Unit 5: Political Participation (All Units Included)
Chapter 13
AP Government
Unit 5: Political Participation
Chapter 13: Elections and Campaigns
Why do you think that James Madison said that political participation is critical to the health of a representative democracy?
James Madison believed that political participation was essential to a representative democracy because it ensured the government remained accountable to the people, citizens remained involved and informed. He emphasized that a well-functioning republic depends on an active civic engagement to prevent corruption, tyranny, and dominance of factions.
What are the factors that influence whether or not someone will vote?
Level of educational attainment, racial and ethnic identity, economic background, gender, voter registration and age are all factors influencing whether someone will vote.
Identify ways that someone could engage in political participation.
Some ways someone could engage in political participation are through volunteering, protesting, organizing, donating to a political campaign, becoming a poll worker, contacting elected officials, running for office, and social media.
Compare/contrast PAC and Super PAC
Political Action Committees raise money to elect and defeat candidates. PACs can donate directly to a candidates campaign, whereas Super PACs can only spend independently and cannot coordinate with the candidate. Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money and can run attack ads and political messaging without restrictions. PACs have strict limits on donations to candidates and allow people to vote for or against a specific candidate.
Define Linkage Institution
Linkage Institution - channels that connect individuals with government, including elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media. These institutions serve as a bridge between the public and policymakers, ensuring that citizens have a voice in government decisions.
Describe a social movement
Social Movement - is a large group of people who come together to promote or resist social, political, or cultural change. These movements often arise when people feel that existing institutions are not addressing their concerns effectively. Members of social movements may participate in protests, attend political meetings, contact elected officials, or reach out to other citizens to educate them about the issues.
How would you explain the fact that Americans vote less than citizens of other democracies but participate in non-electoral political action equal to or more than citizens of other democracies?
Americans vote less than citizens of other democracies due to structural barriers like complicated registration, frequent elections, and restrictive voting laws. However, they engage more in non-electoral political action, such as protests, lobbying, and grassroots activism, because of the country's strong culture of civic participation. Many believe they can create change through direct action rather than just voting, and the presence of interest groups, political donations, and direct contact with representatives encourages alternative forms of engagement. While voter turnout may be lower, political involvement in the U.S. remains high through activism and advocacy.
Does it shock you that only 6% of the population could vote in 1789? Explain.
No, due to states given the power to regulate their own voting laws, each state had a financial requirement for voting such as owning property, paying taxes, or paying a poll tax.
Identify and describe the five amendments that expanded suffrage:
The 15th Amendment (1870) prohibited voting discrimination based on race, while the 19th Amendment (1920) gave women the right to vote. The 24th Amendment (1964) banned poll taxes, the 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age to 18, and the 23rd Amendment (1961) granted electoral votes to residents of Washington, D.C.
Define voter turnout:
Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who actually cast a ballot in an election. It helps measure political participation and civic engagement in a democracy.
Identify the % of eligible voters that voted in the 2014 midterm election and the 2016 presidential election. Do those numbers surprise you? Why/why not?
In 2014, voter turnout was about 36%, one of the lowest in modern history for a midterm. In 2016, about 60% of eligible voters participated in the presidential election. These numbers are lower than in many other democracies, which may not be surprising due to U.S. voting barriers and frequent elections.
Describe how the following factors shape a person’s decision of whether or not to vote:
Socioeconomic status: People with higher income and education levels are more likely to vote, as they tend to feel more empowered and informed.
Political efficacy: Those who believe their vote makes a difference are more likely to participate in elections.
Age: Older individuals tend to vote at higher rates than younger people, who may feel disconnected or less knowledgeable about the system.
Racial/Ethnic identities: Voter turnout can vary across racial groups due to factors like targeted voter suppression, community mobilization, or historical disenfranchisement.
Gender: Women have voted at slightly higher rates than men in recent elections, possibly due to increasing political engagement and representation.
Candidate characteristics: Voters may be more inclined to support candidates they relate to in terms of values, identity, or personal background.
Partisan attachment: Strong loyalty to a political party can increase turnout, as voters feel invested in supporting their party’s candidates and policies.
