Political Participation Exam Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on political participation, including amendments, voting behavior, electoral processes, political parties, campaign finance, and media influence.

15th Amendment

Granted African American males the right to vote.

26th Amendment

Lowered the national voting age to 18.

24th Amendment

Eliminated poll taxes used to disenfranchise minority voters.

Voting Behavior by Age

Older voters are statistically more likely to vote compared to younger demographics.

Generational Events since 2000

Have caused younger voters to trend significantly more liberal (Democratic).

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on the past performance of a candidate.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on predictions of a candidate's future performance.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's participation can influence politics.

Winner-Take-All System

Most states award all electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state.

Battleground/Swing States

States where both major candidates have similar levels of support from voters.

Flaw in the Electoral System

It is possible for a candidate to win the national popular vote and lose the Electoral College.

Primary Elections

Elections to determine a party's candidate for the general election.

Caucuses

A meeting of supporters or members of a specific political party or movement.

Political Parties

Groups that recruit and run candidates for office.

Interest Groups

Organizations that influence public policy.

Two-Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties due to electoral rules.

Third Parties

Political parties that are not one of the two major parties.

Spoiler Effect

When a third-party candidate takes votes from a major party, affecting the outcome.

Party Realignment

Massive shifts in the demographics that support political parties.

Incumbency Advantage

Incumbents often have an advantage in elections due to recognition and resources.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that raise money to support candidates.

Iron Triangles

The relationship between bureaucracies, interest groups, and congressional committees.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Supreme Court case allowing unlimited corporate and union spending on political advertising.

Agenda-Setting

The media's ability to highlight certain issues as important.

Ideological Cable News

Cable news that promotes specific political viewpoints, contributing to polarization.