unit 3

Pluralist theory Political power is spread among many competing interest groups; no single group dominates.
Elite theory Political power is concentrated in the hands of a small, wealthy, influential elite.
Interest group A group that seeks to influence public policy without running candidates for office.
Solidary incentives Social rewards for joining an interest group, like friendships and belonging.
Material incentives Tangible rewards such as discounts, money, or benefits for joining a group.
Purposive incentives Incentives based on belief in the group’s goals or cause.
Economic incentives Benefits related to a member’s profession or industry.
Legislative ratings Scorecards showing how often lawmakers vote with an interest group.
Lobbying Direct attempts to influence policymakers on behalf of an interest group.
Grassroots lobbying Citizens directly contacting government officials to influence policy.
Litigation Using the courts to influence policy outcomes.
Pluralist interest group theory Political power comes from competition among diverse interest groups.
Disturbance theory Interest groups form in response to changes or threats in the political system.
Public interest group Groups that seek collective benefits (AARP, NAACP).
Economic interest group Groups promoting financial or professional interests (AMA, AFL-CIO).
Single-issue group Groups focused on one narrow issue; often uncompromising (NRA).
Free rider problem People benefit from a group’s work without joining or contributing.
Earmark Government funds directed to a specific district or project.
PAC Political Action Committee that raises money for candidates on behalf of interest groups.
Revolving door When former government officials become lobbyists.
Amicus curiae brief A brief submitted by an interest group to inform the court of its position.
SIGs as factions Madison’s idea that competing factions are limited by checks and balances.
SIG election influence Endorsements, donations, ratings, GOTV efforts.
SIG policy influence Providing information, lobbying, pressure, and money to lawmakers.
Importance of information Groups with expertise have greater influence on policymaking.
Importance of organization Well-funded, well-organized groups are more effective.
First Amendment protections Freedom of speech, assembly, and petition support interest group activity.
AARP Public interest group for people 50+.
NAACP Public interest group advocating for civil rights.
AMA Economic interest group representing doctors and medicine.
NRA Single-issue group promoting gun rights.
AFL-CIO Large labor union representing workers.
Emily’s List Group supporting pro-choice Democratic women candidates.
Tea Party Movement supporting low taxes, limited government, states’ rights.
Media conglomerate A large company owning many media outlets.
Media consolidation Fewer companies owning more media, reducing viewpoint diversity.
Narrowcasting Targeting media content to specific demographic groups.
Press conference Elected official speaks directly to the press on any topic.
Press release Official written statement given to reporters.
On the record Everything said can be quoted and attributed to the source.
Off the record Nothing said may be printed or attributed.
On background Information may be used but not attributed by name.
On deep background Information may be used but must be entirely anonymous.
Libel Published false statement harming someone's reputation; requires actual malice.
Prior restraint Government cannot censor speech before it is published.
NYT v. US (1971) Government cannot prevent publication of classified info (Pentagon Papers).
NYT v. Sullivan (1964) Public figures must prove actual malice to claim libel.
Agenda setting Media influences which issues the public sees as important.
Watchdog role Media monitors government and exposes wrongdoing.
Media influence Media affects issue salience, public opinion, and policy agenda.
Media political leanings News reporting slightly liberal; talk radio mostly conservative.
Conservative media FOX News, Drudge Report.
Liberal media MSNBC, CNN, Huffington Post.
Talk radio Heavily conservative political commentary.
Wire services AP and Reuters; provide raw news to outlets.
Horserace journalism Focus on polls and strategy instead of policy.
Birth of national magazines Nation, Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s created national political discussion.
Birth of newspapers Early newspapers were partisan; shaped political identity.
Yellow journalism Sensationalized reporting used to attract readers.
How Congress gets media attention Extreme positions, leadership roles, conflict, key committees.
Why broadcast is regulated Public airwaves are limited and government-owned.