Define linkage institutions.
Organizations connecting citizens to government.
Define political parties.
Groups seeking to win elections and control government.
Define interest groups.
Organizations influencing policy on specific issues.
Define media.
Channels of communication, like TV, internet, newspapers.
Define elections.
Formal process where citizens choose leaders.
Define political ideology.
Beliefs about government and power.
Define political efficacy.
Belief that you can make a difference.
Define campaign finance law.
Rules about money in campaigns.
Define Electoral College.
System for electing the President.
Define free-rider problem.
Not participating because vote seems insignificant.
Define gender gap.
Differences in political views between men and women.
Define incumbency advantage.
Advantage of current officeholders.
Define party platform.
A party's written principles.
Define suffrage.
The right to vote.
What is the role of political parties?
Nominate candidates, run campaigns, organize voters.
What is the role of interest groups?
Advocate for members' interests by lobbying and educating.
What is the role of the media?
Set the public agenda, inform the public, act as a watchdog.
What is the role of elections?
Provide a direct way for citizens to influence government.
What is the role of Political Action Committees (PACs)?
Raise money for campaigns.
What are the differences between open and closed primaries?
Open: Any voter can participate. Closed: Only registered party members can vote.
What are the differences between interest groups and political parties?
Interest Groups: Influence policy, narrow focus. Political Parties: Win elections, broad focus.
What are the differences between prospective and retrospective voting?
Prospective: Voting based on future expectations. Retrospective: Voting based on past performance.
What are the differences between rational-choice voting and party-line voting?
Rational-choice: Voting based on self-interest. Party-line: Voting for a party's candidates.
What are the differences between traditional media and social media?
Traditional: Newspapers, TV. Social: Facebook, Twitter. Different reach and interactivity.
