Unit 3

Unit 3 Media, Political Parties & Interest Groups

Learning Objectives

Identify and explain the role of the media in the political system.
LO 4.B.1: Explain the media’s role in providing citizens with political information.
LO 4.B.2: Analyze the development, implications, and consequences of increasingly diverse numbers of media and political communication outlets.
LO 4.C.1: Explain the functions and impact of political parties with regard to the electorate and the government.
LO 4.C.2: Analyze why political parties change and adapt to political realities.
LO 4.C.3: Explain structural barriers to third party and independent candidate success.
LO 4.C.4: Analyze the benefits and potential problems of interest group influence on elections and policy making.
LO 4.C.5: Analyze the reasons for and impact of social movements and protest politics.
LO 4.C.6: Assess the impact of elections, public opinion, interest groups, and political parties on policy outcomes.
LO 4.E.2: Explain changes in the structure and function of election campaigns since 1972.
LO 4.E.3: Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of candidate-centered campaigns in the 21st century.
LO 4.E.4: Analyze the relative importance of money and democratic principles in elections.
LO 4.E.5: Analyze whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy.

Vocabulary

Linkage institutions
Lobbying
Grassroots lobbying
Mass media
Media events
Gatekeepers
Watchdogs
Divided government
Gridlock

Independent expenditures
Issue advocacy ads
Super PACs
527s
Public funding
FEC
Interest groups
Single-issue groups
Public interest groups

Economic interest groups
Amicus curiae
Class-action lawsuit
Litigation
Free riders
Party coalition
Pol Action Committees
Soft money

Colbert Report & Campaign Finance- Read this and watch the videos
PACs vs 527s doc
Campaign Finance Reform doc