Unit 5: Political participation

14th Amendment

An amendment to the US Constitution that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and guarantees equal protection under the law

15th Amendment

An amendment to the US Constitution that prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude

17th Amendment

An amendment to the US Constitution that established the direct election of United States senators by popular vote, changing the previous method of selection by state legislatures

19th Amendment

An amendment to the US Constitution that granted women the right to vote, ensuring that voting rights could not be denied on account of sex

24th Amendment

An amendment to the US Constitution that prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections

26th Amendment

An amendment to the US Constitution that lowers the voting age to 18 years, ensuring that citizens who are 18 and older cannot be denied the right to vote based on age

Rational Choice Voting

suggests that voters make decisions based on their personal preferences and the expected outcomes of their choices, aiming to maximize their benefits

Retrospective Voting

where voters evaluate candidates based on their past performance in office

Prospective Voting

where voters make decisions based on their predictions about a candidate's future performance or policies if elected

Straight Ticket Voting

the practice of voting for every candidate on a ballot from one political party, rather than selecting candidates from multiple parties

Linkage Institution

An entity that connects citizens to the government, such as political parties, interest groups, and elections, facilitating political participation and representation

Proportional System

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive, aiming for a more representative outcome in the legislature

Interest Groups

Organizations formed by individuals who share common objectives and work to influence public policy and decision-making in their favor

Elections

A formal process through which citizens vote to select representatives, decide on public policy issues, or approve constitutional amendments

Media in Government

Media refers to the role of communication channels, including print, broadcast, and digital platforms, in informing the public about government activities and influencing public opinion

Third Parties

Political parties other than the two major parties (Democratic and Republican) in the United States, often advocating for specific issues and influencing election outcomes

Winner Takes All System

An electoral system in which the candidate who receives the most votes wins all of the electoral votes or delegates from that jurisdiction, commonly used in U.S. presidential elections

Proportional System

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive, aiming for a more representative outcome in the legislature

Free Riders

Individuals or groups that benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for them, leading to under-provision of those resources

Single Issue Groups

Organizations that focus exclusively on one specific issue or set of related issues, mobilizing members and resources to influence public policy and government decisions

Incumbency Advantage

The advantage held by current officeholders in elections, often due to name recognition, established donor networks, and a record of constituent service

Open Primary

A primary election in which voters can choose to participate in any party's primary without being registered to that party

Closed Primary

A primary election in which only registered party members can vote to select that party's candidates

Caucuses

A meeting of members of a political party to discuss and decide on candidate nominations and party policies

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States based on the popular vote from each state

General Election

Elections where voters choose national and local officials, typically held every four years

Midterm Elections

Elections held midway through a president's term, where voters elect members of Congress

Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002

Law aimed at regulating campaign contributions and spending, including limiting soft money

1st Amendment

Part of the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing freedoms of speech, press, religion, and assembly

Citizens United v FEC (2010)

Supreme Court case ruling that corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on political campaigns

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that collect and donate money to political candidates or causes

Super PACs

Independent political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited money, but cannot coordinate directly with candidates