American Government: Exam 2 (Chapters 6-10)

Interest Groups vs. Political Parties

1. Interest groups = specialist
2. Interest groups = more organized
3. Interest groups = funded by dues, contributions/grants
4. Interest groups = donate money to campaigns, and do not run for public office

Business Interest Groups

Interest groups operate at all levels of government. U.S. chamber is an umbrella organization supporting 3 Million small and large businesses.

Interest Groups

Groups organized to influence all branches of government on issues.

To Petition

A solemn supplication or request to a superior authority; an entreaty. A formal written document requesting a right or benefit from a person or group in authority.

Free Rider Problem

Sometimes interest groups benefit society but the interest group is the only participant and pays the cost.

Benefits/perks of Interest Groups

1. Bridge gap between government and citizens
2. Raising public awareness about issues
3. Help educate public and provide information
4. Check on government.

Why people join Interest Groups

1. Discounts on products and services
2. Camaraderie of like-minded persons
3. Influence on issues

Pluralist Theory

Theory that argues due to our interest group democracy and multiple points of access at all levels of government, all Americans' interests are eventually served.

Political Parties vs. Interest Groups

1. Parties = generalist
2. Parties = less organized
3. Parties = communicate through advertising, mailings
4. Parties = run for public office
5. Parties = funded by contributions only

Trade Organizations

Type of business interest group that specializes in industries such as auto, oil, or trucking.

Consumer Interest Groups

Groups organized for the protection of consumer rights. Example: Consumers Union.

Ideological Interest Groups

An interest group organized to promote not an economic interest or a collective identity, but a shared political perspective or ideology.

Single Issue Interest Groups

Interest groups that advocate for a single issue. Example: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Government Interest Groups

Efforts by the state and local governments to lobby the federal government.

Identity Interest Groups

Interest groups who share the same race, ethnicity, gender, and or other characteristics often have common goals. Example: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Public Interest Group

An interest group formed for the purpose of working for the "public good." Examples are the American Civil Liberties Union and Common Cause.

Direct Techniques

1. Lobbying
2. Election Support
3. Political Action Committees
4. Litigation

Lobbying

Direct attempts at persuading legislators, or government administrators through educating government officials, persuasive arguments, and campaign contributions.

Political Action Committees

Organizations formed by corporations, unions, and interest groups to raise funds and make campaign contributions.

Super Political Action Committees

In 2010, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. This ruling led to the creation of Super PACs, which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

Soft Money

Limits amounts and types of money canidates may recieve.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

In the court case of McConnell v. Federal Election Commission, this act banned unrestricted ("soft money") donations made directly to political parties (often by corporations, unions, or wealthy individuals).

Litigation

Bringing a lawsuit against an individual or organization. Interest groups use this as a tactic to pursue the interests of their members.

Indirect Techniques

1. Contacting public officials
2. Use of media and public relations
3. Demonstrations, marches, sit-ins
4. Education Campaigns

Contacting Public Officials

This can be effective because public officials are often impressed when contacted by voters.

Use of Media and Public Relations

Interest groups use TV, newspaper, magazines, mass mailings, blogging, and other techniques.

Education Campaigns

Similar to advertising, promoting information about issues but perhaps biased or slanted in some way.

Political Parties

Private groups who organize to participate in elections and hold public office.

Reasons for two-party system

1. Incumbency (holding office)
2. Complex registration rules

Two Parties in U.S. since 1856

1. Democratic
2. Republican

Third Parties

Used as a political strategy to influence politics and policy.

Republican Demographics

1. White
2. Men
3. Age 65 or older
4. White collar

Democratic Demographics

1. Women
2. Minorities
3. Age 65 and younger
4. Blue Collar, unions, urban

What Parties Do

1. Select and support candidates
2. Inform public
3. Check power of competing parties
4. Coordinate policy making
5. Balance competing interests

Parties form Coalitions

Forming groups with similar interests, to support a party's platform (the written document drawn up at a national party convention which outlines the policies and positions of the party).

