Passionates
members of the public who are highly engaged with politics/gov't. Vote on a regular basis
Scorekeepers
Members of the public who are moderately aware of anf involved in politics/gov't. Vote in major polls but rarely get involved in politics themselves
Uninvolved
Members of the public who rarely attend the gov't/politics, sometimes vote in national elections and follow and issue or 2 that matters the most to them. 75% of ppl fall into this category
Electoral activities
public engagement in the form of voting, running for office, volunteering on a campaign, etc
Voter turnout
a measure of what proportion of eligible voters actually cast a legitimate ballot in a given election
Why our turnout is so low
Really frequent elections and ppl are usually busy working
civic voluntarianism
citizen participation in public life without gov't incentives or coercion
Public voice
exercising one's public rights, often through speaking out in protest in favor of some policy change
paradox of voting
the cost of voting outweighs the apparent benefits
social capital
relations bt ppl that build closer ties of trust and civic engagement yielding productive benefits for the larger society
political mobilization
efforts to encourage ppl to engage in the public sphere: to vote for a particular candidate or to get involved in pecific issues
issue advocacy
organized effort to advance or block a proposed public policy change
Cycles of public participation
Pattern of change in US history featuring regular surges in public engagement beginning roughly every 60 years and lasting for around a decade
public referendum
mechanism for placing policy questions directly on a state or local ballot for voters; a progressive innovation in the 1890s
What discourages political participation
age, wealth, education, alienation, motor voter law, complacency`
circle of non participation
resistance by political parties to mobilizing disengaged Americans to vote- bc their lack of involvement makes their allegiances to one of the other party suspect
digital divide
the gap bt those with ready access to the internet and those without
libertarian paternalism
govt policies that encourage public participation or certain behavior without coercing or formally requiring them
nudeocracy
informal name for a political system centered around libertarian paternalism
the bandwagon effect
general tendency of so many ppl to take up a practice or join cause bc others are doing so
anchoring
behavioral bias leading many ppl to rely too much on a single piece of info, often a number
default opinions
ppl will choose the simplest option
rational ignorance
the view where it makes sense to remain relatively uninformed about most political issues
Nonattitudes
the lack of a stable perspective in response to opinion surveys. answers may be self-contradictory or may display to ideological consistency
information shortcuts
cues about candidates and policies drawn from everyday life, party preferences, and significant figures
groupthink
the tendency among a small group of decision makers to converge on a shared set of views; can limit creative thinking or solutions to policy problems
If public opinion is to guide gov't, 3 conditions must be met
1. the ppl know what they want and guide gov't decisions 2. th public can clearly communicate its desires to political leaders 3. political leaders pay attention to public views and respond
mandate
political authority claimed by an election winner as reflecting the approval of the ppl
policy agenda
issues that the public considers important, the media covers, and politicians discuss. The first step in political action
survey research
a scientific measure of popular opinion
approval rating
a measure of public support for a political figure or institution
executive order
a presidential declaration w the force of law that issues instructions to the executive branch without any requirement for congressional action or approval
sampling frame
a designated group of ppl from whom a set of poll respondents is randomly selected
demographic groups
ppl sharing specific factors ex: race, religion, gender, etc.
likely voters
ppl that are most likely going to vote. Difficult to specify
framing effects
the way pollsters ask a question often influences the response
push poll
a form of negative telemarketing
weighting
a method of targeting specific groups of voters by assigning greater or lesser value to responses from those groups
margin of sampling error
the degree of inaccuracy in a poll.surveys involve a sample of respondents from a population, rather than every member
response bias
the tendency of poll respondents to misstate their views, frequently to avoid "shameful opinions (ex: sexism, racism)
types of polls
benchmark, straw, exit, brushfire
focus group
an extended discussion w a selected small group of ppl, run by a trained moderator.generally yields insights to participants political concerns
boomerang effect
the discrepancy between candidates high poll ratings and election performance, caused by supporters assumption that an easy win means they don't need to go out and vote
underdog effect
sympathy for a candidate behind in the polls, contributing to a higher-than-predicted vote total
sources that shape public opinion
friends, family, economic interests, demographics, party affiliation, view of political elites and defining events, like war
gender gap
patterned differences in political opinions bt men and women
political elites
individuals who control significant wealth, status, power, etc.
