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AP Go Po Unit 5
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Retrospective voting | Voters make the decision on who their candidates are based on their past performance. |
| Prospective voting | Voters make the decision on who their candidates are based on a candidate will act once elected. |
| Rational choice voting | Voters make the "rational choice" when voting (thinking about the pros and cons). The voter is trying to make the best use of their vote. |
| Party line voting | Voter votes according to their own party. |
| What are the 2 campaigns for president? | Primary and general elections |
| What are the primary elections? | The struggle between members of the same party to go on to the general election (the play-off) |
| What are the general elections? | The struggle between members of the different parties to become president(most of the time Republican and Democrat). |
| What is the goal for presidential candidates? | Win nomination from their party! |
| How do they reach this goal? | By winning delegates |
| What are delegates? | The electors in the electoral college |
| Where do they do this? | By winning of doing well in primaries and caucuses in each state |
| Why did Taylor Swift make headlines on Oct. 7th 2018? | She endorsed a Democratic candidate in the US midterms |
| What impact did she have? | She encouraged people to register to vote |
| What is vote.org? | a non-profit organization the gives people information on how to register to vote. |
| What are the 2 top barriers to voting? | Age and the fact that voting is so inaccessible so not everyone who is eligible is registered. |
| How does federalism play a role in voting? | Since each voter registration varies from state to state registration restrictions may be high in Texas but not in Michigan. (Intrastate commerce) |
| How might Taylor Swift's actions affect how candidates campaign in the future? | Candidates might want endorsement from different celebrities for their elections. Candidates are likely to abuse social media to get more people involved . Candidates will pay more attention to issues important to youth voters. |
| What is the Electoral College? | A group of people (electors) chosen in each state and Washington, D.C. every four years who formally select the President; they are the ones who actually choose the president. |
| Who are presidential electors? | Individuals selected in each state and D.C. who cast the official votes for President in the Electoral College. |
| Which states have the most electoral votes? | California (54), Texas (40), Florida (30), New York (28), Illinois (19), Pennsylvania (19), Ohio (17), Georgia (16), North Carolina (16) |
| How is the winner of a state's electoral votes determined? | The candidate who receives the most popular votes in a state usually wins all of that state’s electoral votes (winner-take-all system). |
| Example of winner-take-all system (2020, Michigan) ). | Joe Biden won more votes than Donald Trump and received all 16 of Michigan’s electoral votes. |
| How many electors are there? | 538 total electors |
| How is the number 538 determined? | 435 (House of Representatives) + 100 (Senate) + 3 (Washington, D.C.) |
| How many votes are needed to win the presidency? | 270 electoral votes (a majority) |
| Example of close Electoral College outcome (2000 election) | George W. Bush won Florida by 537 votes and received all 25 electoral votes, leading to a 271–266 Electoral College victory despite losing the popular vote. |
| What is a major flaw of the Electoral College? | The winner of the popular vote may not win the presidency. |
| When has the popular vote winner lost the presidency? | 1876, 1888, 2000, 2016 |
| How are electoral votes allocated to states? | Based on the number of members each state has in Congress (House + Senate). |
| What are 2 other flaws of the Electoral College? | Electors are not required to vote for the candidate who wins their state’s popular vote. If there is a tie the election will be decided in the HOR, this can lead to divided exec. branch. |
| What happens if no candidate gets 270 electoral votes? | The election is decided by the House of Representatives. |
| When has the House decided the election? | 1800 and 1824 |
| When do electors cast their official votes? | The Monday after the second Wednesday in December |
| Where do electors meet to vote? | At their state capitals |
| When are electoral votes officially counted? | January 6 |
| What are proposed reforms to the Electoral College? | The District Plan, The Proportional Plan, Direct Popular Election, The National Bonus Plan |
| Why not abolish the Electoral College? | Tradition, requires a constitutional amendment, no clear alternative, benefits both small and large states, supports competitive states, favors a two-party system |
| How does the Electoral College affect campaigning? | Candidates focus on swing states, competitive states, and large states. |
| How does it affect campaign issues? | Candidates emphasize issues that can sway key voter groups in important states. |
