CE 5 - Parties, Media, Interest Groups, PACs

functions of political parties

- recruiting and nominating candidates

- educating the electorate about campaign issues

- helping candidates win election

- monitoring actions of office holders

two party system

The American political process is characterized by a...

Third Parties

... rarely win elections

similarities between political parties

- organize to win elections

- influence public policy

- reflect both liberal and conservative views

- defines themselves in a way to win majority support

political center

the group of voters who could vote for either party depending on the election and candidate; the group both parties try to persuade to vote for them

differences between political parties

found in a party's platform and reflected in their campaigning

platform

stated goals of a political party

third parties

- introduce new ideas

- often revolve around a political personality

Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt

a political personality associated with third parties from Progressive party (Bull Moose Party)

Strategies for evaluating campaigns

- separating fact from opinion

- detecting bias

- identifying propaganda

- evaluating sources

bias

Preferring or supporting one point of view over another; in new coverage, supporting one side over the other

role of the mass media in elections

- identifying candidates

- emphasizing selected issues

- writing editiorials and creating political cartoons

- broadcasting different points of view

expensive

Running for political office is...

Effects of Rising Campaign Costs

- require candidates to conduct extensive fund raising

- limit opportunities to run for public office

- give an advantage to the wealthy

- encorage the development of PACs

- give special interest groups increased influence

PAC

Political Action Committee - group collecting money and giving it to favorable candidates

campaign finance reform

Efforts to limit the amount individuals may contribute to candidates and campaigns

Citizens United v. FEC

Decision by the US Supreme Court that campaign contributions cannot be limited by federal law. Leads to unlimited donations through PACs and SuperPACs.