Unit 3 US Gov. Objectives/ Study Guide

What is political socialization?

A process by which people acquire their political beliefs

What is a sound bite?

A short, sharply focused report that can be aired in 30-45 seconds. They are staged and carefully orchestrated as any mistake can be negative. One slip up and a candidate can dominate the headliens

What is the goal of political parties?

To elect its members to public office so that its views can become public policy. 3 main goals include:

• Nominate candidates for political office

• Assist the electoral process

• Help to run the government

What is a political party’s ideology?

Ideas about the proper goals of government

Explain the 3 types of party systems

• One-Party System: A single political party controls the government

• Two-Party System: 2 Major parties compete to control government (US)

• Multi-Party System: Several parties compete to control government; most common party system

Explain the role of third parties in our country

“spoiler role” pull voters away from other candidates. they are innovators that bring up important issues

How do political parties provide a brand name?

By voting for a candidate because that candidate supports the parties views

List the differences between liberals and conservaties.

Liberals (Democrats):

• Age: Young voters

• Gender: Women

• Race: African Americans

• Religion: Jews and Muslims, Catholics used to vote

• Income: Lower Income, super rich

• Government involvement: Less gov. control over social behavior and more regulation over the economy

Conservatives (Republicans):

• Age: Old voters

• Gender: Men

• Race: White people

• Religion: Christians/Catholics

• Income: Higher income

• Government involvement: More gov. control of social behavior, fewer regulations on buisnesses, and less gov. interference in the economy

Explain cacus, open and closed primary, and the national convention

Caucus- Sometimes are held instead of primaries. Party members meet and will make speeches, discuss the candidate, and then will take a hand vote. Iowa is the first state

Open Primary- Voters choose which party primary to vote in at the time of the election

Closed Primary- Voters must be registered with a particular political party before hand and can only vote in that party’s primary

Explain the importance of battleground states.

States where it is too close to call which side or candidate they follow. This is where most money and resources are spent on campaigns

What is the difference between hard and soft money?

Hard Money: Money donated to an individual campaign, regulated by state and federal laws

Soft Money: Given to party rather than a specific candidate

When do presidential elections occur?

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even numbered year, every 4 years

Explain absentee ballots.

A ballot for people who are unable to unwilling to attend the polling station on the day. 20 states require a reason

How is a state’s number of electoral votes determined?

It is equal to the number of senators and representative the state has. Each state has at least 3 electoral votes. (2 senators + 1 representative)

List criticism of the electoral college.

Winner of popular vote not guaranteed the presidency, electors are not required to vote in accord with the popular vote, any election may have to be decided by house

Explain the motor voter law.

Required states to allow people to register to vote at the BMV, except for North Dakota

List reasons why people do not vote

Apathy, Lack of knowledge about how, where, and when to register, time and effort to fill our a registration form, re-registering after you move, people have a low sense of political efficacy ( the belief in your ability to make a difference in politics, and time zone fallout (when some votes happen early due to time zones and the results of those polls make people feel like not voting because it sounds like that person will win)

What does the constitution say in regards to the voting age?

No state can set the minimum age for voting in any election at more than 18 ( 26th amendment)

How does age affect voter turnout?

18-20 year olds are the least likely to vote, while 60+ are the most likely to vote