Describe the difference between an individual of voting age, a registered voter, and an eligible voter:
A voting-age individual is anyone 18 or older, regardless of eligibility. An eligible voter is someone legally allowed to vote (excluding, for example, non-citizens or felons in some states), while a registered voter is an eligible voter who has completed the official registration process to vote.
Describe the most accurate method for comparing voter turnout rates among countries:
To compare voter turnout accurately, it’s best to use the percentage of eligible voters who actually voted, rather than the voting-age population, since eligibility varies across countries.
Describe one institutional factor that might account for different voter turnout rates among countries:
Compulsory voting laws significantly increase turnout in countries like Australia, while in the U.S., voluntary voting and registration barriers contribute to lower turnout.
What demographic characteristics of a candidate have a positive impact on voter turnout?
Candidates who reflect the identity, values, or community of their voters—such as sharing their race, gender, or background—can inspire greater voter turnout, especially among underrepresented groups.
Define ‘political mobilization’:
Political mobilization is the process of encouraging people to participate in politics, especially voting, often through outreach by parties, interest groups, or grassroots organizations.
In your opinion, does the registration requirement block people from voting? If so, how?
Yes, registration can be a barrier when it’s complicated, requires early deadlines, or lacks automatic systems. These hurdles discourage participation, especially among low-income or young voters.
Describe the “National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (Motor Voter). In your opinion, do you think that it had a significant effect on voter turnout? Why?”
The act required states to offer voter registration at DMVs and public agencies, making it easier for people to register. While it improved registration rates, its effect on turnout was limited without additional efforts to boost participation.
What is a negative ramification of Article I, Section IV?
This clause gives states control over election procedures, which has led to inconsistent voting laws and opportunities across the country, and has sometimes enabled voter suppression tactics.
Political Model Explaining Voter Behavior – Definition/Example:
Rational Choice Voting: Voters make decisions based on their personal best interest and which candidate aligns with their policy preferences.
Retrospective Voting: Voters evaluate an incumbent's past performance to decide whether to reelect them.
Prospective Voting: Voters base their decisions on what they expect a candidate will do in the future.
Party-Line Voting: Voters consistently support candidates from one political party, regardless of the individual candidate’s policies.
Explain the impact an election has on the policy agenda:
Elections influence the policy agenda by determining which party and candidates gain power and can enact their priorities. Winning campaigns often feel obligated to follow through on promises made to voters.
Identify what the 12th Amendment does:
The 12th Amendment refined the Electoral College by requiring separate votes for president and vice president, preventing ties like the one in the 1800 election.
Describe the two stages of a presidential campaign:
First is the nomination stage, where candidates compete within their party through primaries and caucuses. Second is the general election, where nominees from each party compete for the presidency.
What is the purpose of a primary election?
A primary election allows party members to choose their preferred candidate for the general election. It helps narrow the field and give voters a say in who represents their party.
Open Primary / Closed Primary / Caucus:
An open primary allows any registered voter to participate, regardless of party. A closed primary limits voting to registered party members. A caucus involves public discussion and voting in meetings rather than private ballots.
Identify the role of a national convention. When does the national convention take place?
The national convention officially nominates the party’s presidential candidate and unites party members behind a platform. It usually takes place in the summer before the general election.
Explain how the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy:
The Electoral College can impede democracy by allowing a candidate to win the presidency without the popular vote. However, supporters argue it balances power among states and protects smaller states’ interests.
Identify the difference between battleground states and swing states:
Battleground states are closely contested and can be won by either party. Swing states are similar but often shift between parties across elections, making them key targets for campaign efforts.
How is money spent during campaigns?
Money is spent on advertising, staff, travel, events, digital outreach, and polling. It helps candidates build visibility and influence public opinion.
What is the role of a political consultant?
Political consultants advise candidates on strategy, messaging, advertising, and public image to improve their chances of winning.
Does money = speech? Explain.
In cases like Citizens United v. FEC, the Supreme Court ruled that political spending is a form of free speech, allowing individuals and groups to spend unlimited money independently to support candidates or issues.
Describe one trend shown in the bar chart:
(You can insert the specific trend based on the bar chart you’re analyzing—e.g., rising Super PAC spending, decline in public funding, etc.)
