Term
The roles of interest groups: |
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Definition
1. Representation 2. Participation 3. Education 4. Agenda building 5. Program monitoring |
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Term
Where do most Americans fall in an ideological spectrum b/w conservative and liberal? |
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Definition
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Term
Common goal of interest groups: |
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Definition
Influence policy to influence government |
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Term
Why interest groups are formed: |
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Definition
To address a disturbance in the political, social, or economic environment that threatens the members of a group |
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Term
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Definition
Political Action Committee: The fund-raising arm of an interest group
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Term
The move of southern conservative Democrats to the Republican Party, why and what effect has this had on parties? |
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Definition
- Democratic Party has become MORE liberal
- Republican Party has become MORE conservative
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Term
The different types of interest groups (4): |
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Definition
1. Public
2. Economic
3. Government
4. Equal Opportunity
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Term
What are the two major roles of political parties?
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Definition
1. Governing- controlling/setting agenda for government
2. Electioneering- process of nominating candidates/getting them elected
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Term
Which one is the largest group, what
problems do others face? |
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Definition
-Economic interest group is the largest group
-FRP-most commonly faced by public interest groups
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Term
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Definition
basing voting decisions on reactions to past performance; approving the status quo or signaling a desire for change
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Term
What is it and why does the ‘revolving door’ between representatives and lobbyists exist?
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Definition
- the tendency of public officials, journalists, and lobbyists to move between public and private sector (media, lobbying) jobs
- Representatives make the best lobbyists
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Term
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Definition
issues on which most voters and candidates share the same position (ex. : education)
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Term
What is the difference between indirect
and direct lobbying?
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Definition
-Indirect lobbying: attempts to influence government policymakers by encouraging the general public to put pressure on them direct lobbying
-direct lobbying: direct interaction with public officials for the purpose of influencing policy decisions
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Term
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Definition
national and state governments share responsibilities for most domestic policy areas
“Marble cake” model of federalism
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Term
What is Astroturf lobbying? |
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Definition
-Indirect lobbying efforts that manipulate or create public sentiment, “Astroturf” being artificial grassroots; indicates that it’s not really genuine
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Term
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Definition
federal funds provided for a specific purpose, restricted by detailed instructions, regulations and compliance standards. |
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Term
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Definition
federal funds provided for a broad purpose, unrestricted by detailed requirements and regulations. |
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Term
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Definition
a federal order mandating that states operate and pay for a program created at the national level. |
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Term
The spoils-system (patronage) vs. merit-based system reforms: |
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Definition
Spoils-system- where a party candidate comes out and rewards their voters with jobs and favors |
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Term
Professional legislature versus a citizen (part-time) legislature |
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Definition
The Texas legislature is citizen/part time (meets once or twice a year), they have other jobs. Professional legislatures meet every week/day/year.
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Term
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Definition
a strong supporter of a single party |
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Term
What is super legislation? |
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Definition
interest groups that get state constitutions amended
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Term
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Definition
of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other’s policies
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Term
Do local governments have constitutional rights? Who creates them and directs them? |
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Definition
- Local governments enjoy no special status. They are created by the State governments to serve them and they can be changed, destroyed, expanded by State governments.
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Term
Why people identify with a political party
and how that effects their voting: |
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Definition
Because of their parents and they vote according to their party.
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Term
What is a plural executive? Does Texas have one? |
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Definition
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Term
What problem created by the US constitution have parties helped overcome? |
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Definition
Fragmented government (they act as glue)
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Term
How many years was Texas independent and what was it called? |
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Definition
-9 years, Republic of Texas
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Term
The difference between American parties and parties in other countries (ideological, disciple, structure, etc.) |
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Definition
- American parties have recently increased their party discipline and ideological stance - American party organizations are less organized and more decentralized than other countries
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Term
Is the Texas legislature professional or citizen? What are the two houses of the bicameral legislature called? How many members do they have? |
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Definition
Citizen, 150-HOUSE, 31-SENATE
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Term
What is a two-party system? Why do third parties not do so well in US elections? |
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Definition
- Where two major political parties dominated voting in nearly all elections, at every level (we have a 2 party system) - 3rd parties don’t do well because the 2 parties in control write the election laws
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Term
How long and how often does the legislature meet for? |
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Definition
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