Political Parties and Interest Groups Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to political parties, interest groups, and their roles in the legislative process as discussed in the lecture.

What is a political party?

An organized group that attempts to influence government by electing their members to office.

What is the function of recruiting candidates in political parties?

Political parties recruit candidates for elections, seeking individuals with a strong leadership record and the ability to raise campaign funds.

What is an incumbent?

A candidate running for re-election to a position they currently hold.

What is the nomination process?

The process by which a party selects a candidate to run for elective office.

What are primary elections?

Elections where multiple candidates from the same party compete to become the party nominee.

How do political parties mobilize voters during general elections?

Through voter registration efforts, collaborating with organizations, and encouraging turnout at polling places.

What is the American two-party system?

A system where only two parties have a realistic chance of competing effectively for control.

What are electoral realignments?

Transitions during which a new party replaces the ruling party, often driven by new issues and crises.

What is the Free-Rider problem?

The phenomenon where non-members benefit from the collective goods provided by a group's success.

What are selective benefits that interest groups offer?

Exclusive advantages such as informational, material, solidary, and purposive benefits provided to group members.

How do interest groups influence policy through lobbying?

By persuading public officials through methods like face-to-face meetings, providing information, and testifying before committees.

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

An organization created by interest groups that donates money to campaigns and is limited by federal laws on contributions.

What are Super PACs?

Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds for independent expenditures but cannot coordinate directly with candidates.

What is the theory of pluralism?

The belief that a multitude of interests should compete for influence in government, leading to compromise.

What is gerrymandering?

The practice of drawing legislative district boundaries in a way that gives one political party an advantage.

What roles do governors play in state politics?

Governors act as chief legislators, heads of state agencies, party chiefs, and commanders in emergencies.

What is the merit system in bureaucracies?

A hiring system that requires appointees to be objectively qualified, replacing the spoils system.

What is a recall election?

A special election that allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the term ends.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to review and declare legislative and executive actions invalid or unconstitutional.

What is the significance of the Citizens United v. F.E.C. case?

It allowed for unlimited political spending by organizations, influencing campaign finance and lobbying regulations.

Define collective goods.

Benefits that are available to everyone, including non-members of an interest group.

What does the term 'delegate representation' mean?

Representatives act according to the beliefs and wishes of their constituents.

What is a filibuster?

A procedural tactic in the U.S. Senate that extends debate on a bill to block a vote.

What is meant by bicameralism?

The division of the legislature into two separate assemblies or chambers.

What is the main purpose of committees in the legislative process?

Committees are key venues for legislative work, where many bills fail to progress.

What is the responsible party model?

The theory that political parties offer clear policy options and are held accountable by voters based on their performance.