POL 101: Introduction to American National Government – Spring 2026 Study Guide for Exam 2

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to American National Government as outlined in the study guide, designed for exam preparation.

Political Knowledge

What people know (and don’t know) about politics.

Uninformed Electorate

A population that lacks adequate knowledge about political processes and issues.

Majoritarian Theory of Democracy

A theory stating that public opinion should guide democratic governance.

Impact of Public Opinion

How an informed electorate affects the behavior of elected officials under traditional democratic theory.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs.

Party Identification

A social identity that influences how individuals align with political parties.

Motivated Reasoning

The tendency to accept information that confirms prior beliefs while rejecting contradictory data.

Affective Polarization

The growing emotional distance between political parties, leading to negative feelings toward the opposing party.

Horse Race Journalism

Media coverage that emphasizes the competition between candidates rather than the issues.

Campaign Finance

The funding of political campaigns, including the regulations on contributions and spending.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections, indicating the health of a democracy.

Structural Barriers to Voting

Obstacles that affect individuals' ability to vote, contributing to lower voter participation.

Horserace Journalism

Reporting on electoral campaigns focusing on polling data, rather than substantive issues.

Electoral College

The body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States, affecting campaign strategies.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's participation in politics can make a difference.

Federal Election Campaign Act

A law designed to regulate campaign finance in federal elections.

Buckley v. Valeo

A landmark Supreme Court case that addressed campaign finance and the limits of political spending.