Unit 4

Question 1

What is an ideology?

Answer 1

A coherent set of beliefs about government, politics, and public policy

Ideology shapes views on economy, social issues, government power, and policy preferences.

Question 2

Core Liberal Beliefs of the Democratic Party include:

Answer 2

• Government should promote equality
• Government should regulate the economy
• Expanded social welfare programs
• Stronger environmental protections
• Expanded civil rights protections
• More progressive taxation

These beliefs guide the Democratic Party’s policy preferences.

Question 3

Economic Position of the Democratic Party includes:

Answer 3

• Favor government intervention in the marketplace
• Support minimum wage increases
• Support stronger labor protections
• Favor Keynesian economics

Keynesian economics advocates for stimulus spending during economic downturns.

Question 4

Core Conservative Beliefs of the Republican Party include:

Answer 4

• Limited government
• Free-market capitalism
• Individual responsibility
• Traditional social values
• Lower taxes

These beliefs shape the Republican Party’s approach to governance.

Question 5

Economic Position of the Republican Party includes:

Answer 5

• Less regulation of business
• Lower taxes to stimulate growth
• Support supply-side economics
• Reduce government spending

Supply-side economics focuses on incentives for businesses.

Question 6

What is the Libertarian Ideology?

Answer 6

• Government should be minimal
• Very limited economic regulation
• Strong civil liberties
• Low taxes
• Maximum individual freedom

Libertarians prioritize individual freedom and minimal government intervention.

Question 7

What is Fiscal Policy?

Answer 7

Taxing and spending decisions controlled by Congress and President

It reflects the government’s approach to managing the economy.

Question 8

Liberal View on Fiscal Policy includes:

Answer 8

• Use spending to reduce inequality
• Government stimulus during recession
• Progressive tax system

This view emphasizes government intervention to address economic disparities.

Question 9

Conservative View on Fiscal Policy includes:

Answer 9

• Lower taxes
• Reduce government spending
• Encourage private sector growth

This view advocates for less government involvement in the economy.

Question 10

What is Monetary Policy?

Answer 10

Controlled by the Federal Reserve, involving interest rates and money supply

It plays a crucial role in managing economic stability.

Question 11

What is Keynesian Economics?

Answer 11

Government spending stimulates economy during downturn

It supports running deficits during recessions to boost economic activity.

Question 12

What is Supply-Side Economics?

Answer 12

Lower taxes encourage investment and economic growth

It focuses on creating incentives for businesses to expand.

Question 13

American political culture includes:

Answer 13

• Individualism
• Equality of opportunity
• Liberty
• Rule of law
• Democracy
• Free enterprise

These values shape the political landscape and public policy.

Question 14

What are Linkage Institutions?

Answer 14

• Political parties
• Interest groups
• Elections
• Media

They connect citizens to government and shape policy agendas.

Question 15

Functions of Political Parties include:

Answer 15

• Mobilize voters
• Educate voters
• Develop party platforms
• Recruit candidates
• Organize campaigns

Political parties play a crucial role in the electoral process.

Question 16

What is a Realignment in political parties?

Answer 16

A major shift in party coalitions often tied to a critical election

Realignments can lead to permanent changes in party dominance.

Question 17

What are Critical Elections?

Answer 17

Elections that result in permanent change in party dominance

An example is the New Deal era.

Question 18

What are Structural Barriers to Third Parties?

Answer 18

• Winner-take-all electoral system
• Ballot access laws
• Lack of media coverage
• Debate access restrictions

These barriers limit the success of third parties in elections.

Question 19

What do Interest Groups do?

Answer 19

• Represent specific interests
• Educate voters and lawmakers
• Draft legislation
• Mobilize members
• Lobby policymakers

Interest groups play a significant role in influencing policy.

Question 20

What are Iron Triangles?

Answer 20

Stable, mutually beneficial relationships between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups

They facilitate policy-making and implementation.

Question 21

Types of Interest Groups include:

Answer 21

• Economic groups (business, labor)
• Public interest groups
• Ideological groups
• Single-issue groups

Each type focuses on different aspects of policy and advocacy.

Question 22

Factors affecting the influence of interest groups include:

Answer 22

• Resources
• Money
• Membership size
• Expertise
• Access to policymakers

These factors determine how effectively an interest group can advocate for its interests.

Question 23

What is the Free Rider Problem?

Answer 23

People benefit without joining, making recruitment difficult

This issue affects the effectiveness of interest groups.

Question 24

What is the Presidential Elections Process?

Answer 24

• Primaries (open vs. closed)
• Caucuses
• Party conventions
• General election
• Electoral College vote

This process determines the candidates for the presidency.

Question 25

What is an **Open Primary**?

Answer 25

Any voter can participate ## Footnote This allows for broader participation in candidate selection.

Question 26

What is a **Closed Primary**?

Answer 26

Only registered party members can participate ## Footnote This restricts participation to party affiliates.

Question 27

What is a **Caucus**?

Answer 27

Party meeting to select a candidate ## Footnote Caucuses involve discussions and voting among party members.

Question 28

What is the **Electoral College**?

Answer 28

Indirect election system with winner-take-all in most states ## Footnote It may conflict with the popular vote and emphasizes swing states.

Question 29

What is the **Incumbency Advantage**?

Answer 29

Incumbents have a higher chance of re-election due to established recognition and resources ## Footnote This advantage is significant in congressional elections.

Question 30

What is the **Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)**?

Answer 30

Limited soft money and regulated issue ads ## Footnote This act aimed to reduce the influence of money in politics.

Question 31

What was the outcome of **Citizens United v. FEC**?

Answer 31

Political spending is protected speech, allowing unlimited independent expenditures ## Footnote This ruling led to the rise of Super PACs.

Question 32

Difference between **PACs** and **Super PACs**:

Answer 32

* PACs: Can donate directly to candidates, limited contribution amounts * Super PACs: Cannot donate directly, can spend unlimited money independently ## Footnote This distinction affects campaign financing strategies.

Question 33

What role does **Media** play as a Linkage Institution?

Answer 33

* Inform citizens * Set political agenda * Investigate government * Frame issues * Act as watchdog ## Footnote Media connects citizens to government and influences public opinion.

Question 34

What is **Media Bias**?

Answer 34

* Partisan bias * Corporate ownership influence * Selective coverage * Framing effects ## Footnote These factors can distort public perception and understanding of issues.

Question 35

Effects of the **Changing Media Landscape** include:

Answer 35

* Cable news polarization * Social media * Ideologically oriented programming * Declining trust in traditional media ## Footnote These changes contribute to increased polarization and misinformation.