Use the bar chart to draw a conclusion about the role of money in campaigning:
(Again, use the specific chart: e.g., Campaigns increasingly rely on private fundraising and outside groups like Super PACs to finance their activities.)
Explain why it would be difficult to pass an amendment limiting campaign contributions:
It would be difficult because it would require a constitutional change, likely facing strong opposition from interest groups and political actors who benefit from the current system. The Supreme Court has also interpreted political spending as protected speech.
Explain the role of SuperPACs on the electoral process:
SuperPACs can raise and spend unlimited money to influence elections as long as they don’t coordinate with candidates. They run ads, shape narratives, and allow wealthy donors to exert significant influence on political campaigns.
Chapter 14
Unit 5: Political Participation (linkage institutions)
Chapter 14: Political Parties
Political Party (p. 455):
A political party is a group of individuals with shared interests who seek to influence public policy by getting their candidates elected to office. Parties help organize elections, inform voters, and unify diverse groups under a common platform.
2016 Election Differences (pp. 455–457):
The 2016 election was unique because two non-traditional candidates—Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders—challenged the political establishment and gained massive grassroots support. Their success revealed deep dissatisfaction with traditional party elites and highlighted voter desire for outsider voices.
How Sanders and Trump Were Different (pp. 456–457):
Trump and Sanders defied party norms by rejecting corporate donations and focusing on populist messages. Trump appealed to working-class conservatives, while Sanders energized progressive voters, especially young people, with his democratic socialist agenda.
Linkage Institution (p. 458):
A linkage institution connects people to the government. Political parties, elections, interest groups, and the media are all examples that help citizens express preferences and influence policy decisions.
3 Main Roles of Political Parties (p. 458):
Political parties recruit candidates, mobilize voters, and help coordinate policymaking. They play a vital role in shaping the national agenda and ensuring government accountability through opposition and support.
Parties as Organizations (p. 458):
Parties operate as formal structures with national, state, and local levels. They organize conventions, fundraise, and support candidates through campaign services and strategy.
Citizens United v. FEC (p. 458):
This 2010 Supreme Court case ruled that independent political spending by corporations and unions is protected by the First Amendment. It led to the rise of Super PACs and increased outside influence on elections.
The Party in the Electorate (pp. 458–460):
This refers to how ordinary citizens identify with a political party. People may vote straight-ticket (all one party) or split-ticket (candidates from different parties), showing both loyalty and independence in voting behavior.
The Party in Government (pp. 460–461):
This includes elected officials who align with a party and implement its platform. Party leadership organizes members, recruits candidates, and sets the legislative agenda.
Party Coalition (p. 462):
A party coalition is a group of diverse voters and interest groups united under a party's platform. For example, Democrats often include urban voters and minorities, while Republicans may attract rural and religious voters.
Realignment (p. 462):
Realignment occurs when major groups shift their party loyalty, usually during a critical election. These shifts can dramatically change the political landscape for decades.
Critical Elections (p. 462):
Critical elections are turning points that lead to realignment, often caused by major national crises. Examples include the 1860 and 1932 elections.
Party Eras (p. 462):
Party eras are long periods when one party dominates national politics. Shifts between eras are often marked by realignment and critical elections.
Era of Divided Government (p. 462):
In a divided government, one party controls the presidency while another controls one or both chambers of Congress. This often leads to gridlock and difficulty passing legislation.
Modern American Party Politics (pp. 462–464):
From the 1960s to 2014, American politics saw growing polarization, party switching, and independent voters. The influence of money and media also transformed campaign strategies and party structures.
Impact of Polarization (p. 464):
Polarization deepens partisan divides, making compromise difficult and increasing political gridlock. It also energizes base voters but reduces crossover appeal.
Problems Facing Parties (pp. 464–465):
Both major parties face internal divisions and a decline in party loyalty. They also struggle to appeal to a more diverse and independent electorate.
Adaptation of Parties (p. 465):
Parties must adapt to new technologies, changing demographics, and shifts in voter priorities. They update platforms and outreach strategies to remain competitive.
Two-Party System (p. 474):
The U.S. has a two-party system dominated by Democrats and Republicans, reinforced by election laws and winner-take-all rules. This system makes it difficult for third parties to win major elections.