| How does it affect vice-presidential selection? | Candidates often choose running mates from different regions to broaden appeal (e.g., JFK chose LBJ; Jimmy Carter chose Walter Mondale |
| What is the national convention? | A meeting where each party formally nominates its presidential candidate. |
| What is the purpose of state primaries and caucuses? | To help political parties choose their nominees for president. |
| What is a primary election? | An election where voters cast ballots to choose a party’s candidate. |
| What is a caucus? | A meeting of party members who discuss and vote for their preferred candidate. |
| What is an open primary? | An election where any registered voter can vote in either party’s primary. |
| What is a closed primary? | An election where only registered party members can vote in their party’s primary. |
| Which states vote first in the primary process? | Iowa (caucus) and New Hampshire (primary) |
| Why are Iowa and New Hampshire important? | They get a lot of media attention and can influence momentum in the race. |
| What is “front-loading”? | When states schedule their primaries earlier to gain more influence in the nomination process. |
| What is voter turnout? | The percentage of eligible voters who actually vote in an election. |
| What is a platform? | A formal statement of a party’s principles, goals, and positions on issues. |
| What is a superdelegate? | A party leader or elected official who can support any candidate at the convention |
| What are the other three linkage institutions besides political parties? | Media, interest groups, and elections |
| What challenge did both the Democratic and Republican parties confront in 2016? | Both parties had outsider candidates (Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders), making the election unpredictable |
| Why did Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump resonate with voters? | Their campaigns focused on broader ideas and goals beyond just party politics |
| What did Sanders and Trump have in common despite their differences? | They were both outsiders in their parties and appealed to voters’ personal values rather than traditional political messaging |
| What is party identification? | The degree to which voters feel connected to a particular political party |
| What is a major reason for declining party identification? | Public frustration with the federal government’s inability to pass policies |
| What is split-ticket voting? | Voting for candidates from different parties in the same election |
| What is the difference between interest groups and social movements? | Interest groups are organized groups seeking to influence policy, while social movements are loosely organized efforts to promote broader social change |
| According to James Madison in Federalist No. 10, how should factions be handled? | By controlling their effects rather than eliminating them |
| Is the U.S. more pluralist or elitist? | It has characteristics of both pluralist and elitist systems |
| What are collective goods? | Benefits that everyone can enjoy, even if they did not contribute to achieving them |
| What is the problem with collective goods? | People may not contribute because they can benefit without participating in the group, this takes away the incentive to join an interest group |
| What are people who benefit without contributing called? | Free riders |
| What is one way to solve the collective goods problem? | Offering selective benefits to those who join or participate |
| How did ISPs participate in the political process? | They lobbied government officials and argued for deregulation to increase profits and control over internet traffic |
| How did tech companies participate? | They funded advocacy efforts, made public statements, and pressured policymakers to keep net neutrality protections |
| How did public interest groups participate? | They organized campaigns, educated the public, and mobilized citizens to contact representatives |
| How did citizens participate? | Millions submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission and joined protests |
| What tactic did interest groups use to influence policy? | Lobbying, media campaigns, and grassroots mobilization |
| What does this example show? | It shows that interest groups actively try to shape policy by influencing officials and public opinion to achieve their goals |
| What act/amendment lowered the voting age? | Amendment Twenty-six to the Constitution was ratified on July 1, 1971. It lowered the voting age for all Americans to eighteen years, having previously been established as twenty-one years-old. |
| What Amendment gave women the right to vote? | Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. |
| What act/amendment allowed black men and women to vote? | Passed by Congress February 26, 1869, and ratified February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote.(Voting Rights Act of 1864) |
