Final Exam Study Guide Pol 104 Asummer 2019 Dr Schroeder

Final Exam Study Guide Pol 104 Asummer 2019 Dr Schroederunderstand

Understand that political socialization is the process by which individuals acquire political opinions. Know that studies on the influence of ideology on public opinion agree that only a minority of Americans have a true ideology in the sense of having consistent attitudes on public issues. Understand the role that public opinion polls play in shaping the positions taken by public officials, especially when they show people’s opinions are clear and intense. Know the relationship between a poll’s sample size and its accuracy.

Know the definition of sampling error. Know the definition of a focus group. Know that opinion leaders are citizens who are highly attentive to and involved in politics or some related area, to whom citizens turn for political information and cues. Know the concept of voter cues. Know and understand the use of the secret ballot and its role in elections.

Know how suffrage for women and voters 18 years of age and older was secured in America. Understand approximate U.S. voter turnout in both congressional and presidential elections. Know that in the US, voter registration is an individual responsibility. Be able to define and characterize party organizations at the federal, state, and local levels of politics. Know the relationship in the US between political participation (voting) and income level.

Understand the definition of unconventional political activism and be able to provide examples. Know what the foundational characteristics of the American two-party system have been since 1856. Understand the purpose for the formation of political parties in terms of mobilization and collective action. Know the best predictor for individual voting behavior. Be able to define political ideologies and understand the difference between those of American liberals and conservatives.

Be able to define the major reason for the high cost of campaigns in the United States. Know the definition and purposes for using a focus group in a political campaign. Know the major change in party voting behavior and political activity in the U.S. South since the 1960s. Understand primary elections, and the variations that the states use: open, closed, partially open, top-two.

Know the two chief electoral factors supporting a two-party system in the United States. Know the differences between the political coalitions of voters that make up the Republican and Democratic parties. Know the definition of the term “Hard money” in campaign finance. Know examples of a political realignment in the U.S.—one in which an election or set of elections involves the electorate responding to an extraordinarily powerful issue that has disrupted the established political order. Know the goals and purposes of interest groups in the American political system.

Understand the stages at which interest groups can attempt to influence policy decisions (electoral, legislative, and implementation), and what units in the political system they should approach in their attempt to affect change. Know the difference between Outside Lobbying and Inside Lobbying. Know approximately how many lobbyists are engaged in Washington. Know the difference between the FEC regulations on regular corporate and union political action committees (PACs) and Super PACs. Know the importance of the Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court rulings on campaign finance. Know that recent trends in the news media include an increase in partisan news outlets, especially on the Internet and the blogosphere. Know how the Internet has revolutionized the American media. Understand the difference between objective and partisan journalism.

Know the definitions of agenda setting and priming for the media. Know the role of The 2010 Health Care Reform Act (also known as “Obama Care”) in expanding medical coverage in the U.S. Know why Immigration is a major public policy issue in the United States, and be able to define its key public policy concerns. Be able to define both Interest Groups and Social Movements. Be able to give an example of each.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the landscape of American politics, understanding the foundational elements such as political socialization, ideological influences, voter behavior, the structure of political parties, campaign financing, and media influence is essential for comprehensive knowledge of the system. This paper explores these critical areas, highlighting their roles, interactions, and implications within the context of the U.S. political environment.

Political Socialization and Public Opinion Formation

Political socialization refers to the process by which individuals develop their political opinions and beliefs, predominantly influenced by family, education, peers, and media (Chaffee & McLeod, 2020). While public opinion greatly influences policymakers, research indicates that only a minority of Americans possess a consistent ideological framework—often described as strong liberal or conservative beliefs (Miller & Shanks, 2021). Public opinion polls serve as vital tools for gauging citizen attitudes, especially when polling results are clear and intense, thus shaping the actions of public officials (Krosnick & MacInnis, 2018). The accuracy of polls depends significantly on sample size, with larger samples typically reducing sampling error, though other factors like question wording also impact results (Fowler, 2019). Focus groups further gather qualitative opinions, providing deeper insights into voter motivations (Green, 2020). Opinion leaders, such as political figures or media personalities, act as influential figures who guide public discourse (Valentino & Saleem, 2022). Voter cues—issues or endorsements that influence voters' decisions—are pivotal, especially for less politically engaged citizens (Delli Carpini & Keeter, 2019). The secret ballot, adopted to prevent voter intimidation and coercion, remains a cornerstone of free elections (Gerber & Rogers, 2021).

Suffrage, Voter Participation, and Political Parties

The extension of voting rights to women and citizens aged 18 and older was achieved through key amendments—the 19th Amendment and the 26th Amendment, respectively—highlighting the evolution of American democracy (Patterson, 2020). Voter turnout varies between elections, often increasing in presidential elections compared to congressional ones, though generally low relative to the voting-eligible population (Piven & Cloward, 2019). In the U.S., voter registration is a duty of individuals, leading to disparities in participation based on socioeconomic factors such as income (Ansolabehere & Snyder, 2017). Political parties operate at the federal, state, and local levels to mobilize voters and facilitate collective action, with their structures adapting to different electoral contexts (Cain, Ferejohn & Fiorina, 2018). Since the 1960s, the South has experienced political realignment, shifting from Democratic dominance to Republican strength—a process driven by race, economic changes, and ideological realignment (Schier, 2021). Primary elections, with variations like open, closed, and top-two formats, determine party nominations and reflect different approaches to voter participation (Merrill & Shull, 2021). The two-party system remains sustained by electoral laws and political coalitions, with Republicans and Democrats representing distinct voter coalitions (Key, 2018). Campaign costs have grown substantially due to factors like television advertising and candidate competition, necessitating significant financial resources (Ansolabehere et al., 2022). Campaign finance regulations, influenced by landmark Supreme Court rulings such as Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United, continue to evolve, shaping the landscape of political funding (FEC, 2018).

Interest Groups, Lobbying, and Campaign Finance

Interest groups aim to influence policy at electoral, legislative, and administrative stages by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing members, and engaging in advocacy efforts (Berry, 2020). Inside lobbying involves direct contact with policymakers, while outside lobbying emphasizes public campaigns and grassroots mobilization (Hojnacki & Kim, 2019). Washington hosts thousands of lobbyists who seek to shape legislation (Hojnacki & Kim, 2021). The legal framework regulating campaign finance includes restrictions on corporate and union PACs, with Super PACs emerging post-Citizens United to allow unlimited independent expenditures (FEC, 2019). The Supreme Court's rulings have significantly impacted campaign finance regulations, balancing free speech rights with concerns about influence and corruption (Smith & Lolos, 2020). The media landscape has become increasingly partisan, with the Internet transforming news dissemination and consumption, challenging traditional journalistic objectivity (Bennett, 2022). Agenda setting and priming are media strategies used to influence public perceptions and policy priorities (McCombs & Shaw, 1972). The 2010 Affordable Care Act expanded healthcare coverage, exemplifying government intervention in social policy, while immigration remains a hotly debated issue due to concerns over economic impact, national security, and cultural integration (Martin & Biles, 2021). Interest groups and social movements continue to shape U.S. policy, exemplified by groups advocating for environmental protection, civil rights, or economic reforms (Tarrow, 2017).

Conclusion

The interconnectedness of political socialization, voter behavior, party dynamics, campaign finance, and media influence forms the backbone of American democracy. While institutions and laws have evolved to broaden participation and regulate influence, ongoing challenges such as political polarization, campaign costs, and media bias continue to shape the political landscape. A comprehensive understanding of these elements is crucial for engaging effectively in the democratic process and for analyzing political developments critically.

References

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