two-party system dominated by Democrats and Republicans.

What percentage of the presidential vote have Democrats and Republicans captured since 2000?

Over 98% in every election except one.

What electoral system contributes to the lack of success for third parties in the US?

First Past the Post (FPTP) elections.

What is a characteristic of US political parties?

They are often described as weak parties with limited control over members.

How do US parties organize internal rivalry?

Through factions and caucuses.

Which demographic group overwhelmingly supports the Democratic Party?

Black voters.

What percentage of white evangelical Christians voted for Trump in 2020?

76%.

How does education level affect voting tendencies in the US?

Higher education correlates with a greater likelihood of voting Democratic.

What is an interest group?

An organization that seeks to influence public policy without standing candidates for election.

What are the three main types of interest groups in the US?

Policy/cause groups, professional/occupational groups, and single interest/identity groups.

What is the largest US interest group by membership?

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) with 38 million members.

What is the primary focus of the AFL-CIO?

Representing workers and advocating for labor rights.

What is a significant tactic used by interest groups to influence policy?

Lobbying, which includes direct meetings with legislators.

What is the role of Super PACs in US elections?

They can raise unlimited money and spend independently of candidates.

What was the outcome of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act?

Passed in the House but failed in the Senate, showing limits of interest group influence.

What is the significance of demographic voting blocs in US elections?

They heavily influence party support and electoral outcomes.

How do interest groups use legal action to influence policy?

Through strategic litigation and amicus curiae briefs.

What is a common criticism of interest groups in a pluralist democracy?

They can distort democracy by allowing wealthy groups disproportionate influence.

What is grassroots lobbying?

Mobilizing members to pressure legislators through direct action.

What is the impact of money on interest group influence?

It creates democratic inequality and allows corporations to have an overwhelming advantage.

What does the term 'revolving door' refer to in the context of lobbying?

The movement of former politicians into lobbying roles, ensuring access to policymakers.

What is the League of Conservation Voters known for?

Using electoral influence and publishing scorecards on environmental voting.

What does the term 'direct action' refer to in interest group tactics?

Demonstrations and civil disobedience to raise awareness.

What is the primary focus of single interest groups?

Representing a specific demographic or issue.

How did the 2020 BLM protests influence the political agenda?

They raised awareness of police reform and put it on the national agenda.

What is the significance of endorsements in elections for interest groups?

Endorsements can significantly influence candidate success, especially in marginal races.

What role do amicus curiae briefs play in the Supreme Court?

They provide information and arguments from non-litigants to influence court decisions.

What is the relationship between interest groups and the three branches of government?

Interest groups influence Congress through lobbying, the President through endorsements, and the Supreme Court through legal action.