Concentration 3 AP Government Review? Political parties, interest groups, and mass media: mechanisms that facilitate the communication of interests and preferences by like-minded citizens (10-20%) Political parties and elections (including their functions, organization, historical development, and effects on the political process) Interest groups (including pacs) The range of interests that are or are not represented The activities of interest groups The effects of interest groups on the political process The unique characteristics and roles of pacs in the political process The mass media The functions and structures of the media The impacts of media on politics? Key terms Caucus Congressional campaign committee Direct primary Economic protest party