All Flashcards
What is the effect of media partisanship?
Cause: Media catering to specific ideologies. Effect: Biased news coverage.
What is the effect of low voter turnout?
Cause: Apathy, barriers. Effect: Unrepresentative government.
What is the effect of expanded suffrage?
Cause: Amendments, legislation. Effect: More inclusive electorate.
What is the effect of campaign finance laws?
Cause: Desire for fair elections. Effect: Regulations on fundraising and spending.
What is the effect of candidate-centered elections?
Cause: Weakening of party control. Effect: Focus on individual candidates, not parties.
What is the effect of the incumbency advantage?
Cause: Name recognition, resources. Effect: High reelection rates.
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.
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.