Proportional Representation System (p. 474):
In this system, parties receive seats based on the percentage of votes they earn. It allows for greater representation of smaller parties.
Single-Member Plurality System (p. 474):
Also called "first-past-the-post," this system awards seats to the candidate with the most votes, discouraging minor party success.
Winner-Take-All System (p. 474):
In presidential elections, most states give all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. This often sidelines minority party voters in stronghold areas.
Liberals in Conservative Areas & Vice Versa (p. 474):
Voters with minority political views in dominant-opinion areas often feel underrepresented. Their votes may feel "wasted," which discourages political engagement.
Third Parties (p. 475):
Third parties promote specific issues or viewpoints and can influence major party platforms. While they rarely win, they often shift political discourse.
What Third Parties Are Built Around (pp. 475–476):
They are often built around a single issue, ideology, or charismatic leader. Major parties may absorb their ideas, while third parties face ballot access challenges and limited media coverage.
Why Major Parties Discourage Third Parties (p. 476):
Republicans and Democrats want to retain power, so they create rules that make it hard for third parties to compete. This includes strict ballot access laws and exclusion from debates.
Figure 14.6 – Graph Analysis (p. 476):
The graph shows that third-party candidates get a small percentage of votes, rarely surpassing 10%. This supports the idea that the U.S. electoral system discourages third-party success and reinforces the two-party dominance.
2016 & Challenges to Mainstream Parties (pp. 476–477):
Trump and Sanders challenged traditional party leadership by rallying disaffected voters. Their rise reflected growing frustration with establishment politics and reshaped the national political conversation.
Chapter 15
Unit 5: Political Participation (linkage institutions)
Chapter 15: Interest Groups
Enduring Understanding PMI-5 – p. 484
Interest groups are organizations that seek to influence public policy and provide a key avenue for citizen participation outside of voting. They help bridge the gap between citizens and policymakers by advocating for specific interests or causes.
p. 484
Social movements are broader, less formal efforts than interest groups, often emerging in response to perceived injustices. They aim to inspire change through grassroots activism and can sometimes lead to the formation of formal interest groups.
p. 485–486 | Net Neutrality
Citizens can influence policy even when it's made by independent regulatory commissions like the FCC by organizing, petitioning, protesting, or encouraging interest groups to lobby. Public pressure and collective action are crucial tools in these scenarios.
Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers should treat all data equally without favoring or blocking particular products or websites. It has sparked debate about government regulation, corporate influence, and consumer rights.
15.1 – Acting Collectively
p. 486 | Factions
James Madison defined factions as groups of citizens united by a shared interest or passion that might be contrary to the rights of others or the common good. He warned they could be dangerous in a direct democracy, but could be controlled in a large republic.
p. 487–488 | Theories of Interest Group Formation
Participatory democracy emphasizes broad citizen involvement in politics.
Civil society includes voluntary associations that operate outside of government control.
Pluralist theory holds that politics is a competition among groups, each pressing for its own interests.
Elitist theory argues that a few powerful interests dominate policymaking.
The policy agenda is the set of issues that government officials pay serious attention to.
p. 488–489 | Challenges Facing Interest Groups
Collective action problems occur when individuals benefit from resources without contributing.
A collective good is a benefit that cannot be withheld from anyone, like clean air.
Free riders enjoy the benefits without joining or supporting the group.
Selective benefits are perks given only to contributing members to encourage participation.
15.2 – Interest Group Tactics
p. 491 | Types of Interest Groups
Economic interest groups represent businesses and labor organizations to influence economic policy.
Public interest groups advocate for issues benefiting the general public.
Government interest groups include state or local officials lobbying the federal government.
