Political Parties, Interest Groups & Mass Media Vocab Quiz

The results of an issue poll that help candidates decide which issues to highlight in elections

Group of representatives with a similar background that vote as a bloc on bills

Discussion to determine a candidate for office

“Leaked” political positions designed to see if the public will support a new initiative

A journalist who tries to expose government corruption for the public good

General desire of the country about a major social issue which leads to a change in legislation

Gathering of major party figures every four years to nominate a candidate for President

A short statement that a candidate makes on radio or television

Group which collects money to support a candidate; greatly expanded after Citizens United v FEC

Voting for a candidate based on their ideas about how to deal with upcoming problems

Group which governs campaign finance laws

Times when major issues cause the parties to swap positions ideologically

Voting system where the candidate who receives the largest share of the votes wins the election

Political party which is primarily funded and operated by a significant third-party contributor

Political party that cares more about issues than winning

Faction of the GOP that sought to end political machines  in the early 20th century

Voting for a candidate based on past events

Adjusting Congressional districts so that they do not represent populations equally

National concerns where the two parties are ideologically opposed (e.g. Taxing the rich)

Money spent to support a party, not a candidate (which does not need to be reported)

When a weak candidate is able to get elected due to their relationship to a strong candidate

When people only focus on news or parts of news that support their views

The current office holder running for reelection

Issue where the concern isn't over ideological differences, but who can best help the country

Political support of a candidate due to likability and not due to their stances on issues

Term for a newsmedia that is at odds with public officials, thus keeping them in check

Voting for candidates from either party instead of only voting for candidates from one party