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(1) Name and explain the seven major functions of interest groups in American politics.
Political: when an interest group tries to control or influence public policy
Economic: When an interest group tries to have some influence over the distribution of wealth and material products. They try to control economic policies.
Economic: When an interest group tries to have some influence over the distribution of wealth and material products. They try to control economic policies.
Economics: When an interest group tries to have some influence over the distribution of wealth and material products. They try to control economic policies.
Social: When an interest group is concerned with human beings and their relationships with one another. Social interest groups usually deal with the living conditions and social problems of human beings. Ideological: Values and beliefs of an interest group.
5. Symbolic: The image of the interest group is portrayed to the American public. 5. Symbolic: The image of the interest group is portrayed to the American public. Symbolic: The image of the interest group is portrayed to the American public.
Informational: when an interest group gives information to the American public concerning certain political issues.
Instrumental: when an interest group is responsible for either getting a bill passed or for keeping a bill from being passed
(2) According to your text, list the seven major functions of political parties in American politics.
To bridge the separation of powers and foster coordination and cooperation in our system of checks and balances. To help organize the government. To translate public preferences into policy To unify the electorate and moderate conflicts To determine who shall hold office and exercise legitimate power. To simplify the choices facing the electorate To organize the competition within elections by registering and activating voters and by providing resources to candidates
(3) Name and explain the five major political parties which have gained a competitive position in U.S. politics.
The Federalists: This was the first American political party. Named after its leaders’ outspoken defense of the federal Constitution during the ratification process, it had the support of merchants, landowners, and those of wealth and status in the Northeast and the Atlantic states. But was limited by this narrow base and fell away before the successes of the next party, the Jeffersonians.
The Jeffersonians. This was a party of small farmers, workers, and less wealthy citizens who were opposed to the nationalism of the federalists and preferred the authority of the states. Its founder was Thomas Jefferson, and like him, it espoused many of the ideals of the French Revolution, such as the idea
of direct popular self-government. (At times, this party was also called the Anti-Federalists, the Republicans, and the Democratic-Republicans.) The Democrats. This was the first broad-based, popular party in the United States. It represented less privileged voters, welcomed new immigrants, and stood up to nativist opposition to immigration; it also opposed national banking and high tariffs. The Democrats grew from the Jacksonian wing of the Jeffersonian party. The Whigs. This party had a short life, during which it represented many interests, among them nativism,
property, and business and commerce. It had its roots in the old Federalist Party and was formed in opposition to the strong presidency of Andrew Jackson. The Republicans. This party grew out of northern opposition to slavery and came to power as the Civil War approached. It was the party of the Union, Lincoln, and the freeing of the slaves. From the Whigs, it also took on a concern for business and propertied interests.
(4) List the eight reasons why many political scientists argue that there has been a decline in America's two-party system on the national level.
The breakdown of political machines The civil service system The rise of media politics Political Action Committees (PACs) Personal campaign organizations Single-issue interest groups Social welfare programs Declining party socialization
(5) List the eight advantages of incumbency.
1. Name recognition 2. Campaign finances 3. Office Resources 4. Prior political electoral experience 5. Media Access
6. Large staff to help with casework 7. More support from PACs 8. Taking credit for monies that get allocated to their areas
(6) Explain the anatomy of a political campaign.
The decision to run. Being nominated for the party Acquiring the electoral victory The post-election stages.
(7) Explain what reformers have tried to do to prevent abuse in political contributions.
The Federal Campaign Acts of 1972 and 1974 instituted major reforms by limiting spending and contributions: the acts allowed political action committees (PACs) to be set up by interest groups, labor unions, and corporations, to raise money for candidates. 2. Requires public disclosure of the sources and uses of political money. 3. Giving governmental subsidies to presidential candidates, campaigns, and parties, including incentive arrangements
The Federal Campaign Acts of 1972 and 1974 instituted major reforms by limiting spending and contributions: the acts allowed political action committees (PACs) to be set up by interest groups, labor unions, and corporations, to raise money for candidates. 2. Requires public disclosure of the sources and uses of political money. 3. Giving governmental subsidies to presidential candidates, campaigns, and parties, including incentive arrangements
The Federal Campaign Acts of 1972 and 1974 instituted major reforms by limiting spending and contributions; the acts allowed political action committees (PACs) to be set up by interest groups, labor unions, and corporations, to raise money for candidates. Requires public disclosure of the sources and uses of political money. Giving governmental subsidies to presidential candidates, campaigns, and parties, including incentive arrangements
(8) Explain the four objectives of a political campaign.
Providing a forum for new leadership by giving information to the voters Mobilizing the voting population Obtaining funds from supporters Acquiring the party endorsement
(9) List the three major characteristics of third parties.
They are for radical changes.
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2. They address issues that the two major parties will not 3. They have strong ideological foundations that are outside the mindset of the masse
They are for radical changes. They address issues that the two major parties will not. They have strong ideological foundations that are outside the mindset of the masses.
(10) Summarize the New Deal Coalition of 1932 in two paragraphs.