Lobbying is when individuals or groups try to influence policy decisions. The revolving door refers to the movement of people between roles as lawmakers and lobbyists.
p. 492 | Lobbying Congress
Interest groups lobby Congress by providing research, drafting legislation, and testifying at hearings. Their access depends on relationships and perceived credibility.
p. 492–493 | Lobbying Government Agencies
They influence agencies by participating in rule-making and offering technical expertise. Agencies often rely on them for policy implementation advice.
p. 493–494 | Influencing the Judiciary
Interest groups influence courts through amicus curiae briefs—documents filed by non-litigants offering information or perspectives relevant to a case.
p. 494 | Iron Triangles and Issue Networks
An iron triangle is a stable relationship between Congress, bureaucracies, and interest groups. An issue network is a broader, more fluid collection of policy experts, media, academics, and interest groups who influence policy.
p. 495 | AP Tip
Interest groups select tactics based on their goals, resources, and political environment. Some may prefer lobbying, while others use public pressure or litigation.
p. 495 | Money and Campaigns
Interest groups contribute to campaigns to gain access and favor. Their donations are often strategic, supporting candidates sympathetic to their goals.
p. 495–496 | Grassroots Lobbying
Grassroots lobbying involves mobilizing members and the public to contact officials or protest. It emphasizes citizen engagement rather than direct lobbying.
p. 495 | AP Political Science Practice
The energy sector often donates to Republicans because of their support for deregulation.
The tech sector often donates to Democrats due to shared views on privacy and innovation.
Interest groups might donate to both parties to maintain access regardless of which party is in power.
15.3 – Social Movements
p. 497 | Tactics
Protest is a public demonstration of opposition.
Civil disobedience is intentionally breaking laws to highlight injustice.
p. 497–499 | Successes and Failures
Movements like Occupy Wall Street highlighted income inequality but lacked structure to sustain change. #MeToo achieved more tangible results due to its widespread support and clarity of goals.
p. 497–499 | AP Tip
Social movements are broader and less formal than interest groups. They use various strategies—like protests or media campaigns—depending on their goals, resources, and public support.
p. 498 | AP Political Science Practice
The map highlights regional disparities in income inequality.
Maps don’t show trends over time or exact numerical data like graphs or charts do.
Maps can more easily show geographic patterns and appeal visually to the public.
Certainly! Here are the answers to the multiple-choice questions from Chapter 15 of American Government: Stories of a Nation for the AP® Course. These questions focus on interest groups and social movements.
1. What is the primary purpose of interest groups?
Answer: To influence public policy by advocating for specific issues and representing the interests of their members.
2. How do interest groups differ from political parties?
Answer: Interest groups focus on specific issues and do not nominate candidates, whereas political parties aim to win elections and control government.
3. What is the "free rider" problem in interest groups?
Answer: It refers to individuals benefiting from the group's efforts without actively participating or contributing.
4. What are selective benefits?
Answer: These are incentives provided exclusively to group members to encourage participation and overcome the free rider problem.
5. What is grassroots lobbying?
Answer: A strategy where interest groups mobilize the general public to contact legislators and influence policy decisions.
6. What is an amicus curiae brief?
Answer: A "friend of the court" brief submitted by an interest group to provide information and influence a court's decision in a case they are not directly involved in.
7. What is an iron triangle?
Answer: A mutually beneficial relationship between a congressional committee, a bureaucratic agency, and an interest group.
8. What is the revolving door phenomenon?
Answer: The movement of individuals between roles as legislators or regulators and positions in industries affected by the legislation and regulation.
9. How do interest groups influence the judiciary?
Answer: By filing amicus curiae briefs and sometimes sponsoring litigation to shape legal interpretations.
10. What is the primary goal of a social movement?
Answer: To bring about social or political change by mobilizing large groups of people around a common cause.
Chapter 16
AP Government Name_Vida Moore___________
Unit 5: Political Participation
Chapter 16: The Media
Define the term, fake news
Fake news refers to deliberately false or misleading information presented as legitimate news. It is often used to manipulate public opinion or discredit real journalism.
Compare/contrast news media and social media
News media typically involves professional journalism and editorial standards, while social media allows users to share and consume information directly, often without fact-checking. Social media spreads information more rapidly but can lack credibility compared to traditional news sources.
Describe the media’s role of agenda setter
The media acts as an agenda setter by choosing which stories to highlight, thereby shaping what the public and policymakers focus on. This role gives the media significant power in influencing national discourse.
Create a timeline of media’s impact on American politics
1920s: Radio becomes a key medium for presidential communication.
1960s: Televised debates begin influencing public perception (e.g., Kennedy-Nixon).