| Disenfranchisement | the state of being deprived of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote. |
| Felony Disenfranchisement | laws that restrict voting rights for individuals convicted of felony offenses. |
| What are linkage institutions? | Groups that connect people to the government and turn people’s concerns into political issues |
| A major newspaper organization publishes poll results indicating the percentage of the American public who support legislation to ban affirmative action programs. What type of linkage institution is this? | This is an example of how the media can connect citizens to the government by conveying the views of the people. The results of this poll could determine whether a representative supports a piece of legislation. |
| Function of political parties | Mobilization (registration drives, rallying, educating voters), |
| What is voter turnout? | The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. |
| Who are considered eligible voters? | Citizens who meet legal requirements to vote (such as age and residency). |
| What factors influence voter turnout? | Education level, age, race, income, and political interest. |
| How does turnout vary across elections? | It varies by election type (higher in presidential elections) and by state. |
| What is a democracy? | A system of government where political power is exercised by the people. |
| Which groups are most likely to vote? | College-educated individuals, higher-income citizens, and older voters (especially 44+). |
| Why do some people not vote? | Lack of time, low interest, belief their vote doesn’t matter, legal barriers (like felony disenfranchisement), and weaker political party mobilization. |
| What are midterm elections? | Elections held in even-numbered years between presidential elections. |
| What is political efficacy? | The belief that individuals can influence government and political decisions. |
| What is a critical election? | An election where major changes in party support occur, leading to a new political alignment. |
| What is party realignment? | A long-term shift in party loyalty among voters. |
| What is party dealignment? | A decline in party loyalty, where voters are less attached to political parties. |
| What are linkage institutions? | Structures that connect people to government and allow participation in politics. |
| What are examples of linkage institutions? | Media, voting, political parties, and special interest groups. |
| What are voter ID laws? | Laws requiring voters to show identification before voting. |
| What is the purpose of voter ID laws? | To prevent voter fraud (according to supporters). |
| What criticism is made of voter ID laws? | They may suppress voter turnout, especially among minorities and low-income groups. |
| Who controls voter ID requirements? | State governments under federalism. |
| How do state voter ID laws vary? | Some require strict photo ID, while others accept multiple forms of identification. |
| What is the Motor Voter Law? | A law that allows people to register to vote when applying for or renewing a driver’s license. |
| What is the official name of the Motor Voter Law? | National Voter Registration Act of 1993 |
| What was the goal of the Motor Voter Law? | To make voter registration easier and increase voter participation. |
| Super-majority dominance | This describes a state legislature that has a strong enough majority to override a governor’s veto. |
| Dealignment | This describes the change that occurs when voters abandon preference and allegiance to both political parties. |
| Party realignment | Political scientists define this as a lasting change in voter preferences from one party to another that results in a shift of electoral coalitions in the United States. |
| Party recalibration | This occurs when new issues gain prominence in a party’s policy agenda, but leads to little change in the two parties’ constituencies. |
| Around what principles are interest groups oriented? | Civil Liberties |
| Interest Groups | shape policy in the following to influence policy, some for a specific purpose or a more general purpose |
| What is lobbying? | Persuading political leaders to support a group’s position. |
| What are interest groups also called? | Special interests, lobby groups, pressure groups, organized interests, NGOs. |
| What does NGO stand for? | Non-governmental organization. |
| What do lobbyists provide to politicians? | Information, ideas, innovation, and help with political strategies. |
| How do lobbyists assist with elections? | They help plan reelection campaigns. |
| What is the main goal of interest groups? | To influence public policy. |
| How are interest groups different from political parties? | Interest groups focus on specific policies, while political parties aim to gain control of government. |
| What are the main goals of political parties? | Elect candidates and control the government. |
| What is electioneering? | Financially supporting candidates and mobilizing voters. |
| How does electioneering benefit interest groups? | It helps gain candidate loyalty. |
