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Dariana Guerra
Professor Jurhree
Govt 2305
February 2024
Exam III- (Study Guide Question Analysis)- 90 points
(1) Name and explain the seven major functions of interest groups in American
politics. 1. Political: When a group tries to control or affect government decisions.
2. Economic: When a group tries to influence how wealth and goods are shared. They focus on economic policies.
3. Social: When a group cares about people and how they interact. They deal with people's living conditions and problems.
4. Ideological: When a group's values and beliefs guide their actions.
5. Symbolic: The image a group shows to the public.
6. Informational: When a group shares facts with the public about certain issues.
7. Instrumental: When a group works to pass or block a law.
(2) According to your text, list the seven major functions of political parties in American politics. 1. To decide who gets to lead and make laws.
2. To make sure different parts of government work together.
3. To set up elections, get people to vote, and help candidates.
4. To bring people together and calm fights.
5. To arrange how the government works.
6. To make voting easier by giving clear options.
7. To turn what people want into rules.
(3) Name and explain the five major political parties which have gained a competitive position in U.S. politics.
1. The Democrats: The first big party in the US, they supported regular people and immigrants. They didn't like high taxes or national banks and came from the Jacksonian part of the Jeffersonian party.
2. The Whigs: They didn't last long and were against Andrew Jackson's strong presidency. They cared about property and business and were against immigration.
3. The Jeffersonians: Led by Thomas Jefferson, they liked small farmers and regular folks. They preferred states having more power and didn't like big government. Sometimes they were called Anti-Federalists or Republicans.
4. The Federalists: The first political group in America, they liked the Constitution and
were popular with rich people in the Northeast. But they didn't last because not many other people supported them.
5. The Republicans: They started in the North to fight slavery and became famous for Abraham Lincoln. They also cared about business, like the Whigs.
(4) List the eight reasons why many political scientists argue that there has been a decline in America's two-party system on the national level. 1. Political Action Committees
2. The government hiring system
3. The end of political machines
4. More focus on media in politics
5. Groups focusing on one issue
6. Less influence of parties on society
7. Campaign teams run by individuals
8. Programs helping people in need
(5) List the eight advantages of incumbency. 1. Money for the campaign
2. Having many helpers for tasks
3. Getting attention from the media
4. Experience in elections
5. Using resources from their office
6. Claiming responsibility for money given to their region
7. Being well-known
8. Getting extra support from PACs
(6) Explain the anatomy of a political campaign. The textbook stated that there were 4 parts: the decision to run, being nominated by the
party, acquiring the electoral victory, and the post-election stage. Deciding to run for office is a big step for anyone who wants to make a difference in politics. Getting the party's support is super important because it means you can compete in the big election. During the campaign, candidates work hard to connect with voters, make their message clear, and get people to vote for them. After the election, it is time to get
ready for office and think about what worked and what did not during the campaign.
(7) Explain what reformers have tried to do to prevent abuse in political contributions. Reformers have worked on different plans to stop problems with political donations. The Federal Campaign Acts of 1972 and 1974 set rules to control how much money can be spent on campaigns and who can give money. They also allowed groups called Political Action Committees to collect money from interest groups, labor unions, and companies for candidates. Another tremendous change is that now, everyone has to say
where they got their money for politics and what they are spending it on. The government also helps fund presidential candidates and campaigns to make sure rich people do not have too much power in elections. These changes aim to keep elections fair and honest by reducing the chances of corruption in fundraising. (8) Explain the four objectives of a political campaign. The four objectives of political campaigns are: 1. Providing a forum for new leadership by giving information to the voters 2. Mobilizing the voting population 3. Obtaining funds from supporters 4. Acquiring the party endorsement (9) List the three major characteristics of third parties. 1. They are for radical changes 2. They address issues that the two major parties will not 3. They have strong ideological foundations that are outside the mindset of the masses (10) Summarize the New Deal Coalition of 1932 in two paragraphs. After reading the textbook, I learned that The New Deal Coalition in 1932 was a lot of people who joined together because of the tough times during the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt led this group, which included city workers, labor unions, minorities, farmers, and educated individuals. They all wanted the government to help fix problems like high unemployment, poverty, and economic struggles. Roosevelt's plans, like creating welfare
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programs, changing work laws, and building public projects, were liked by this group and made them support the Democratic Party more.
