Politics Final; interest groups and political parties

What is an interest group?

an organized group that seeks to influence public policy

what is a special interest group?

a more narrowly focused group that represents specific interests

How are political rights won in America?

advocacy, grass-root movements, legislation, and judicial decision

what are grass-root moments?

organized efforts that seek to address social/political issues through community engagements, starting at local level

What are the different types of interest groups?

economic, social groups, and single issue groups

How can interest groups INDIRECTLY affect public policy?

through activities like influencing public opinion, grass-root lobbying, and funding research

How can interest groups DIRECTLY affect public policy?

lobbying government officials

lobbying

interacting with public official to achieve benefits

How are political campaigns financed in America?

individual donations, PAC’s, and public/party financing

What was the FECA? What did it do? (Federal election campaign act)

established regulations for campaign financing in federal elections. its purpose was to promote transparency

FEC (federal election commission)

independent regulatory agency that enforces campaign finance laws in federal elections

PAC (political action committee)

a type of organization that raises money to elect or deflect candidates, parties or ballot initiatives

What do groups hope to achieve with a campaign donation?

hope to gain influence over the candidate, political process and support from their policy objectives

What is public financing of elections?

government funds are used to support campaigns of political candidates. the goal is to reduce influence of private money

What are the advantages and disadvantages to a public financing system?

it aims to level the playing field and reduce corruption but it an be expensive for taxpayers

What are the functions of political parties?

groups devoted to winning elections, leading government and developing public policy

divided government

one party controls one branch and another party controls the other

How do political parties function in a parliamentary system?

selecting leaders, help pass laws, and the party with the most seats forms the government

presidential system?

a system that elects a president/officials with the executive branch

What is a parliament system?

a system of government where the executive branch (prime minister) is chosen and accountable to parliament (legislature)

gridlock

when different branches or political groups cannot agree on an impoertant law/desision

When were the Democrats organized?

1820’s, Andrew jackson

What ideological stand do Democrats most closely reflect?

libertarianism and progressivism

When did the Republicans organize?

1850’s, Abraham Lincoln

What ideological stand do Republicans most closely reflect?

conservatism

What is GOP?

Grand old party, republican

What are the three reasons why the U.S. is dominated by just TWO political parties?

Traditional/pragmatism, Legal hurdles and How we run Elections

plurality

having the most votes

majority

having more than half the votes