American Govt Chapter 5

Front 1

amicus curiae briefs

Back 1

Friend of the Court. In some cases, a group can present its views on the issues in question and attempt to convince the court of merits of its arguments. (NAACP on an affirmative action case)

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independents

Back 2

individuals who do not identify themselves with either party

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interest groups

Back 3

an assemblage of people who share common attitudes and interests and who try to influence the political systems by shaping public opinion and influencing decisions of govt officials

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lobbying

Back 4

a method used by interest groups to infulence public policy, trying to persuade legislators to vote for or against a particular bill or convience someone that a bill is undesirable

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minor parties

Back 5

THIRD parties that exist to oppose the policies and programs of the two major parties and to advance their own ideas

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multiparty systems

Back 6

a system where a number of parties compete successfully for elective office.

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national chair

Back 7

a formally elected by the national committee, chosen by the party's presidential nominee, dominates the committee with the help of the permanent staff.

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national committee

Back 8

the executive organ of the party during the time between mettings of the national convention

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national convention

Back 9

the political party's top national authority. it meets every 4 yrs to nominate president and vice president candidates.

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party identification

Back 10

politcal scientist uses this word to refer to the loyalty of voters to a particular party

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party unity votes

Back 11

partisan behavior in which a majority of the members of one party vote together on an issue and the majority of the members of the other party vote in opposition.

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political action committee

Back 12

PAC's Labor unions and corporations creations to get around them being accused of illegally making a direct contribution to canidates.

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political parties

Back 13

organized political activity group that try to influence policy primarily by getting their members elected or appointed to govt offices

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precinct

Back 14

a basic party unit committee which functions within a specific election or voting district. They engage in campaign activities, party organizational work, recruit canidates and distribute political information to voters.

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professional associations

Back 15

small interest groups of professionals who influence is affected by wealth and status

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single interest interest groups

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focuses entirely on a single issue (ex: abortion)or (gun control) they gain status by applying pressure on the candidates to get what they want.

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trade association

Back 17

a variety of groups represented in nations capital for business interests

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two party system

Back 18

the american party system at the national level. Each party nominates a candidate and only one of the 2 parties have a real chance of winning.

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ward

Back 19

one of the small committes, varying in size and importance, below the county committee, functions below the city and township