Review Sheet Unit II: Political Beliefs/Ideology, Participation, Elections and Parties

Chapters 4 (pp. 88-106), 8, 9 & 7

Terms at the end of each chapter

Chapter 4 Political Culture and Ideology

•What is political culture?

•What are the most important characteristics of American political culture?

•What are the most important American political ideologies?

•How do liberals and conservatives tend to view government and its role in American society? Look at the economy, civil rights and civil liberties, foreign and domestic matters, and lifestyle. What are the liberal and conservative positions on each of these dimensions.

Chapter 8 Public Opinion, Participation, and Voting

•What is public opinion?

•What role does public opinion play in American politics? Does it matter what people think?

•How do we acquire our political values and beliefs?

•What is the relationship between social and economic background and political values and beliefs?

•What role has direct citizen participation played in American politics and government?

•What determines who votes and who does not?

•Why is turnout so low?

•What are possible reforms to the system? Should there be reforms?

Chapter 7 Political Parties

•What role do political parties play in the election process?

•Why is it so difficult for a viable 3^rd party to emerge in our pol. system?

•How have the nature and function of American political parties changed in recent years?

•How are the two largest American political parties organized: national, state and local?

•What role do the two major political parties play in American government and politics?

•How can we explain the rise of independent voters in recent years (think "realignment dealignment")

•How are political parties financed? What are the most important sources of money for each of the two major political parties?

•What criticisms are made of the two party system?

•What reforms has each party made in recent years?

Chapter 9 Campaigns and Elections

•What role do elections play in American democracy?

•What trends in voter turnout and enthusiasm have been detected in recent years?

•What rules govern congressional and presidential elections?

•Why are so few congressional elections competitive?

•Be able to explain how the Electoral College works. What are some problems with this system?

•How does campaigning during the primaries differ from campaigning during the general election?

•Why is fundraising such an important part of running for office in contemporary America?

•What are the most important consequences of the high cost of state and national political campaigns?

•What suggestions have been made to improve American elections?