3 major changes mark the evolution of media and campaigning
1. The media delivers information faster 2. Today's media includes many more voices and formats 3. New media permits the public to be much more active
media
mass communication.Television, radio, newspapers, Internet search, blogs, Facebook, twitter, tumblr, etc.
new media
Television, radio, newspapers, Internet search, blogs, Facebook, twitter, tumblr, etc. Arose in the late 20th century
mass media
Info and entertainment for broad popular audiences- newspapers, radio, and television. Newspapers became the first mass media in the 1830's
personal presidency
The idea that the president has a personal link to the public. Made possible by 20th century media. Radios allowed media to offer a live connection bt elected leaders and the public
new visual era
TV
infotainment
the blurred line bt news and entertainment. Letterman, Daily Show
clicktivism
democracy enhanced through the click of a mouse
what does new media do?
Promotes active users, Links ppl to one another, Spreads the news collected by ordinary ppl, Permits citizens to bypass the talking heads and make their own comments, Offers politicians a powerful tool to mobilize, connect and connect
Watergate scandal
A failed effort by Republican operatives to break into Democratic Party headquarters in the Watergate office complex in DC, tapes revealed that President Nixon attempted to cover up the event - costing him the presidency
public ownership
a situation in which media outlets are run by the government and paid for by tax dollars
democratic nations organize their media in 3 ways
gov't ownership, regulation, and markets
fairness doctrine
regulation that required media outlets to devote equal time to opposite perspectives
Telecommunications act of 1966
the major congressional overhaul of communications law that opened the door to far more competition by permitting companies to compete in multiple media markets- radio, television, magazines, etc
loud signal
Media stories with very broad coverage and a unambiguous message
priming
Affecting voters' or poll respondents' perception candidates or public officials by raising issues that are perceived to enhance or diminish the candidates
issue framing
The way an issue is defined - every issue has many possible frames, each with a slightly different tilt in describing the problem and highlighting solutions
sound bite
a short clip of speech taken from a longer piece of audio. Often refers to a brief excerpt from a speech by a candidate or politician
2 main way elections are the core of american political life
1. symbolic- elections are an expression of legitimate democratic political authority 2. substantive- elections change public policy and sometimes national life
time, place and manner clause
The constitutional clause that delegates control of elections to the state governments
caucus
A local meeting at which registered members of a political party meet to select delegates representing presidential candidates
suffrage
the right to vote
bundling
A form of fundraising in which an individual persuades others to donate large amounts that are then delivered together to a candidate or campaign
PAC (Political Action Committee)
An organization of at least 50 people, affiliated with an interest group, that is permitted to make contributions to candidates for federal office
super PACs
Organizations that are permitted to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to promote a candidate or publicize a cause. However - they may not directly contribute to a candidate or coordinate with a campaign
527 groups
Organizations governed by Section 527 of the federal tax code; they are allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts for "issue advocacy" - but are forbidden to coordinate their efforts with any candidate or campaign, and their ads cannot mention a candid
super tuesday
The date on the primary calendar when multiple states hold primaries and caucuses
winner take all
the electoral system used in the US general presidential as well as many primary and other elections. The candidate receiving a simple majority (or, among multiple candidates a plurality) receives all electoral votes or primary delegates. Sometimes also c
proportional representation
The allocation of votes or delegates on the basis of the percentage of the vote received; contrasts with the winner-take-all-system
electoral bounce
the spike in the polls that follows and event such as a party's national convention
three parts to an election
primaries, conventions and general election
election outcomes are influenced by...