This coalition changed American politics a lot by making the Democratic Party extraordinarily strong for many years. Roosevelt's government gave help to people suffering from the Depression and made new rules to make society fairer. Because of this, many groups
that used to support the Republicans, like African Americans and labor unions, started supporting the Democrats. This support change had a big effect on American politics, deciding who had power and what rules were important for a long time. (11) According to your text, give at least seven examples of political education in American politics. 1. Members of school boards
2. Efforts to win elections
3. Politicians chosen by votes
4. Representatives in the national legislature
5. Local governing bodies
6. Voting
7. Communicating through written messages
(12) Summarize the Reagan Coalition of the 1980s in two paragraphs. The Reagan Coalition in the 1980s was a group of people who came together while Ronald Reagan was president. Some people were worried about other countries, so they wished for a strong military. But, some people, mostly business owners, did not like high taxes and lots of rules for businesses. Another part of the group cared a lot about social issues like crime and racism. They included various kinds of people, like white voters, religious folks, and Southern whites who were worried about racism and special programs for minorities. Even though they all had different concerns, they joined forces under Reagan's leadership. Together, they became a dedicated team that pushed for traditional ideas and rules during the 1980s, shaping American politics at that time. (13) List the six major problems or factors that every political candidate must confront. 1. The candidate must gain name recognition.
2. The candidate must present a positive image. 3. The candidate must exemplify leadership abilities. 4. The candidate must know how to raise funds
5. The candidate must be 35 years or older 6. The candidate must be a resident for the last 14 years (14) Explain the evolution of voting in the United States. Over the years, determining voting rights has changed a bunch. Before, many Southern
white folks mostly voted for Democrats, but during the Civil Rights Movement, lots of them started voting for Republicans. Poor folks liked the Democrats because they had programs like welfare and social security during the New Deal. Black people also began voting for Democrats because they passed laws for equal rights and treated everyone fairly. White ethnic
groups, who used to support Republicans, started liking Democrats more, especially because they helped workers and had programs to help people. Working folks and union members, especially in cities, usually vote for Democrats because they want better to pay, and safer jobs, and the Democratic Party supports these things. (15) Explain the five reasons why political parties and interest groups are alike in U.S. politics. 1. They both represent their organizational interests to officeholders in all branches of government. 2. They both politicize their members and others. 3. They both mediate group conflict 4. They both recruit political candidates and help finance their campaigns 5. They both engage in electioneering. (16) Explain the five reasons why political parties and interest groups differ in U.S. politics. 1. Political parties try to gain political influence primarily by choosing candidates, running them in elections, and winning and holding public office. 2. Interest groups encourage and support certain candidates but do not try to win and hold public office. 3. Political parties try to influence the government. 4. Interest groups try to influence the government. 5. Political parties are organized around the electoral process and are fully active only in connection with elections. (17) List the seven factors which will determine the power and success of an interest group. 1.
Money
2. Membership
3. Knowledge of the political system 4. Legitimacy 5. Prestige 6. Organizational skills 7. Leadership skills (18) Explain the difference between public and private interest groups. From what I have read, I can conclude that
the difference between public and private interest groups is
that public interest is for the public, while private interest is for the individuals who benefit. (19) What is a single-issue interest group and give me an example of one? Over the years, voting in the United States has changed a lot. Southern white voters used to mostly vote for Democrats, but many switched to Republicans during the Civil Rights Movement. Poor people liked Democrats because they had programs like welfare and social security. Black voters also began supporting Democrats for equal rights. White ethnic groups, who used to support Republicans, started liking Democrats more because they help workers and have social programs. Working-class and union members, especially in cities, often vote Democrat for better pay and safer jobs, which the party supports. The "Save the Bees Alliance" is an exceptional group that focuses on helping bees and where they live. They teach why bees are important, ask for rules to stop harmful chemicals, and make places where bees can live happily. They get people to talk to politicians, tell others about bees, and protect bees and their homes. (20) List at least seven third parties that have occurred in American politics. 1. Ross Perot, Reform Party: 1996 2. John B. Anderson, Independent Party: 1980 3. George C. Wallace, American Independent Party: 1968 4.Robert M. LaFollette, Progressive Party: 1924 5. Theodore Roosevelt, Bull Moose Party: 1912 6. Eugene V. Debs, Socialist Party: 1912 7. James B. Weaver, Populist Party: 1892 (21) List the nine elements that are involved when a candidate is being nominated in primaries or conventions. 1. Media "mentions."
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2. Political experience 3. The decision to run 4. A strategy for the primaries 5. The New Hampshire primary 6. The front-end strategy 7. Super Tuesday 8. Big State strategy 9. Convention showplace
(22) What is a " Political Machine "?
A political machine is a strong party group led by someone in charge that uses rewards
like jobs to control politics tightly. (23) What is a " Caucus "?
In simple words, a caucus is a way for party leaders to choose the party's nominee.
(24) What are " Iron Triangles "?
Iron Triangles are close relationships between interest groups, government agencies, and legislative committees with power over a certain policy area. (25) What is a " Lobbyist “? A lobbyist helps companies or groups by talking to politicians to influence their choices on laws. They share facts and arguments, and sometimes present to get lawmakers to support their client's needs and create laws that benefit them.