ap gov u5 part 2

consumer-driven media

primary goal is to make money, may focus on dramatic stories rather than substansive reporting

scorekeeper

framing political issues in terms of wins and losses

watchdog

investigative journalism

horserace journalism

report on popularity and polling rather than qualifications and platforms of candidates

ideologically oriented programming

media often catering to a particular audience's beliefs and values. This type of programming aims to influence the audience's opinions and reinforce their existing views.

gatekeeper

choosing which issues to report and for how long

agenda setting

news media reports on issues which increase in importance to the public, who then demand policymakers address the issue

Super PACs

independent expenditure only committee

• can raise and spend unlimited amounts independent of the candidate

• corporations and unions can give to Super PACs

• cant give directly to candidates

political action committees

raise money to support a candidate or cause

spending vs contributions

• corporations cannot contribute money directly to candidates

• can raise and spend unlimited money independent of the campaign

Citizens United v F.E.C

Political spending by corporations and labor unions is a form of protected speech under 1st amendment

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

• banned soft money

• banned independent corporate-sponsored ads in the days before an election

• banned direct contributions to candidates from corporations and unions

independent expenditures

money spent independently of a campaign to support a candidate

hard money

contributions made directly to a candidate

soft money

contributed to political parties for party-building purposes

political consultants

professionals hired by campaigns to develop media strategy, fundraising, research and polling

single issue groups

focus on one specific issue

free rider problem

people lack incentive to join an interest group when they can benefit from the groups efforts without joining

revolving door

members of congress retire and are hired as lobbyists

social movements

broad based citizen-led movement to effect policy changes may lack leadership, resources infrastructure, and clear policy objectives

protest movements

grassroots movements based around protests and marches to demand policy change

grassroots lobbying

persuade the public about an issue, requires that citizens take action

litigation

formal process of resolving legal disputes through the public court system, initiated by filing a complaint

iron triangles/issue networks

influence how policies are made and implemented

amicus curiae briefs

“friend of the court” briefs submitted by groups not directly involved in the case

interest groups

purpose to influence public policy, often for a specific purpose

draft legislation

suggest and support legislation, work with congressional committes to propose changes to bills