Public Opinion

1. Collected individual attitudes of the public
2. Expressed usually by answering questions

Socialization

Complex process by which we obtain values, beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes about politics, public policy, government, and its role in our lives. Complex because its sources are multiple and interact during the process.

Sources of Opinions

1. Family
2. Primacy and structure of learning
3. Schools
4. Media
5. Pre-established attitudes
6. Opinion leaders
7. Peer groups
8. Social Economic Status
9. Major life events

Straw Poll

An informal, unscientific poll.

Biased Sample

An unscientific sample not drawn randomly, samples in polling = parts of populations selected to represent opinions of entire populations. They do not represent the populations.

Biased Questions

Pollsters may try to ensure that their questions are not biased. The questions should not be framed in such a way as to encourage a certain type of answer.

Exit Polls

Polls taken of voters as they exit the voting site.

Tracking Polls

An opinion poll in which the same sample, such as a small number of voters, is questioned periodically to measure shifts in opinion.

Push Polls

A campaign tactic used to feed false or misleading information to potential voters under the guise of taking an opinion poll, with the intent of pushing voters away from one candidate and toward another.

Factors Affecting Voter Turnout

1. Legal Restrictions
2. Political Cynicism

Legal Restrictions

1. Literacy Tests
2. Poll Taxes
3. Grandfather Clause
4. White Primary

Voting Rights Today

Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed legal restriction of voters based on race, gender, or social economic status.

Who actually votes

1. More educated
2. Money, old and wealthy
3. Minority Status

Why people vote as they do

1. Party Identification
2. Family, history, social class

Region

West and plains tend to vote republican, south and urban also. Northeast tends to vote democrat.

Primary Elections

An election in which voters choose the candidate of their party, who will then run in the general election.

Direct Primary

An election held within each of the two major parties--Democratic and Republican--to choose the party's candidates for the general election. Voters choose the candidate directly, rather than through delegates.

Closed Primary

A primary in which only party members can vote to choose that party's candidates.

Open Primary

A primary in which voters can vote for a party's candidates regardless of whether they belong to the party.

Internet

Most influence and effective way of obtaining information in politics today, and in the future.

Is there more than one source to get political news and information?

Yes.

Largest Population?

Millennials (18-29 years old).

Second Largest Population?

Baby Boomers (50+ years old).

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs and values that shape an individual's or group's views on government, politics, and society. It influences policy preferences and political behavior. Common ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism.

Conservative

is typically someone who holds traditional values and is cautious about change or innovation, often advocating for limited government, free markets, and individual liberties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining established institutions and practices.

Liberal

A political ideology that emphasizes individual freedoms, social equality, and government intervention in the economy to address social issues. Advocates often support civil rights, environmental protection, and progressive taxation. They believe in the importance of personal choice and diversity in society.

Libertarian

A political philosophy advocating for individual liberty, minimal government intervention, and free markets. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the belief that individuals should have the freedom to make choices about their lives, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others. This ideology often opposes taxation, regulation, and state control over personal and economic matters.

populist

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests and concerns of the ordinary people, often contrasting with the elite or establishment. It emphasizes direct appeal to the public, advocating for policies that are perceived to benefit the common citizen, and can be found across the political spectrum.

Party ID

refers to an individual's affiliation or identification with a political party, influencing their voting behavior and political opinions

Republican

one of the two major political parties in the United States, typically associated with conservative policies.

Democrat

one of the two major political parties in the United States. The party generally advocates for social equality, environmental protection, and government intervention in the economy to address social issues.

Left

Democrat

Right

Republican

Authoritarianism as a value

A political ideology that emphasizes strong central authority, often at the expense of individual freedoms. It prioritizes order and control over personal liberties and democratic processes, advocating for obedience to the state. This system may suppress dissent and limit political pluralism, valuing stability and uniformity over diversity and personal choice.

