Linkage Institutions Study Guide
1. Define Interest Groups. Describe why they are so common, and what the different types of interest
groups are. Know examples.
2. Discuss the pros and cons of the two-party system, and the history behind its development.
3. Discuss the effects of the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946-1995, and the McCain Feingold
Act of 2002.
4. What is a PAC and what is their role in politics?
5. Explain the roles of the national media.
6. Describe the incentives for joining interest groups.
7. Define the new media. What are the pros and cons of this new media?
8. Compare and contrast open and closed primaries.
9.
Describe the types of minor parties and the roles they play in American politics.
10. Define iron triangle and describe how they shape public policy.
11. Discuss the reasons the media use public opinion polls.
12. Define political parties. What are their roles in our everyday lives?
13. Explain why Super Tuesday and frontloading are important in primary elections.
14. Explain the similarities and differences between interest groups and political parties. How do they work
for and against one another?