economic performance, war and peace, demographics, adviser and organizations, candidates own personality and performance, domestic issues, accident and luck
restrictions on running for congress
age, citizenship and residence
incumbency advantage
the tendency for members of Congress to win reelection in overwhelming numbers
midterm elections
National elections held between presidential elections, involving all seats in the House of Representatives, one-third of those in the Senate, 36 governors, and other positions
gerrymander
Redrawing an election district in a way that gives the advantage to one party
state legislatures can carefully craft political boundaries by...
packing - placing all the like-minded voters into one district.
cracking- spreading them out so that they form minority in many districts
critical election
a dramatic election that realigns the political system by changing the relative strength of the 2 parties and has consequences for future elections
Candidate Centered Elections
A political system where individual candidates decide to run raise their own money and design their own strategy - as opposed to party systems, where political parties play these roles
contract with america
A conservative statement of principle (and 21 different action items) embraced by some Republican candidates during the 1994 midterm election
how to run for congress
1. money 2. organization 3. strategy 4. message
open seat
a seat in congress without an incumbent running for reelection
call list
a long list of potential donors whom candidates must phone
name recognition
an advantage possessed by a well-nown political figure, a political celebrity
negative campaigning
running for office by attacking the opponent. An unpopular tactic that is nevertheless very effective
partisanship
the quality of taking the side of a party, or espousing a viewpoint that reflects a political partys principles or position on an issue. Often criticized by those who wish the parties would work together
political parties essential purpose
a party is an organization, with a public following, established to win elections, generally by promoting a set of principles
Grand Old Party (GOP)
nickname for the republican party
what the parties do
select candidates, champion ideas, mobilize voters, organize governing activity after the election, help integrate new groups into the political process
nonpartisan elections
an election where candidates run as individuals, w/o any party affiliation. Many towns and cities have these types of elections
political socialization
education about how the gov't works and which policies one should support; provided by schools, party officials, etc.
party system
the broad organization of US politics, compromising the 2 main parties, coalition of supporters backing each, the positions they take on major issues, and each party's electoral achievements
2-party style advantages
predictable and stable. Each election is followed by negotiations among the parties trying to form a majority
2-party style disadvantages
less representative
party-in-gov't
Consists of elected politicians, their staffs, and affiliated political professionals, Promotes the party's issues and fights its policy issues in Congress and the executive branch
party organization
Provides support for a party's candidates and elected officials. Consists of party chairs, the national committees, and the state party leaders. Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee
party platform
the party's statement of purpose and its position on issues
party in the electorate
The largest and least organized component of a political party. Consists of the millions of ppl who identify with the party- registered voters and regular supporters
american parties are highly decentralized
State and local party leaders largely run their own organizations, independent of national headquarters
First Party System
1789-1828
? Pro-Constitution Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
? Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans
? Reflected Americans' uneasiness with party politics
?Set a durable pattern: 2 main parties, fiercely contesting elections and building coalitions alon
Second party system
?1828-1860
?Andrew Jackson
?"Rise of the common man"
?Federalists vanished
?Democrats vs. Whigs
?Slavery
Third Party System
?1860-1896
?Republican Party formed with the help of Lincoln
*Anti-slavery
?Democrats split over slavery
?Rebuilding after the Civil War
Fourth Party System
?1896-1932
?Status quo, business, and pressures for political and economic equality
?Liquor- should it be prohibited?
?Republicans dominated
Fifth Party System
system emerging as result of Roosevelt's New Deal, lasted 40 years, 1932-1972. Democratic dominance under FDR. Grand coalition of urban dwellers, labor unions, Catholics, Jews, poor, South, blacks and farmers. Great Depression screwed up political parties
Sixth Party System
?1972-present
?Emphasis on small businesses and limited gov't
?Neither party dominates
party machines
- powerful political organizations often organized in an urban area to help integrate immigrants and minority groups into the political system. Most active during 3rd party system
party boss
the senior figure in a party machine
New Deal
Broad series of economic programs and reforms introduced b/t 1933-1936. Focused on jobs, infrastructure, Social Security, welfare, and new federal gov't agencies
Party Identification
Strong attachment to one political party, often established at an early Our powerful sense of Party ID is a result of many factors, including parental influence, political context, and personality type*Ethnicity.
