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political ideology
A set of beliefs or values about the role of government and society.
party platform
A formal set of goals and policies adopted by a political party.
history of the two-party system
The development of political parties in the U.S., including Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists, Democratic-Republican vs. Federalists, then Democrats vs. Republicans.
electoral rules
A set of laws and procedures that govern elections.
proportional representation
Seats allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives.
winner-take-all, single-member district
The candidate with the most votes wins.
effects of electoral rules on elections/democracy
Different systems like winner-take-all, proportional representation, and ranked-choice voting influence election outcomes and representation.
Two-party system vs. multiparty system
Two-party system offers stability but limits representation; multiparty system offers broad representation but can cause instability.
Duverger’s law
Single-member district systems tend to favor a two-party system, while proportional representation encourages multiple parties.
divided government
A situation where different political parties control different branches of government.
Polarization
Increasing division and ideological distance between political parties or groups.
minor parties
Political parties not widely supported.
Franchise
The right to vote in elections.
Suffrage
The right to vote in elections.
1965 Voting Rights Act
Landmark law aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting.
Electoral College
A system used to elect the U.S. president, where each state has electors based on its congressional representation.
political participation
Actions taken by individuals to influence or engage with political processes.
voting turnout
Who participates in elections, typically older, wealthier, and more educated individuals; low turnout skews representation.
electoral competition model
Parties and candidates compete for votes by offering policies that appeal to the median voter.
Prospective voting model
Voters decide based on expectations of how parties or candidates will act in the future.
retrospective voting model
Voters base their decisions on past performance of parties or candidates.
contrasting views on interest groups
Pluralist view suggests interest groups represent diverse interests; Elitist view suggests wealthy groups dominate and undermine democracy.
Madison’s argument
Argued that a large republic is the best way to control factions.
Lobby
To attempt to influence government decisions and policies.
Faction
People with shared interests or goals in conflict with other groups.
political action committee (PAC)
Raises money to support candidates, capped by law.
soft money
Unregulated donations to political parties.
iron triangle
Policy-making relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups.
effects of interest groups on democracy
Interest groups represent diverse interests, encourage civic engagement, provide expertise, and check government power.
major social movements in the U.S.
Examples include Women’s suffrage, Civil rights movement, labor movement, Anti-Vietnam War movement.
grassroots
A movement that mobilizes individuals to take action.
mass mobilization
A centralized political organization attempts to implement widespread changes in society.
factors that encourage the creation of social movements
Social inequality, economic instability, political opportunity, and the ability to mobilize people around a common cause.
tactics of social movements
Utilizing media, celebrity endorsement, and civil disobedience to gain attention.
