Galey’s AP GOV Review Terms

YEAH!!!111!!!

Interest Groups

• Groups that attempt to change/affect public policy without trying to get elected.

• For instance: PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is an active group that works for the interest of animals. They are NOT trying to change our entire political system, but they are trying to change specific policies regarding animal treatment.

Political Action Committees• PACs are the legal way for corporations, companies, trade

unions, or large groups, to donate money to political candidates. PACs want to actively affect governmental structure by assuring their legislation is passed and their candidates are in office.

• Individuals may only donate $2,500 per year to one Federal candidate, but PACs can donate $5,000 at once.

• An example would be ExxonMobil, which is an oil company as well as a registered PAC. They have supported both Republicans and Democrats since 1999, donating billions of dollars.

Split-Ticket Voting

• Voting different parties into office when multiple elections are on one ballet.

• For instance, vote for a Democrat as a President and a Republican as a Senator, and for a member of the Green Party to act as the County Supervisor, all at one election.

Coattail Effect

• The popularity of one politician causing other members of the same party to gain popularity.

• For instance, in the wake of Obama’s first election into office, another candidate running for a state government position could garner popularity and support for simply being a democrat/running on a similar ticket.

Electoral College

• A body of representatives that formally elect the President and Vice President

• An example would be: the electoral college• Who we vote for• And who elect our President• And Vice President!!!