What are the statements or propositions that provide the foundation for an argument?

These are assertions that support a conclusion, often serving as the basis for reasoning in logical arguments. They can be factual or assumed, and their validity is crucial for the strength of the overall argument.

Big Government

A political system characterized by extensive government intervention in economic and social affairs. It often involves increased regulation, higher taxation, and a larger public sector. Advocates argue it promotes social welfare and equity, while critics claim it stifles individual freedoms and economic growth.

Small Government

A political philosophy advocating for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. It emphasizes individual liberties, limited regulation, and reduced public spending, often prioritizing free-market principles. Proponents argue that less government leads to greater efficiency and personal responsibility, while critics raise concerns about potential neglect of social welfare and public services.

Socially (Ideologically) Sorted

A phenomenon where individuals align themselves with others who share similar beliefs, values, and political views, leading to increased polarization. This sorting can manifest in social interactions, media consumption, and community engagement, often resulting in echo chambers that reinforce existing perspectives and diminish exposure to diverse viewpoints.

Equality and Freedom and their prioritization

This principle explores the balance between individual liberties and equal rights within a community. It examines how prioritizing one can impact the other, often leading to debates on social justice, governance, and ethical frameworks. The tension between ensuring freedom for all and guaranteeing equality can result in differing political ideologies and policies, influencing societal structures and individual experiences.

Ideological innocence

A state of being unaware or uninformed about the complexities and implications of political beliefs and systems. It often leads to a simplistic understanding of political issues, lacking critical analysis or awareness of differing perspectives. This concept can result in a naive acceptance of ideologies without questioning their validity or consequences.

Party Coalitions

Alliances formed between political parties to achieve common goals or enhance electoral success?

These alliances often involve negotiation and compromise on policies, allowing parties to pool resources and support each other in elections. They can vary in duration and may be formal or informal, impacting legislative processes and governance.

Party Platforms

These documents outline the party's stance on various issues, including the economy, healthcare, education, and social justice. They serve to inform voters about the party's goals and priorities during elections. Each platform can change with new leadership or in response to current events.

What drives issue attitudes?

Factors influencing opinions on social or political issues include personal experiences, values, emotions, group identities, and media exposure. These elements shape how individuals perceive and respond to specific topics, often leading to polarized views. Understanding these drivers can help in analyzing public opinion and behavior.

Independents

Voters or individuals who do not align with a specific political party. They often hold a mix of beliefs from various parties and can influence elections by swaying between different candidates. Their presence highlights the diversity of political opinions beyond traditional party lines.

Independent Leaners

• Takes initiative in their learning process.

• Sets personal goals and monitors progress.

• Utilizes various resources and strategies.

• Reflects on experiences to improve understanding.

• Adapts to different learning environments and challenges.

• Values feedback and seeks help when needed.

• Engages in critical thinking and problem-solving.

True Independents

describes voters who do not align with any specific political party and make decisions based on individual candidates and issues.

These voters often prioritize personal beliefs over party loyalty, can swing between parties in elections, and play a crucial role in determining outcomes, especially in closely contested races. They are characterized by their flexibility and can significantly influence political dynamics.

Red America

Regions with strong support for conservative policies and Republican candidates.

Typically characterized by traditional values, emphasis on individualism, and resistance to federal intervention. Often associated with rural areas and less urbanized populations. Key issues include gun rights, lower taxes, and limited government.

Blue America

A political strategy or movement aimed at promoting progressive values and Democratic candidates, particularly in urban areas. It emphasizes social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic equality. This approach often seeks to mobilize grassroots support and challenge conservative policies, focusing on inclusivity and community engagement.

Origins of the parties

The beginnings of political parties in the U.S. emerged in the late 18th century, primarily from disagreements over federal vs. state power and economic policies. These early divisions shaped the political landscape, leading to the development of a multi-party system.

Who formed the first fractions and what were they.

