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HSA Review: Unit Three

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What’s the Difference?Political Parties

*Def: Group that seeks to reach power in a govt. by winning elections

* Examples:- Democrats- Republicans- Green Party- Constitution Party

Political Interest Groups*Def: Groups that lobby

(influence) the govt. to help their specific cause- Lobbying Example: NAACP member persuades Congressman to support bill

* Examples:- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)- American Association for Retired Persons (AARP)

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Democrats vs. Republicans* Democrats: (liberal)

- favors an expanding govt. role in economy & social programs = More money for entitlement programs

* Republicans:(conservative)

- favor cutting taxes & little govt. role in economy and social programs = less money for entitlement programs

Left vs. Right

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Third Political Parties* Third Parties: any

political party other than the 2 major parties

* Why 3rd Parties Start?(1) emphasize issues ignored by major parties

(2) major parties eventually include these ignored issues in later elections

* Rarely Win: (1) “winner takes all” system winner takes a state’s entire electoral votes—no points for 2nd or 3rd place!

(2) rarely have enough money to compete with Dems & Reps

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What is the Media?* Definition: all means of

communicating messages to reach public- TV, Internet, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines

* Nickname: “The 4th Branch of Government”B/C of big influence on Govt. actions and people’s beliefs

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Media in Political Campaigns* Candidates use themedia to persuadepeople’s opinions ofthemselves andopponents

Ads costs lots of $ Candidates spend lots of time raising money to fund the expensive ads

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Public Opinion* Definition: the ideas & attitudes people have

about government & political issues

* Best Method of Discovering Public Opinion:- Polls: ask a small number of people a

series of questions—results show public’s attitudes

* Why do you think candidates and elected officials track public opinion polls so closely?

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The Campaign for Votes* The “Campaign”:

when candidates present their positions to voters—seeking as many votes as possible

A. CampaignRequirements:

1. Organization2. Strategy3. Money 4. Positive public image5. Media exposure

B. Funding Campaigns:

- People can give up to $2,000 to a candidate

- No donation limits when giving $ directly to political parties

- Political Action Committee (PAC): organizations that collect $ give funds to candidates, $5,000 limit per candidate