Unit V: Political Participation

Closed Primary

Electoral process in which only registered members of a political party can participate in selecting that party's candidates for the general election. This system is designed to ensure that party members have a significant say in determining their party's nominees, thus reinforcing party loyalty and preventing outside influences from affecting the candidate selection process.

Coalition

Dealignment

Direct Election

Direct Primary

Electioneering

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

Free Rider Problem

Frontloading

General (Presidential) Election

Hard Money

Independent Expenditures

Independents (Leaners & Pure)

Interest Groups

Iron Triangle

Issue Advocacy

Issue Networks

Litigation

Lobbying

Midterm Elections

National Committee

Nonpartisan Elections

Open Primary

Party (National) Convention

Party Identification

Party-Line/Straight Ticket Voting

Party Platform

Party Polarization

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Political Consultants

Political Efficacy

Political Parties

Popular Vote

Patronage

Prospective Voting

Rational Choice Voting

Realigning (“Critical” Elections)

Realignment

Retrospective Voting

Revolving Door

Single Issue Groups

Soft Money

Solid South

Suffrage

Superdelegate

SuperPACs

Super Tuesday

Third Parties

Ticket Splitting/Split Ticket Voting

Unit Rule

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

15th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

17th Amendment

Removed from state legislatures the power to choose U.S. Senators and gave that power directly to voters in each state.

19th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

24th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay poll tax or other tax.

26th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Hatch Act (1939)

Restricts political activities of federal employees, aiming to maintain a nonpartisan government and prevent corruption. It limits the ability of government workers to engage in political campaigning and prohibits them from running for office while employed in certain government positions, ensuring that federal agencies operate without political influence.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

Eliminated barriers preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote. It was enacted to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments, particularly addressing issues like literacy tests and discriminatory practices that were prevalent in many Southern states. Played a vital role in ensuring equal protection under the law for all citizens, regardless of race.

Federal Election Campaign Act (1974)

Regulates political campaign financing. Its primary aim is to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process by setting limits on campaign contributions and requiring disclosure of campaign expenditures. Created the FEC.

National Voter Registration Bill/“Motor Voter Act” (1993)

Enhance voter registration processes by making it easier for citizens to register to vote and maintain their voting rights. It aimed to increase voter participation by requiring states to offer voter registration opportunities at the same time as applying for or renewing driver's licenses and other government services. This act connects to the electoral landscape and the ongoing efforts to boost voter turnout, especially during congressional elections.

Lobbying Disclosure Act (1995)

McCain-Feingold Bill/Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (2002)