AP-Gov Unit 5: Political Participation

Rational Voting

Voting based on personal values and beliefs.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on a candidate's past performance.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on predictions of future performance.

Political Efficacy

Belief that one's vote can influence politics.

Voter Turnout

Percentage of eligible voters participating in elections.

Regional Realignment

Long-lasting shift in party loyalty within a region.

Primary System

Allows citizens to choose party candidates directly.

Linkage Institutions

Connect public to political parties and media.

Interest Groups

Organizations influencing public policy on specific issues.

Campaign Finance Law

Regulations on how candidates can fundraise.

Third Party Politics

Political activity outside the two major parties.

Structural Barriers

Obstacles that hinder third-party candidates' success.

Informal Barriers

Challenges like media bias affecting third-party visibility.

PAC

Political Action Committees raising funds for campaigns.

Super PACs

Unlimited independent spending without direct contributions.

Free Rider Issue

Benefit from interest groups without joining them.

Social Movements

Collective efforts to push for policy changes.

Presidential Incumbency Advantage

Incumbents have benefits like donor support and visibility.

General Election

Final election where the winner takes office.

Caucus

Meeting to select a party's candidate.

Open Primary Voting

Any voter can participate in any party's primary.

Closed Primary Voting

Only registered party members can vote in primaries.

Electoral College

Body that officially elects the president.

Hard Money

Direct contributions to political candidates' campaigns.

Soft Money

Unlimited contributions for party support, not direct.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

Legislation banning soft money contributions to candidates.

Gatekeeper Role

Media's power to select issues for coverage.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized reporting to attract attention.

Agenda Setting

Media influences which issues are prioritized by policymakers.

Horse Race Journalism

Focus on candidates' popularity rather than issues.