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton: the Federalists, advocating for a strong central government, and the Democratic-Republicans, promoting states' rights and agrarian interests.

What influences political affiliation based on financial status?

Research shows that individuals' income levels can significantly affect their political beliefs and party alignment. Higher-income often correlates with conservative views, while lower income may align with liberal ideologies. Economic interests and social issues play crucial roles in shaping these partisan preferences.

What is the relationship between population characteristics and political party affiliation?

Demographics, such as age, race, gender, education, and income, significantly influence partisanship. Different groups may align with specific parties based on shared interests or experiences. For example, younger voters often lean Democratic, while older voters may favor Republicans. Understanding these trends helps predict electoral outcomes and party strategies.

Demographic groups and the parties

Various social categories, such as race, gender, age, and education level, often influence political party support. For example, younger voters may lean towards progressive parties, while older demographics might favor conservative ones. Additionally, racial and ethnic minorities often align with specific parties based on issues like civil rights and social justice. Understanding these trends helps in analyzing electoral outcomes and party strategies.

Gender Gap

The disparity in opportunities, resources, and treatment between different genders, often reflected in areas such as pay, education, and political representation. It highlights inequalities that can impact social and economic outcomes. Addressing this issue is essential for achieving equality and improving overall societal well-being.

Diploma Divide

A term used to describe the gap in educational attainment between individuals with higher education credentials and those without. It often highlights disparities in job opportunities, income levels, and access to resources based on educational background. This divide can impact social mobility and economic stability within communities.

What is a political system characterized by two dominant parties that compete for power, often leading to a stable governance structure but potentially limiting the representation of alternative viewpoints?

A political framework where two major parties dominate the electoral landscape, influencing policy and governance, typically seen in countries like the United States.

Party Realignment Theory

A significant and lasting shift in the political landscape, where the allegiance of voters changes from one political party to another. This often occurs in response to major events, social changes, or shifts in party ideology, leading to new coalitions and altered electoral dynamics.

Critical Elections

These are elections that signify a major shift in political alignment and voter behavior, often leading to a realignment of party systems. They typically result in significant policy changes and can reshape the political landscape for years. Key features include high voter turnout and a decisive victory for one party, often influenced by social, economic, or political crises. Ex: Presidental elections such as the one happening this year.

Critical Junctures

lead to major changes in political, social, or economic systems.

These moments often result in shifts in policy, institutional frameworks, or social structures, influencing the trajectory of development and decision-making processes. They can be triggered by crises, elections, or other pivotal events, shaping future outcomes and opportunities for change.

Path Dependency

This concept emphasizes the importance of historical context in shaping policies and practices, suggesting that once a path is taken, it can be difficult to change direction due to established norms and structures.

Duverger’s Law

A principle in political science stating that single-member district electoral systems tend to favor a two-party system, while proportional representation systems encourage multiple parties. This phenomenon arises from the mechanics of voting and the strategic behavior of voters and parties.

Party Eras

Distinct periods in U.S. political history characterized by the dominance of a particular political party, marked by significant shifts in party alignment, ideology, and voter support. These eras often reflect changes in social, economic, and political landscapes, influencing elections and policy directions. Examples include the Federalist Era, the Democratic-Republican Era, and the modern era of partisan polarization.

Industral Revolution

A period of significant industrial growth and technological advancement that began in the late 18th century. It marked the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban ones, leading to changes in labor, production methods, and societal structures. Key innovations included the steam engine, mechanized textile production, and improvements in iron-making. This era also had profound social and economic impacts, including urbanization, shifts in labor dynamics, and the rise of factory systems.

Culture War

ideological conflict between progressive and conservative values in society, often manifesting in debates over social issues like gender, race, and family

Polarization

A process in which public opinion divides and goes to the extremes, leading to a decrease in moderate viewpoints. It often results in increased ideological distance between opposing groups, affecting political discourse and social interactions. This phenomenon can lead to heightened conflict and reduced willingness to compromise.