POLS EXAM 3

Conditional Party Government Theory

When there is agreement within a party, leaders gain more power; when disagreement exists, members act independently.

Party Cartel Theory

Leaders align with members for mutual benefit, resembling a cartel arrangement.

Theory of Insecure Majorities

A theory suggesting insecure majorities campaign constantly to maintain their control rather than focusing on governance.

Whips

Party members responsible for counting votes and ensuring party members are aware of voting outcomes.

Roll Call

A bill passes when the majority of a party’s members vote against it.

Speaker of the House

The most powerful Congress member and second in line for presidential succession.

House Majority/Minority Leader

Sets and communicates legislative agendas for their respective parties.

House Majority/Minority Whips

Count votes and inform their parties about legislative voting.

Vice President

Presides over the Senate and can act as a tie-breaking vote.

President Pro Tempore of the Senate

Oldest member of the majority party who presides over the Senate in the Vice President's absence.

Senate Majority Leader

Most powerful member of the Senate, though less powerful than the Speaker of the House.

Term Limits for Committee Chairs

Recent change resulting in early retirements and less expertise outside leadership.

The Spatial Model

A model that arranges policies along a continuum to visualize individual preferences and leadership adjustments.

Predictors of Partisanship in Congress

The Speaker of the Senate has less power than the Speaker of the House.

Subcommittees

Jurisdictions over policy domains where new laws typically start.

Interest Group Influence

Lobbyists focus on influencing legislators to align with specific policies.

Decentralization

Favors interest groups by allowing focused lobbying in subcommittees.

Carrots

Particularized benefits, such as leadership positions, offered to influence action.

Sticks

Consequences such as reduced funding or unfavorable committee assignments.

Lobbyists' Role in Congress

Building relationships are investments toward career advancement and effectiveness.

Inside Lobbying

Directly lobbying legislators to influence policy.

Outside Lobbying

Mobilizing public opinion to change perceptions about issues.

Legislative Subsidy

Providing political information and resources to achieve common goals with legislators.

Persuasion

Changing a legislator's position on a policy during the legislative process.

Political Money Influence

Significant financial resources can lead to substantial lobbying influence.

Unified Government

When one party controls both Congress and the Presidency.

Polarization in Politics

The ideological divide between parties that affects policymaking.

Public Opinion's Role

Legislatures are more likely to support executives with favorable public perceptions.

Agenda Size

Fewer priorities increase the likelihood of legislative success.

Presidential Constituency

The President represents the entire nation, leading to unique political dynamics.

Presidential Mandate

The authority given to a winning candidate to implement campaign promises.

Honeymoon Period

The initial phase where a president’s agenda appears more favorable.

Interest Groups and Public Perception

Presidents mobilize constituencies and interest groups to secure support.

Shaping the Bench

Efforts by interest groups to influence judicial nominations to align with their goals.

Judicial Appointments

Influencing both Supreme Court and lower court judge selection.

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Legal documents filed by non-litigants to provide information to the court.

Test Cases

Strategically chosen legal cases aimed at establishing new precedents.

Revolving Door

Movement of individuals between roles as legislators and lobbyists.

Competitive Interest Groups

Lobbyists form coalitions to achieve shared goals.

Dark Money Nonprofits

Political funding organizations not required to disclose donors.

Coalition Politics

Joining forces with other groups to enhance lobbying effectiveness.

Citizens United v. FEC

Court case that allowed unlimited corporate spending in politics.

Lobbying the Executive

Engaging with the President and staff to influence policy decisions.

Iron Triangle

The relationship among Congress, agencies, and interest groups in policymaking.

Inside Lobbying vs. Outside Lobbying

Inside focuses on direct influence; outside mobilizes public opinion.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises funds privately to influence elections or legislation.

Bork Nomination

A case study in the polarization and mobilization of lobbying efforts.

Lifetime Appointments

Federal judges' terms are indefinite, complicating lobbying and influence.

Interest Group Coalitions

Groups combine resources and influence to pursue common objectives.

Judicial Confirmation Eras

Periods defined by varying levels of lobbying and opposition to judicial nominees.

Judicial Precedent

Legal standards set by previous court rulings that guide future cases.

Lobbying Challenges

Struggles in directly influencing judicial outcomes versus public policy.

Funding Restrictions for Candidates

Regulations limiting contributions influence campaign financing.

Majority Party In Congress

The party that holds the most seats in either chamber.

Tactical Lobbying

Strategies used to maximize influence and achieve legislative goals.

Bureaucratic Lobbying

Efforts to influence the executive branch's regulatory and enforcement actions.

Judicial Precedent Influence

The importance of shaping case law outcomes through strategic litigation.

Public Participation

Engaging citizens in the policymaking process through comment periods.

Interest Groups' Legislative Agenda

Public interests often push for policies that align with their goals.

Lobbying Influence on Supreme Court

Mechanisms by which lobbyists exert pressure on judicial members.