| What is a PAC? | A Political Action Committee that raises money for campaigns. |
| Where does most PAC money go? | To incumbents. |
| Why do some interest groups have more influence than others? | They have more money or larger memberships. |
| How do monetary donations affect political access? | They often lead to meetings, calls, or policy support from politicians. |
| What is litigation in politics? | Filing lawsuits to change policy through the courts. |
| When is litigation commonly used? | When rights are violated or lawmakers won’t act. |
| What is the purpose of amicus curiae briefs? | To provide information not included by the main parties. |
| What is an example of litigation involving interest groups? | Regents of the University of California v. Bakke |
| What does it mean that interest groups are policy specialists? | They focus on specific issues rather than broad political agendas. |
| What does it mean that political parties are policy generalists? | They address a wide range of issues to appeal to many voters. |
| What is elite democracy in this context? | A system where wealthier, well-funded groups have more political influence. |
| How do interest groups educate the public and officials? | Provide expert information and feedback from constituents. |
| How do interest groups communicate internally? | By sharing information with their members. |
| How do interest groups influence legislation? | They draft, suggest, and support laws. |
| How do interest groups participate in lawmaking? | By testifying at committee hearings. |
| Can interest groups write legislation? | Yes, they draft bills for lawmakers to introduce. |
| How do interest groups support candidates? | By endorsing them and encouraging members to vote. |
| What does GOTV mean? | Get Out The Vote—mobilizing voters to participate. |
| How do interest groups use advertising? | To promote issues or candidates. |
| How do interest groups use protests? | To draw attention and pressure decision-makers. |
| How do interest groups lobby Congress? | By providing information and influencing legislators. |
| Why are lobbyists important to Congress? | They are policy specialists, while lawmakers are generalists. |
| How else do lobbyists influence lawmakers? | Testify, draft legislation, and apply political pressure. |
| What is inequality of resources? | Some groups have more money or members, giving them more influence. |
| What is unequal access? | Wealthy or large groups get more access to policymakers. |
| How can legislation be problematic? | It may favor group members over the public. |
| What is the revolving door? | Officials become lobbyists after leaving government. |
| Why is the revolving door controversial? | Officials may favor groups to secure future jobs. |
| What are class action lawsuits? | Cases where a small group sues on behalf of many people with similar harm. |
| When are class action lawsuits used? | When large groups are affected by the same issue. |
| What is an example of a class action lawsuit? | Tobacco companies lawsuits by smokers or asbestos worker cases. |
| What is going public in lobbying? | Appealing directly to citizens to influence policy. |
| What must citizens do for going public to work? | Contact officials, vote, attend meetings, or take action. |
| What is grassroots lobbying? | Public-driven influence where citizens pressure lawmakers. |
| Why is grassroots lobbying effective? | It requires less money and relies on public support. |
| Which groups use grassroots lobbying? | National Rifle Association and Sierra Club. |
| What are intergovernmental groups? | Groups representing state/local governments to influence federal policy. |
| What is an example of an intergovernmental group? | Federation of Canadian Municipalities. |
| What are professional and labor groups? | Organizations representing workers or professions. |
| What is an example of these groups? | American Medical Association |
| When are social movements most effective in the policy process? | During the agenda-setting stage, when they bring attention to issues and influence priorities. |
| What was the purpose of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)? | To regulate campaign finance by increasing transparency, limiting contributions, and creating public funding. |
| What organization did FECA create? | The Federal Election Commission (FEC). |
| What is one major requirement FECA introduced? | Disclosure of donor information. |
| What limits did FECA place on contributions? | Limits on how much individuals and PACs can donate to candidates. |
| What type of funding system did FECA create for presidential elections? | A system of public financing. |
| What happened to limits on candidates spending their own money? | They were ruled unconstitutional. |
| What are the two main sources of campaign funding? | Private contributions and public funds. |
| What are small contributors? | Individuals who donate small amounts to campaigns. |
