1. UNIT 4: THE ELECTORAL PROCESS Study Guide Review

2. Test Format 15 Multiple Choice 2 Short Answer Questions 1 Essay

3. Precinct Smallest geographic unit for holding elections Public Opinion Help politicians better plan campaigns if they know what it is important to the people

4. Poll Taken to determine people’s attitudes and viewpoints Interest Group Tries to persuade people to respond to its members shared attitudes

5. Labor Union Organization of workers who work in the same job or industry Lobbyist People who generally work within the government process to affect policy

6. Significance of the nomination stage of elections Nominations set real limits to the choices voters can make in general elections

7. Significance of primary elections The outcome will dictate whom they will vote for in the general election

8. Reasons for automated voting or voting machines To minimize vote counting errors

9. Impact of money as a campaign resource It helps candidates become known to the public

10. Limits on campaign contributions Can be made by an American

11. Typical campaign budgets today Spend the most on TV ads

12. Impact of public opinion on politicians Americans belong to many different publics, each with a different viewpoint

13. Impact of mass media on the public agenda Focus the public’s attention on specific issues

14. Major role of interest groups Supply the public with information Building a positive image for their group Promote a particular public policy

15. SHORT ANSWERS

16. The Political Process The process 1. Define the universe to surveyed 2. Construct a sample 3. Prepare valid questions 4. Select and control how the pole 5. Analyze and report their findings to the public Impact Measures people’s attitudes

17. Interest Groups The Good Stimulate interest in public affairs Represent their members on the basis of shared attitudes Provide useful info. to the government Vehicles for political participation

18. Interest Groups cont’d The Bad Some have influence that isn’t far Hard to tell who or how many a group represents Some don’t represent the view of all people they claim to represent Some tactics used would undermine the whole political system

19. ESSAY QUESTIONS

20. Mass Media & Elections Role of the Media Means of communication Forms of the Media TV Newspaper Radio Magazines

21. Mass Media & Elections Cont’d Media & Politics Presents people with political information and government Plays a part in shaping the public agenda Limits on Media Few people follow political events Content the media carries Radio and TV skim the news

22. Electoral College Fill in the boxes on your study guide as you watch the video. http://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-your-vote-count-the- electoral-college-explained-christina-greer http://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-your-vote-count-the- electoral-college-explained-christina-greer Process/Support Criticisms/Reform