Ap Gov Unit 3 Vocab Quiz

A group of interests or organizations that join forces for the purpose of electing public officials.

A trend or process whereby a large portion of the electorate abandons its previous partisan affiliation, without developing a new one to replace it.

One of the two major political parties in the United States. Believes in equality over freedom.

The selection of party candidates through the ballots of qualified voters rather than at party nomination conventions.

The differences between women and men, especially as reflected in social, political, intellectual, cultural, or economic attainments or attitudes.

Politics that focuses on specific issues rather than on party, candidate, or other loyalties.

A colloquial term for the United States heartland, especially the culturally conservative rural and suburban areas of the United States; the middle class in the US, especially when regarded as a conservative political force.

A party conclave (meeting) held in the presidential election year for the purposes of nominating a presidential and vice presidential ticket and adopting a platform.

A statement of the general and specific philosophy and policy goals of a political party, usually promulgated at the national convention.

A group of office holders, candidates, activists, and voters who identify with a group label and seek to elect to public office individuals who run under that label.

A member or adherent of a political party seeking to represent the interests of ordinary people.

The voters who consider themselves allied or associated with the party.

One of the two major political parties in the United States. Believes in freedom over equality.

An unspecified large majority of people in a country or group who do not express their opinions publicly.

A person or group besides the two primarily involved in a situation, especially a dispute.

The upper half of the front page of a newspaper where an important news story or photograph is often located. Newspaper stories that appear below the fold are said to be located "under the fold."

The suspicious attitude of the national press toward public officials; the current era of media coverage that seizes upon any bit of information or rumor that might call into question the qualifications or character of a public official.

International news agency that provides reports through the World Wide Web, television, radio, and print publications. The agency compiles stories from various new outlets and republishes them through their various channels. The company was founded in 1846 and is based out of New York, New York. It is a cooperative owned by the various newspapers, radio, and television stations that regularly contribute news to the agency.

The three traditional commercial broadcast television networks in the United States: ABC, CBS and NBC. From the 1950s to the late 1980s, these networks dominated U.S. television.

Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.

A media source declaring support for a candidate or policy.

The rule that requires broadcast stations to sell air time equally to all candidates in a political campaign if they choose to sell it to any.

Rule in effect from 1949 to 1985 requiring broadcasters to cover events adequately and to prevent present contrasting views on important public issues.

An independent agency of the United States government, created by Congressional statute to regulate interstate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S.

Coverage of a candidate's campaign by the news media.

A United States federal law that grants the public access to information possessed by government agencies. Upon written request, U.S. government agencies are required to release information unless it falls under one of nine exemptions listed in the Act. All Executive Branch departments, agencies and offices, federal regulatory agencies and federal corporations are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. However, it does not apply to Congress, federal courts and parts of the Executive Office of the President that serve only to advise and assist the President. The law is enforceable in a court of law.

Media coverage that focuses on poll results and political battles instead of policy issues.

False written statements or written statements tending to call someone's reputation into disrepute.

The use of insults and accusations, especially unjust ones, with the aim of damaging the reputation of an opponent.

Advertisement on behalf of a candidate that attacks the opponent's platform or character.

The tactic used widely by White House officials of releasing information to the press on an anonymous basis when it serves the officials interests to have the information publicized. Some of these are unauthorized and unwanted by the White House.

Information provided to a journalist that will not be released to the public.

Information provided to a journalist that can be released and attributed by name to the source.

Political advertisements purchased for a candidate's campaign.

A set of issues and policies laid out by ideological or political groups; as well as topics under discussion by a governmental executive, or a cabinet in government that tries to influence current and near-future political news and debate.

Advertising on behalf of a candidate that stresses the candidates qualifications, family, and issue positions, without reference to the opponent.

Constitutional doctrine that prevents the government from prohibiting speech or publication before the fact; generally held to be in violation of the First Amendment.

Untrue spoken statements that defame the character of a person.

Short snippets of information aimed at dramatizing a story rather than explaining its substantive meaning.

A common case dealing with prior restraints and national security when the publications of stolen pentagon papers about military involvement in Vietnam were leaked.

An approach that separates itself from direct lobbying through the act of asking the general public to contact legislators and government officials concerning the issue at hand, as opposed to conveying the message to the legislators directly; mobilization of civilian population as part of contentious politics.

An organized group that tries to influence public policy.

A major thoroughfare in the United States capital of Washington, D.C. known as a center for numerous think tanks, lobbyists, and advocacy groups.

Interest group representative who seeks to influence legislation that will benefit his or her organization through political persuasion.

An identifiable group of persons who possess a disproportionate share of some valued resource--such as money or political power.

A body of experts providing advice and ideas on specific political or economic problems.