American Government

Political Party - A group that tries to control government by winning elections and holding public office

Referendum - a legislative measure (proposed law) is referred to the State’s voters for final approval or rejection

General Election - Voters select government officials

Recall - voters sign a petition for a special election to decide whether to remove the current officeholder early

Splinter party – a group of voters break away from one of the main parties, thus taking many votes away from the main party

Initiative – a proposed law is placed on the ballot after voters have gained enough signatures from registered voters to do so

Polling Place – where people vote

19th Amendment – women’s suffrage

24^th Amendment – outlawed poll taxes

26th Amendment - set the minimum voting age at 18

Interest Group - a private organization that forms to promote the interests of its members

Lobbyists – hired by interest groups to persuade legislators to vote in support of the interest group’s policies

Grassroots Campaign – local campaigning such as writing letters, making phone calls, etc.

1. 
   List the functions of a political party. Nominate candidates; inform and inspire voters; ensure candidate quality; help govern; act as watchdogs
   
2. 
   What type of party system exists in the United States? Two-party
   
3. 
   What is the main reason minor parties have struggled to gain power in the U.S.? Electoral System – single member districts
   
4. 
   What type of minor party often “spoils” an election and why? Splinter Party – they take votes away from the main party when people move to the other party
   
5. 
   List the three aspects of the structure of political parties. Party in Office, Party in the Electorate, Party Leaders
   
6. 
   List the four basic federal election laws that no state can violate. Can’t discriminate based on race, ethnicity; can’t discriminate based on sex; can’t tax people to vote; can’t set minimum voting age over 18.
   
7. 
   List the two main groups of citizens that state will NOT allow to vote. Felons & Mentally Incompetent
   
8. 
   List the various aspects of mass media. TV, Newspapers, Magazines, Radio, Internet, etc.
   
9. 
   Which form of mass media has the most impact on American politics? TV
   
10. 
    Which form of mass media has made candidates less dependent on political parties? TV
    
11. 
    List the good and bad things interest groups do. GOOD - Keeping close ties with the party; Getting members of their group active in the political party; Giving candidates money through PACs (Political Action Committee. BAD – Engage in dishonest behavior
    
12. 
    What is the main purpose of Political Action Committees? Raise money for candidates
    
13. 
    What regulates the activities of lobbyists? Federal Laws
    
14. 
    Why is it important that we pay taxes? To keep basic public services.
    
15. 
    Why is it important for people to vote? To have a say in our government/our lives
    
16. 
    Describe the process of jury duty AND why it is important for us to serve. If we want a fair trial if/when needed, we should be willing to give one to someone else too
    

17. 
    List the representative(s) for each branch of Georgia’s Government
    
    1. 
       Executive – Governor
       
    2. 
       Legislative – General Assembly
       
    3. 
       Judicial – Georgia Supreme Court
       
18. 
    List the ELECTED positions in local government structures. Mayor, Councilmen, Commissioners
    
19. 
    List the functions of a state constitution.
    

20. 
    Describe what each level of local government does
    

21. 
    On what do we pay the following:
    
    1. 
       Sales tax – various commodities
       
    2. 
       Property tax – land, vehicles, etc.
       
    3. 
       Income tax – individual & business
       
    4. 
       Inheritance tax – an heir’s share of an estate
       
22. 
    List the services provided by state and local governments. Education, Public Welfare, Highways & Roads, Public Safety, Protecting Consumers, Keeping Public Lands for Conservation, Keeping Public Lands for Recreation, Regulating Business & Commerce
    
23. 
    By what two means are the services from the question above provided? Directly through state agencies and programs
    

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