During different historical moments, various groups have shifted their political relationships for several reasons. For instance, Southern whites who had been loyal Democratic voters since the Civil War started moving towards the Republican party, particularly after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This shift was due to a range of factors such as the Democratic Party's support for civil rights, the Republican Party's emphasis on states' rights, and the conservative stance of the Republican Party on social and economic issues.
However, the New Deal policies also alienated some groups that had previously supported the Democratic Party. Poor people saw it as a form of government handouts, while Black people pursued new groups and white ethnic groups were often hostile to it. On the other hand, working-class and union
members became a key part of the party's coalition, drawn to its advocacy of workers' rights and social programs that benefited the poor and working class.
(11) According to your text, give at least seven examples of political education in American politics.
Voting National Lawmakers School board officials Campaigns Elected officials. Letter Writing City Councils
(12) Summarize the Reagan Coalition of the 1980s in two paragraphs.
The Reagan Coalition of 1980 was a political alliance that brought together various groups with different interests and concerns. It included internationalists and anti-communists who wanted to maintain a strong military force and confront Soviet-backed Marxist regimes around the world. Economic conservatives who were concerned about high taxes and excessive government regulation, including business and professional voters who had traditionally supported the Republican Party. Social conservatives were concerned about crime, drugs, and racial conflict, including many white ethnic voters
and union members who had traditionally voted Democratic. Religious fundamentalists were also part of
the coalition and were concerned about issues such as abortion and prayer in schools. Additionally, Southern whites were concerned about racial issues, including affirmative action programs.
Overall, the Reagan Coalition of 1980 was a diverse coalition that united different groups under a common goal of promoting conservative values and policies. The coalition played a significant role in shaping American politics and policies during the Reagan presidency, and its legacy can still be seen in today's political landscape.
(13) List the six major problems or factors that every political candidate must confront.
. Southern whites, who had provided the most loyal block of Democratic voters since the Civil War 2. Poor people, who associated the New Deal with expanded welfare and social security programs 3. Black people, who ended their historic affiliation with the party of Lincoln pursued new economic and social groups 4. White ethnic groups, who had previously aligned themselves with Re-publican machines 5. Working classes and union members, especially in large cities.
1. Building a strong campaign team and infrastructure
2. Raising enough funds to finance their campaign
3. Crafting a compelling and coherent message that resonates with voters
4. Garnering enough public support and name recognition
5. Navigating the media landscape and dealing with negative coverage or attacks
6. Mobilizing voters and getting them to turn out on election day.
(14) Explain the evolution of voting in the United States.
Southern whites, who had provided the most loyal block of Democratic voters since the Civil War Poor people associated the New Deal with expanded welfare and social security programs. Black people, who ended their historic affiliation with the party of Lincoln pursued new economic and social groups. White ethnic groups, who had previously aligned themselves with Republican machines. Working classes and union members, especially in large cities.
(15) Explain the five reasons why political parties and interest groups are alike in U.S. politics.
They both represent their organizational interests to officeholders in all branches of government. They both politicize their members and others. They both mediate group conflict They both recruit political candidates and help finance their campaigns. They both engage in electioneering.
(16) Explain the five reasons why political parties and interest groups differ in U.S. politics.
Political parties try to gain political influence primarily by choosing candidates, running them in elections, and winning and holding public office. Interest groups encourage and support certain candidates but do not try to win and hold public office. Political parties try to influence the government. Interest groups try to influence the government. Political parties are organized around the electoral process and are fully active only in connection with elections.
(17) List the seven factors which will determine the power and success of an interest group.
Money Knowledge of the political system Leadership skills Legitimacy Prestige Organizational skills Membership (18) Explain the difference between public and private interest groups.
Public interest: groups are those that represent broad classes of people or the public as a whole, such as Common Cause, Human Rights Watch, and the American Civil Liberties Union. Private interest: groups are those that represent narrow or small groups of individuals whereby the members benefit directly from the cause, such as the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Medical Association, and the American Bar Association.
(19) What is a single-issue interest group and give me an example of one?
Single-issue interest groups are those that focus on one major theme, such as Human Control, Inc., the National Abortion Rights League, or the National Rifle Association of America.
(20) List at least seven third parties that have occurred in American politics.
Ross Perot, Reform Party: 1996 John B. Anderson, Independent Party: 1980 George C. Wallace, American Independent Party: 1968 Robert M. LaFollette, Progressive Party: 1924 Theodore Roosevelt, Bull Moose Party: 1912 Eugene V. Debs, Socialist Party: 1912
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James B. Weaver, Populist Party: 1892
(21) List the nine elements that are involved when a candidate is being nominated in primaries or conventions.
Media “mentions” Political experience The decision to run. A strategy for the primaries
The New Hampshire primary The front-end strategy Super Tuesday Big State strategy Convention showplace
(22) What is a " Political Machine “?
A tightly disciplined party organization, headed by a boss, relies on material rewards, which include patronage jobs to control politics.
(23) What is a " Caucus “?
A nominating process in which party leaders select the party’s nominee.
(24) What are " Iron Triangles “?
Mutually supportive relationships among interest groups, government agencies, and legislative committees with authority over a specific policy area.
(25) What is a " Lobbyist “?
A person working to influence government policies and actions.