party ID helps shape our voting patterns,
straight-ticket voter
one who votes for the same party for all offices on a ballot
split-ticket voter
one who votes for at least one candidate from each arty, dividing his ballot between two or more parties
base voters
Party members who tend to vote loyally for their party's candidates in most elections
republican factions
traditionalists, libertarians, neoconservatives, fiscal conservatives and moderates
democratic factions
include progressives, organized labor, deficit hawks, the Third Way and the civil rights caucus
party caucus
A meeting of all House or Senate members of one or the other main party, usually to discuss political and policy strategies
divided government
Periods during which at least one house of Congress is controlled by a party different from one occupying the White House
k street
A major street in downtown Washington, DC, that is home to the headquarters for many lobbying firms and advocacy groups - and thus synonymous with interest group lobbying
special interests
A pejorative term, often used to designate an interest group whose aims or issue preferences one does not like.
interest groups
Organization of people who share political, social or other goals; and agree to try to influence public policy to achieve those goals.
lobbyist
A person who contacts government officials on behalf of a particular cause or issue
membership group
An interest group primarily organized around voluntary members; often a nonprofit or public advocacy organization
AAPR
social security, benefits, help Americans over the age of 50
lobbying coalition
A collection of lobbyists working on related topics or a specific legislative proposal
What do groups do for members?
Inform members about political development, Communicate members' views to government officials and Mobilize the public
public interest lobbyist
A representative of an organization that seeks to benefit the population a large, not a specific client of a small collection of people
pluralism
An open participatory style of government in which many different interest are represented
Demo sclerosis
The collective effect of the sheer number of Washington lobbyists in slowing the process of American democratic policymaking
power elite theory
the view that a small handful of wealthy influential Americans exercises extensive control over government decisions
Federal Regulation of Lobbying Acts
The initial US statute spelling out requirements on lobbyists active in Congress, passed in 1946
Gift ban
a regulation that eliminates (or sharply reduces the dollar amount of) gifts from interest groups to lawmakers
advocacy explosion
A vast and relatively swift increase in interest groups active in Washington, DC beginning in the mid 1960s
The multiple roles of lobbyists
research political trends, attend congressional hearings, issue statements to the press, build coalitions, be outgoing, issue campaigns, and take care of clients routine policy needs.
issue campaigns
A concerted effort by interest groups to arouse popular support or opposition for a policy issue
astroturf lobbying
indirect lobbying efforts that manipulate or create public sentiment, "astroturf" being artificial grassroots
material benefits
Items distributed by public interest groups a incentives to sign up or remain a member
expressive benefits
Values or deeply held beliefs that inspire individuals to join a public interest group
solidary beliefs
The feeling of shared commitment and purpose experienced by individuals who join a public interest group
single firm lobbyists
A lobbying professional employed by a specific company ex: apple, exxon/mobil
trade association
A lobbying group that represents a collection of related businesses, like the American Petroleum Institute (oil and natural gas companies)
independant lobbyists
Sometimes called "hired guns", these individuals (usually seasons lobbyists or former high-profile government staffers) are paid by several different clients to promote their interests
iron triangles
mutually dependent relationship between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees. They dominate some areas of domestic policymaking.
issue network
Shifting alliances of public and private interest groups, lawmakers, and other stake holders all focused on the same policy area
intergovernmental lobbying
attempts by public officials in one part of the government to influence their counterparts elsewhere - in another branch or at a different (state or local) level
reverse lobbying
Attempts by government officials to influence interest groups on behalf of their preferred policies
revolving door
The tendency of Washington's most seasoned lobbyists to move from government work (ex. professional advisor) to lobbying