Unit 4 american government

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What is the Electoral College?
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Terms in this set (24)
What is the Electoral College?
A body of people representing the states of the u.s.
What does the Electoral College work?
they cast votes for the election of the president and vice president
What is the big state Strategy?
The electoral college consists of 538 electors. 100 in senate 435 in house and 3 for D.C. A majority of 270 votes is required to elect the president
What is the voter turnout?
Is the proportion of the voting-age public that participates in an election.
What is the voter turnout problem in the us?
Has low rates of voter turnouts
What is the role of political parties?
Recruit and nominate candidates, help run campaigns and elections, organize and operate the government
What is the role of interests groups?
Candidate recruitment, Campaign resources, Campaign Contributions, Public information, Get out the vote efforts
What is the role of lobbyists?
Represent the organization to the public and the government
What is the Rational Choice theory?
Individuals are self-interested actors who use a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether it is in their self-interest to vote.
What is the difference between a closed primary and an open primary?
Open Primary- Any registered voter can vote
Closed Primary- Only registered members of the party can vote.
What is the difference between a primary election and a general election?Primary election- Dates are set by the party and the state General election- After all parties have selected their nominee the national election will determine the winner of the officeWhat is a Referendum and Initiative?Referendum- Voters go to the polls to approve or reject a proposed law that has been passed by the state legislature or a local government body Initiative- Issue placed on the ballot by citizens rather than state legislatureWhat was the significance of the voting rights act of 1965?Made racial discrimination in voting a federal crimeWhat were the constitutional Amendments that affected voting rights?The 15th Amendment (1870) prohibited states from denying the right to vote on the basis of race The 17th Amendment (1913) direct election of senators The 19th Amendment (1920) Gave women the right to vote The 24th Amendment (1971) Lowered the voting age to 18 Voting rights act (1965) Made Racial discrimination in voting a federal crimeWhat is political efficacy?Belief that one's participation matters that one's decision to vote really makes a differenceWhat is a political movement?A social group that operates together to obtain a political goal, on a local, regional, national, or international scope.What was the significance of proportional representation?Characterizes electoral systems by which divisions in an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body.What are the differences in a one party system and a 3 party system?One party systems- only one political party is legally allowed to hold power Multiparty systems- systems with more than two partiesWhat is the purpose of checks and balances?to ensures that no one branch of government is too powerfulWhat is the difference between a public and a private interest group?Public Interest groups- Advocates for an issue that benefits society as a whole Private interest group- advocates for an issue that primarily benefits the members of the groupWhat are the incentives for joining a interest group?Solidarity Individuals decide to join a group because they want to associate with others with similar interests, backgrounds, or points of viewWhat does grassroots mean?Efforts to mobilize local support for an issue position the group has takenWhat is a PAC?Legally authorized to raise voluntary funds from employees or members of the group to contribute to a party or candidateWhat is a free rider?When a person can benefit from an interest group's actions without having to pay for the costs of those actions