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Suffrage

The right to vote.

15th Amendment

Granted black men the right to vote but barriers like literacy tests and poll taxes persisted.

Voting Rights Measures

Legislation affecting voter registration and access for African Americans.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to dilute minority influence.

Women’s Suffrage Movement

Efforts by leaders like Susan Anthony to secure voting rights for women, culminating in the 19th Amendment.

Voting Rights Amendments

15th (black men), 19th (women), and 26th (age 18+) expanded suffrage.

Voter Turnout Changes

Turnout decreased from about 80% in 1840 to roughly 50% today.

Conventional Participation

Political participation including voting, contacting officials, and donating.

Unconventional Participation

Forms of political activism such as protests and boycotts.

Demographic Factors Influencing Voter Turnout

Education, income, occupation, and age affect voter participation.

Low Voter Turnout Reasons

Voters may be content with status quo or face registration obstacles.

Motor Voter Law

1993 law allowing voter registration during driver's license renewals.

Political Delegates

Party representatives at conventions with varied roles by party.

Primaries and Caucuses

Processes to select delegates and determine party nominees.

Primary vs. Caucus

Primaries are secret ballot elections; caucuses are open discussions.

Early Primary Win Importance

Builds momentum, attracts media attention, and boosts funding.

Committee Roles at Conventions

Credentials Committee verifies delegates; Platform Committee drafts positions.

War Chest

Funds raised for campaign expenses such as advertising.

Political Campaign Strategies

Debates, battleground targeting, grassroots mobilization, public events.

Presidential Campaign Objectives

Mobilize supporters, persuade undecided voters, secure delegates.

Electoral College Purpose

Balances power between people and Congress in elections.

Electoral College Operation

Electors chosen by voters; requires 270 votes to win.

House Selection of President

If no majority in Electoral College, House selects president.

12th Amendment Role

Requires separate electoral votes for president and vice president.

Faithless Electors

Electors who vote against their pledge.

Initiatives and Referendums

Direct democracy tools allowing citizen-driven ballot measures.

Incumbency Advantage

Benefits current officeholders have in winning re-election.

Senate vs. House Elections

Senate races are statewide, more competitive, with higher stakes.

6-Year Itch

Tendency for the president’s party to lose seats in the 6th year.

Party Identification Influence

Strong predictor of voting behavior and patterns.

Demographic Influences on Voting

Racial and ethnic trends shape support for parties.

Religion’s Effect on Voting

Religious affiliation can influence voting preferences.

Factors Beyond Party Loyalty

Personality, policy, appearance, and past performance evaluations.

Political Parties in the Constitution

Not mentioned; discussed in context of dangers by early leaders.

Founders’ View on Political Parties

Seen as threats to stable government and potential factions.

Main Function of Political Parties

Control government by recruiting, nominating, and electing officials.

Democratic Party Symbol Origin

Adopted donkey after Andrew Jackson’s 1828 campaign.

Republican Party Symbol Origin

Depicted as an elephant by Thomas Nast in cartoons.

Components of a Political Party

Electorate, party in government, and organization.

First Republican Meeting Date and Place

1854 in Jackson, Michigan.

First Party System Issues

Debates over the Constitution and balance of power.

1800 Election Significance

Thomas Jefferson’s victory marked party-nominated candidates winning.

Second Party System Formation

Democratic-Republicans split into Democrats and Whigs.

Emergence of Two-Party System

Whig Party collapse over slavery led to Republican Party formation.

Golden Age of Political Parties

Characterized by strong organizations and powerful political machines.

Role of Political Machines

Local powers securing votes through patronage and services.

Progressive Party Goals

Aim to reduce party control and increase direct voter participation.

Fifth Party System Emergence

Coalition of immigrants and women elected FDR in 1932.

Party Realignment Definition

Shifts in voter loyalty affecting party dynamics.

Secular Realignment Characteristics

Gradual demographic shifts in party coalitions.

Dealignment Definition

Voters lose strong loyalties, increasing independents.

Critical Elections Impact on Parties

Can trigger realignments during significant issue shifts.

Two-Party System Maintenance

Winner-take-all electoral rules create barriers for third parties.

Types of Minor Parties

Can be ideological, one-issue, or economic-protest parties.

Challenges for Minor Parties

Voter perceptions, ballot access, media coverage issues.

Impact of Third Parties

Notable influence on elections, though none have won electoral votes since 1968.

Third Party Influence in Politics

Building coalitions, strong candidates, and overcoming barriers.