Political Science!
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Created by:
brianabelle on October 13, 2010
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Description:
Opiem's class, second test!
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35 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Definition of a political party? | A broadly based coalition that attempts to win elections, operate the govt. and determine public policy. |
| Why are American political parties weak? | Little control over nominees Little control over elected officials |
| What are the consequences of weak American political parties? | Representatives are free to address the interest of local voters |
| What are direct primaries and when are they held? | Party elections to nominate party candidates HELD IN SPRING ex: Hilary vs. Obama (democratic versus democratic) *Primary think prelims in track! |
| How are the demorcratic and Republican Party nominees for president officially selected? | By delegates and the National Convention |
| How are the National Convention delegates selected? | 1. Super delegates 2. Caucus 3. Presidential Preference Primaries |
| What are the regular activities of a lobbyist? | 1. Private meetings with politicians to give out info 2. Entertain (cocktail parties) 3. Testify before congressional committees and executive agencies |
| What are party eras in American politics and some examples? | Periods in which one party dominates or competition is stable ex: New Deal coalition (1932-1938) where DEMOCRATS ARE PRIMARY PARTY |
| What characterizes the organization of American political parties? | Semi-independent |
| How does the Electoral College work? | 1. Each State gets as many votes as they have senators 2. Electors are chosen by state party 3. Winner takes all 4. 270 votes to win. Goes to House if number is not reached. In that case, each state receives one vote. |
| Some criticisms of the Electoral College work? | 1. Winner of POPULAR vote may not by elected (Al Gore 2008) 2. Faithless electors 3. Small states are over represented |
| What is party realignment? | Group of voters switch party allegiance, producing a long term change in political landscape. |
| What is party dealignment? | Decline in party loyalties that reduce long term party commitments |
| What are Jim Crow laws and what were they used for? | Laws that segregated blacks and whites and kept blacks from voting |
| What is the most important reason the American party system has always been a 2-party system? | 1. Because its a winner take all (SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT) 2. State and federal laws favor 2-party system |
| What are indirect (grassroots) lobbying techniques? | 1. Climate control (improving image) 2. Shotgun approach 3. Rival technique= instead of using everyone, use one person to lobby on their behalf |
| An example of the shotgun approach to grassroots lobbying | NRA= has extremely organized network and can quickly get word to members about legislature |
| An example of a lobbyist who is referred to as a "hired gun?" | A former politician who is paid |
| What is a "free rider?" | Difficulties interests groups face when recruited members, when benefits they achieve without joining group |
| What are advantages to interest group participation? | 1. Allows for democratic expression 2. Educates leaders and public about issues 3. Provides for some degree of compromise and stability |
| What are disadvantages to interest group participation? | 1. Gridlock (not accomplishing anything) 2. Class bias in precipitation and representation |
| What is Caucus? | Small local meeting of party regulars |
| Examples of a single issue group, a professional association, a trade association, and a public interest group. | Single: NRA Professional: AMA, trial lawyers Trade: National beer whole sales, HOME BUILDERS Public Interest: AARP environmental |
| Who joins interest groups and what are some of the incentives for joining interest groups? | 1. Wealthier, more highly educated individuals 2. Getting things for joining (shirts, bags, materials) |
| The power of organized interests or "factions" can be checked by what? | -Diffusion |
| Example of Diffusion? | Madison's Federalist Paper= a large and diverse country undercuts the power of any one faction |
| What takes place at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions? | 1. Officially nominates the party's presidential candidate 2. Approve party's platform |
| What did the 15th amendment do? | Gave blacks the right to vote |
| What did the 19th amendment do? | Gave women the right to vote |
| What did the 24th amendment do? | Eliminated poll tax |
| What did the 26th amendment do? | made voting age 18 |
| What are some reasons for the decline in voter turnout? | 1. Registration requirements 2. Un-informed media coverage, negative campaigning 3. Non-voters are happy with status quo 4. Rational ignorance "vote doesn't matter" |
| What groups tend to vote more? | 1. Educated 2. Middle-aged 3. Whites and blacks |
| What is the important criticism of early voting? | Voters may cast an un-informed ballot |
| What age group votes the least? | 18-24 |
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