All Flashcards
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.
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.