1990s: Rise of 24-hour cable news reshapes how people consume information.
2000s–Present: Social media and online platforms increase the speed and reach of political news, contributing to polarization.
Explain how being dependent on advertisers can affect what newspapers publish
Reliance on advertising revenue may lead newspapers to avoid publishing stories that could offend major advertisers. This economic pressure can influence editorial decisions and reduce journalistic independence.
Describe the effect(s) that the wire service created by the Associated Press could have on the news that people receive
The Associated Press provides standardized news content to many outlets, which can lead to uniformity in reporting. While it ensures consistent facts, it may limit the diversity of perspectives presented.
Another role of the media is as watchdog, where they investigate and expose corruption in government. Is this role necessary for a healthy democracy? Explain.
Yes, the watchdog role is essential in holding government officials accountable and exposing abuse of power. Without it, corruption could go unchecked, undermining democratic institutions.
How has broadcast media changed the way Americans perceive the news/events around them?
Broadcast media has made news more immediate and visual, influencing emotional responses and public perception. It has also increased access to information but sometimes prioritizes entertainment over substance.
Explain how narrowcasting (broadcasting to a narrow audience) has fueled polarization in American politics.
Narrowcasting allows people to consume media that aligns with their existing beliefs, reinforcing echo chambers. This trend deepens ideological divides and reduces shared national discourse.
Define the term new media and describe the effect(s) it has on American politics.
New media refers to digital platforms like websites, blogs, and social media. It has democratized content creation, increased political engagement, and accelerated the spread of information—both accurate and misleading.
Regulation/Event/Policy – Impacts
The Radio Act of 1927
Established government regulation of airwaves, creating the Federal Radio Commission to oversee fair broadcasting.
The Communications Act of 1934
Replaced the 1927 Act, creating the FCC and expanding government oversight to all communication technologies.
New York Times v. U.S.
A 1971 Supreme Court case that reinforced freedom of the press by allowing the publication of the Pentagon Papers, limiting prior restraint by the government.
2016 Election
Marked a turning point where social media significantly influenced public opinion, spreading misinformation and fake news widely.
Net Neutrality
The principle that internet providers should treat all data equally. Its repeal raised concerns about access, control, and the influence of corporations on media content.
Telecommunications Act of 1996
Deregulated the communications industry, leading to media consolidation and reduced competition.
Explain how media consolidation has been argued to weaken the First Amendment
Media consolidation reduces the number of independent voices and viewpoints in journalism, which may limit the diversity of ideas and public debate, threatening the core values of free speech.
How has the 2018 decision to merge AT&T and Time Warner impacted media consolidation?
This merger intensified concerns about fewer corporations controlling more media content, potentially limiting consumer choice and affecting editorial independence.
Define soft news and describe the effect(s) that it may have on American politics.
Soft news includes entertainment-focused or sensationalized reporting. It can increase political disengagement by prioritizing drama over facts or deepen interest by making politics more accessible.
In your opinion, is the media biased? Is it a problem? If so, what are potential solutions?
Media bias exists when coverage favors certain viewpoints. It can mislead the public and polarize audiences. Solutions include promoting media literacy, supporting public broadcasting, and increasing transparency.
AP Political Science Practices: Analyzing Graphs
Is this graph the best way to measure trust in news?
While the graph shows trends over time, it may not capture the reasons behind trust levels or differentiate between types of news sources.
One other useful piece of information?
Comparing trust in different news formats (TV, print, online) or political affiliation could provide deeper insights.
How might a political scientist gather information?
They could use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to explore public opinion and reasons for declining trust.
Most useful visual representation?
A bar chart or infographic could effectively show reasons for declining trust, especially when comparing demographic or political subgroups.
Another role of the media is as scorekeeper (horse race journalism)
Horse race journalism focuses on polling and who is winning, rather than policy issues. This can distract voters from substantive debate and reduce informed decision-making.
Describe the digital divide
The digital divide refers to the gap between those with and without access to digital technology and the internet. It affects political engagement and access to reliable news.
How should we balance freedom of the press with access to credible, unbiased information?
Balancing these priorities requires protecting journalistic freedom while encouraging responsible reporting, improving media literacy, and supporting fact-based journalism.