Unit 3 Political Parties, Interest Groups, & Mass Media
Essential Questions
* What is the difference between a Democrat and a Republican?
* What are third parties? And what role do they play?
* Political parties and interest groups are not mentioned in the Constitution yet they play a critical role. How? Why?
* Do they serve our democracy or are they an obstacle?
* How do interest group influence government decisions and policy making?
* How does the media shape elections?
* What is the difference between a Democrat and a Republican?
* What are third parties? And what role do they play?
* Political parties and interest groups are not mentioned in the Constitution yet they play a critical role. How? Why?
* Do they serve our democracy or are they an obstacle?
* How do interest group influence government decisions and policy making?
* How does the media shape elections?
Vocabulary
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Linkage institutions
Two-party system Single-member districts Winner-take-all Proportional representation plurality New Deal Coalition Divided government Gridlock |
Straight ticket voting Rational choice theory
Maintaining elections Deviating elections Critical elections Realigning elections Dealigning elections Party machines Patronage Caucuses |
Party platform
Closed primary Open primary Super Tuesday Super delegates Delegates Frontloading Horserace journalism National committee Party coalition Pol Action Committees Soft money |
Independent expenditures
Issue advocacy ads Super PACs 527s Public funding FEC Electoral College Interest groups Single-issue groups Public interest groups |
Economic interest groups
Amicus curiae Class-action lawsuit Litigation Free riders Lobbying Grassroots lobbying Mass media Media events Gatekeepers Watchdogs |
Lecture & Videos
For this unit, view and take notes from the Party Realignment and Media & Press Coverage sections.
For this unit, view and take notes from the Party Realignment and Media & Press Coverage sections.
Activities & Assignments
**Sub Plan for Sept 16**
Mass Media: The Fourth Estate
**Sub Plan for Sept 16**
Mass Media: The Fourth Estate
Media PPT
Mass Media Note Overview PDF
Development of Political Parties PDF
Development of Political Parties PPT
Difference between Democrats & Republicans PDF
Function of Political Parties PDF
Function of Political Parties PPT
Interest Groups Notes PDF
Interest Groups Chart PDF
PACs v 527s PDF
Campaign Election Reform PDF
Mass Media Note Overview PDF
Development of Political Parties PDF
Development of Political Parties PPT
Difference between Democrats & Republicans PDF
Function of Political Parties PDF
Function of Political Parties PPT
Interest Groups Notes PDF
Interest Groups Chart PDF
PACs v 527s PDF
Campaign Election Reform PDF
*** Supplemental Resources for Interest Groups - Use with computer lab time 9/26
Interest Groups: readings, interactives & videos here
Interest Groups: readings, interactives & videos here
*** Sept 27 Sub Plan
Students are to copy the items below. Next you are to identify/define the items below and provide an example. Write your answers in your notebook. Students may work collaboratively.
Primary elections- differences between open, closed, blanket, run-off
Primary function of PACs, political parties
How do parties and interest groups promote democracy?
Campaign finance laws- (see textbook)
Why are interest groups becoming more popular and parties less so?
Reasons for two party system
Interest group influences policy matters that are narrow issues, few groups, technical info
Plurality v. majority election
PACs influence of legislation and legislators- HOW
Concept of dealignment/realignment and elections
Coattail and midterm elections, frontloading
Role of amicus curiae for interest groups
Critical elections- when, reasons for shift
Students are to copy the items below. Next you are to identify/define the items below and provide an example. Write your answers in your notebook. Students may work collaboratively.
Primary elections- differences between open, closed, blanket, run-off
Primary function of PACs, political parties
How do parties and interest groups promote democracy?
Campaign finance laws- (see textbook)
Why are interest groups becoming more popular and parties less so?
Reasons for two party system
Interest group influences policy matters that are narrow issues, few groups, technical info
Plurality v. majority election
PACs influence of legislation and legislators- HOW
Concept of dealignment/realignment and elections
Coattail and midterm elections, frontloading
Role of amicus curiae for interest groups
Critical elections- when, reasons for shift