| Who are “fat cats” in campaign finance? | Wealthy individuals who make large donations. |
| Can candidates fund their own campaigns? | Yes, candidates and their families can contribute unlimited personal funds. |
| Which candidate is known for extremely high self-funding? | Michael Bloomberg. |
| What are PACs? | Political Action Committee—groups that raise and donate money to candidates. |
| What are temporary campaign groups? | Committees formed specifically to support a candidate’s campaign. |
| What are public funds in elections? | Government subsidies given to candidates to help finance campaigns. |
| What is a subsidy? | A grant or financial support from the government. |
| What are matching funds? | Public funds that match small individual donations in primary elections. |
| What must a candidate do to qualify for matching funds? | Raise at least $100,000. |
| How many states must those funds come from? | At least 20 states. |
| How much must be raised per state to qualify? | $5,000 per state. |
| What is the maximum individual donation counted toward matching funds? | $250 per person. |
| Why are matching fund requirements strict? | To discourage unserious or frivolous candidates. |
| Do matching funds apply to general elections? | No, only to primaries and caucuses. |
| What does the FEC do for candidates who qualify for matching funds? | Matches a portion of their primary campaign spending. |
| What do major party nominees receive for general elections? | A public subsidy for campaign costs. |
| Can candidates refuse public funding? | Yes. |
| Which candidate famously refused public funding in 2008? | Barack Obama. |
| How much can an individual donate to a federal candidate per election? | $2,700 for the primary and $2,700 for the general. |
| How much can an individual donate to a PAC? | Up to $5,000. |
| How much can an individual donate to a national party committee? | Up to $38,400. |
| What is the total limit an individual can give to federal candidates and committees? | $123,200. |
| What is a PAC? | A Political Action Committee that collects and distributes campaign contributions. |
| Who can form PACs? | Corporations, unions, or interest groups. |
| What must PACs do with their finances? | Report all expenditures to the FEC. |
| How much can a PAC give to a candidate per election? | Up to $10,000 (primary + general combined). |
| How much can a PAC give to a political party? | Up to $15,000. |
| Are there limits on how many candidates a PAC can support? | No, but limits apply per candidate. |
| What are limits on expenditures for candidates? | Only candidates who accept public funding have spending limits. |
| What happens if candidates refuse public funding? | They can spend unlimited amounts. |
| What is “hard money”? | Money raised and spent directly to elect candidates, subject to limits and regulations. |
| What is “soft money”? | Money given to political parties for party-building activities, not directly to candidates. |
| McCain-Feingold Act (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002) | Attempted to ban soft money in federal elections |
| Soft money | Unlimited contributions to political parties for “party-building” activities |
| 527 groups | Independent political organizations that can raise/spend unlimited money on issue advocacy |
| 527 group rule | Cannot say “vote for” or “vote against” specific candidates |
| Example of 527 group | Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (anti-Kerry) |
| Super PACs | Can raise and spend unlimited money independently of candidates |
| Super PAC rule | Cannot coordinate with candidates or contribute directly to campaigns |
| 501(c)(4) organizations | Can do issue advocacy and political spending without donor disclosure |
| 501(c)(4) restriction | Must not have politics as primary purpose and cannot coordinate with campaigns |
| 501(c)(3) organizations | Tax-deductible donations; cannot engage in political campaigning or lobbying |
| Citizens United v. FEC (2010) | Supreme Court case that expanded political spending rights |
| Citizens United ruling | Independent political spending is protected under the First Amendment |
| Citizens United impact | Increased political spending by corporations and interest groups |
| Amicus curiae briefs | “Friend of the court” documents used by interest groups to influence Supreme Court cases |
| Citizens United challenged the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act | Argued restrictions on political spending violated free speech rights |
| Citizens United decision strengthened corporate political speech rights | Corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on independent political advertising |
| Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act aimed to reduce the influence of “soft money” | Restricted large, unregulated donations to political parties |
| Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act regulated “electioneering communications” | Limited broadcast ads that mention candidates close to elections |
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