AP U.S. Government & Politics Review: Unit 5 - Political Participation

Overview

• Unit Weight: 20-27% of exam
• Focuses on voting rights, models of voting behavior, voter turnout, political parties, interest groups, election processes, and the media.

5.1 Voting Rights and Models of Voting Behavior

Voting Amendments

• Fifteenth: Extended suffrage to African-American men
• Seventeenth: Popular election of US Senators
• Nineteenth: Extended suffrage to women
• Twenty-Fourth: Abolished poll taxes in federal elections
• Twenty-Sixth: Extended suffrage to 18-20 year-olds; lowered voting age from 21 to 18

Key Legislation

• Voting Rights Act of 1965: Eased voting for African-Americans; removed barriers like poll taxes and literacy tests.
• National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (Motor Voter Act): Simplified voter registration process, integrating it with driver's license applications.

Types of Voting

• Rational-Choice Voting: Based on individual best interest.
• Retrospective Voting: Based on candidate’s past performance.
• Prospective Voting: Based on candidate’s future promises.
• Party-Line Voting: Voting consistently along party lines.

5.2 Voter Turnout

Main Concepts

• Voter Turnout: Percentage of registered voters who vote.
• Compulsory Voting: Laws requiring citizens to vote.
• Political Efficacy: Belief in personal influence on politics and policy.

Elections

• Presidential Elections: Every four years; elect President and Vice-President.
• Midterm Elections: Congressional elections held mid-way through a President’s term.

Demographics

• Study of population characteristics; used to analyze voter behavior.

5.3 Political Parties

Political Party

• Organization of people with shared ideologies aiming to influence policy via elected officials.

Linkage Institutions

• Connects citizens to government and influences political agenda.

5.4 How and Why Political Parties Change and Adapt

Campaign Finance

• Funding for political positions regulated by law.

Candidate-Centered Campaigns

• Focus on individual candidates rather than party.

Critical Elections

• Lead to party realignment, shifting support from one party to another.

Direct Primary

• Voters select party candidate for Presidential election.

Dealignment vs. Realignment

• Dealignment: Loss of party loyalty without switching allegiance.
• Realignment: Change in party preference.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

• Represent interest groups, contributing money within legal limits.

Super PACs

• Unlimited fundraising for candidates/parties; cannot coordinate with them.

5.5 Third-Party Politics

Third Party

• Minor parties outside the major ones (Republican & Democratic);
• Rarely win but highlight specific issues.

Independent Candidates

• Run without party affiliation.

Electoral Systems

• Proportional System: Seats allocated based on vote percentage.
• Two-Party System: Dominance of two major parties.
• Winner-Take-All System: Majority vote wins all legislative seats.

5.6 Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making

Free Rider Problem

• Benefits received without personal contribution.

Interest Groups

• Groups with shared interests aiming to influence policy.

Iron Triangle

• Relationship between congressional committees, bureaucracy, and interest groups.

Iron Network

• Collaborative effort by groups and officials on specific issues.

Lobbying

• Influencing politics through direct interaction with officials.

5.7 Groups Influencing Policy Outcomes

Direct Lobbying

• Direct engagement with officials to influence policy.

Protest vs Social Movements

• Protest Movement: Public demonstrations for awareness.
• Social Movement: Organized efforts for societal change.

Inside vs Outside Strategies

• Inside: Policy influence through direct lobbying.
• Outside: Influence through public engagement and contributions.

Single-Issue Groups

• Focus on one specific issue.

5.8 Electing a President

Primaries

• Closed: Limited to registered party members.
• Open: Open to all voters regardless of party.

Caucus

• Political party meeting to select nominees.

Electoral College

• State-chosen electors formally vote for President based on state election results.

Incumbent

• Current office holder; advantages include experience and exposure.

General Election

• Determines officeholders through popular vote.

5.9 Congressional Elections

Election Types

• Primary Election: Selects party representative for general election.
• General Election: Decides officeholders across parties.
• Presidential Election: Every four years for President and Vice.
• Midterm Election: Congressional elections during the President’s term.

5.10 Modern Campaigns

Campaign Finance

• Increased funding requirements for campaigns since 1970.

Political Consultants

• Professional advisers promoting candidates.

5.11 Campaign Finance

Important Cases

• Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Ruled political spending as free speech under the First Amendment.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)

• Banned soft money; introduced "Stand by Your Ad" provision.

Soft Money

• Funds for campaign advertisement rather than direct donation.

5.12 The Media

Types of Journalism

• Horse Race Journalism: Focus on who is leading in polls.
• Investigative Journalism: In-depth research revealing hidden issues.

Role of the Media

• Shapes public focus and influences political agendas.