AP Gov Unit 5: Political Participation

What did the 15th Amendment (1870) achieve regarding voting rights?

It prohibited voting discrimination based on race, color, or prior servitude.

Which amendment granted women the right to vote?

The 19th Amendment (1920).

What is the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It banned literacy tests and provided federal oversight in states with low voter turnout.

What is Rational-Choice Voting?

Voters choose candidates based on perceived personal benefits.

Define Retrospective Voting.

Voting decisions are based on a candidate's or party's past performance.

What does Party-Line Voting entail?

Voters consistently support candidates from their political party.

Which factors influence voter turnout?

Individual factors like political efficacy, education, age, and group identification.

What is the Motor Voter Act (1993)?

A law that simplified voter registration at DMVs.

How does incumbency affect congressional elections?

Incumbents often win reelection at high rates due to name recognition and financial resources.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political advantage.

What impact did the Citizens United v. FEC (2010) decision have on campaign finance?

It allowed unlimited contributions to Super PACs, citing free speech rights.

What are Super PACs?

Committees that can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate directly with candidates.

What does the term 'Dark Money' refer to in campaign finance?

Untraceable funds used for political purposes, often from nonprofit organizations.

What are 'Sound Bites' in media reporting?

Short, catchy excerpts from speeches or interviews that can oversimplify complex issues.

What role does the media play as a 'Watchdog'?

It investigates government and industry corruption, holding power accountable.

What is the Electoral College?

The body that formally elects the president based on state-level voting.

Define a 'Swing State'.

A state that could reasonably vote for either major party in an election.

What is the purpose of Party Platforms?

To outline core ideologies and goals of political parties.

Describe the difference between closed and open primaries.

Closed primaries require voters to declare party affiliation in advance; open primaries allow declaration on election day.

What does the term 'Political Efficacy' mean?

The belief that one's political participation makes a difference.

What is 'Hyperpluralism' in the context of interest groups?

Excessive competition among interest groups leading to policy gridlock.

What does the term 'Iron Triangle' refer to?

The mutually beneficial relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and government agencies.

What are 'Amicus Curiae Briefs'?

Documents filed by a third party to provide additional information or arguments in court cases.

What does 'Electioneering' involve?

The act of endorsing candidates, funding campaigns, and creating scorecards rating politicians.

What is meant by the 'Coattail Effect'?

Popular presidential candidates boost down-ballot candidates of their party.

What is the significance of the 24th Amendment?

It prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

What is the impact of the Help America Vote Act (2002)?

It mandated upgrades to electronic voting systems and accessibility for disabled voters.

Define 'Microtargeting' in political campaigns.

Identifying voter traits to deliver personalized messages.

What are the effects of voter ID laws on turnout?

They can create barriers to access and reduce voter turnout.

What are Interest Groups?

Organizations that seek to influence public policy to benefit their members or causes.

What is 'Grassroots Lobbying'?

Mobilizing the public to contact government officials to influence legislation.

What does the term 'Consumer-Driven Media' mean?

Media content shaped by consumer preferences, often prioritizing sensationalism.

What were muckrakers known for?

Investigative journalists who exposed corruption and misconduct.

What is meant by the 'Narrowcasting' of media?

Targeting media content to specific audiences.

What was the purpose of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)?

To ban soft money contributions to national parties and restrict electioneering communications.

What does 'Candidate-Centered Campaigns' refer to?

Campaigns focusing on individual candidates rather than strictly party loyalty.

Define 'Civil Rights' in the context of interest groups.

Rights that protect individual freedoms and ensure equality under the law.

What is 'Cyberpolarization'?

Online interactions reinforcing political divisions.

Explain the term 'Free Press'.

Press not controlled by the government, essential for democracy.

What are 'Political Action Committees' (PACs)?

Organizations that raise and spend money to support candidates or policies.

What does 'Confirmation Bias' relate to in media consumption?

The tendency to favor information that aligns with preexisting beliefs.

What is an 'Electoral Vote'?

A vote cast by an elector in the Electoral College.

What is the significance of the 26th Amendment?

It lowered the voting age to 18.

What does 'Voter Turnout' indicate?

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.

What does the term 'Federal Election Commission' (FEC) refer to?

The agency that enforces campaign finance laws.

What are 'Interest Groups' classified upon?

Based on the interests they represent, such as economic, environmental, or social causes.

Define 'Social Movements'.

Organized efforts by large groups to achieve social or political change.

What does 'Legislative oversight' involve?

The review of the activities of executive agencies by Congress.

What are 'Proportional System' electoral votes?

Votes distributed based on the percentage of votes each candidate receives.

What is the role of the media as a 'Gatekeeper'?

Determining what is newsworthy and shaping the public agenda.

What is the definition of 'Civil Liberties'?

Personal freedoms protected from government interference.

Differentiate between 'Hard Money' and 'Soft Money'.

Hard money is regulated contributions directly to candidates; soft money is unregulated contributions to parties.

What is the importance of debates in modern campaigns?

They provide candidates important opportunities to address the public directly.

What does the term 'Fade to Black' signify in media?

Concludes the reporting on a serious issue with sensitivity, often implying the audience's emotional response.

What is the significance of the 1920 Women’s Suffrage Movement in U.S. history?

It led to the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Explain the concept of 'Political Party'.

An organization seeking to achieve political power by electing members to public office.

Define 'Party Realignment'.

A major shift in political support after a critical election.

What is a 'Single-Issue Party'?

A party that focuses exclusively on one particular issue.

What does the term 'Safe Districts' refer to?

Electoral districts consistently won by one party.

What is the purpose of the 'National Popular Vote Interstate Compact'?

To award electoral votes to the national popular vote winner.

What are the consequences of 'Voter Apathy'?

Lack of interest or concern about voting, reducing turnout.

What is meant by 'Political Dealignment'?

A trend where voters abandon traditional party affiliations without replacing them.

Explain what 'Revolving Door' means in politics.

The movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying or private sector jobs.

What impact do media representations have on elections?

They heavily influence voter perceptions often focusing on scandals over policy.

What was the result of the 1932 presidential election?

The New Deal Coalition formed under Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What are the main functions of interest groups?

To influence policy, educate the public, and mobilize voters.

Define 'Sound Bites'.

Short, catchy excerpts from speeches used in media.

What constitutes 'Election Day Registration'?

Allows voters to register on Election Day at polling places.

Who are 'Faithless Electors'?

Electors who vote against their pledged candidate in the Electoral College.

Explain the role of 'Investigative Journalism'.

In-depth reporting aimed at uncovering hidden issues or scandals.

What is 'Horse-Race Journalism'?

Media focus on polling and competition rather than substantive issues.

What is the purpose of the 'Help America Vote Act'?

To improve the administration of elections.

What does 'Participation' mean in the context of democracy?

Engagement in political processes such as voting and activism.

What is a 'Party Coalition'?

Groups of voters with shared interests that support a particular political party.

Explain what 'Public Interest Groups' advocate for.

They advocate for the common good and broader community interests.

What is 'Political Polarization'?

The extent to which political attitudes are opposed along partisan lines.