Unit 5: Political Participation

What did the 15th Amendment do?

Extended voting rights to African American men.

What did the 17th Amendment establish?

The direct election of U.S. Senators by the people.

What did the 19th Amendment do?

Granted women the right to vote.

What did the 24th Amendment abolish?

Poll taxes in federal elections.

What did the 26th Amendment do?

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

What was the purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

Removed barriers like literacy tests and poll taxes to help African Americans vote.

What did the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (Motor Voter Act) do?

Allowed people to register to vote when applying for or renewing a driver’s license.

Define Rational Choice Voting.

Voting based on what benefits the voter the most.

Define Retrospective Voting.

Voting based on a candidate’s past performance.

Define Prospective Voting.

Voting based on expectations of a candidate’s future performance.

Define Party

Line Voting.

Define Voter Turnout.

The percentage of registered voters who cast a ballot in an election.

What is Compulsory Voting?

Laws requiring citizens to vote.

Define Political Efficacy.

The belief that one’s vote matters and can influence government policy.

When are Presidential Elections held?

Every four years.

What are Midterm Elections?

Congressional elections held midway through a president’s term.

What are Demographics?

Statistical characteristics of a population used to analyze voting trends.

Define Political Party.

An organization of people with shared ideologies who seek to influence government policy through elections.

What are Linkage Institutions?

Structures that connect people to the government, like political parties, media, and interest groups.

Define Campaign Finance.

Money raised to support political candidates or parties; regulated by law.

What is a PAC (Political Action Committee)?

Organization that raises limited funds for candidates or parties.

What is a Super PAC?

Group that raises unlimited funds but cannot directly coordinate with candidates.

Define Soft Money.

Money spent on political activities (like ads) instead of direct donations.

What is a Candidate Centered Campaign?

A campaign focused on a candidate’s personality and platform rather than their party.

What is a Critical Election?

An election that triggers a major shift in party alignment.

Define Direct Primary.

Election in which voters choose a party’s candidate for the general election.

What is Dealignment?

When voters lose party loyalty and become independent.

What is Realignment?

When voters switch support from one major party to another.

Define Third Party.

A minor political party that influences issues but rarely wins elections.

What is an Independent Candidate?

A candidate not affiliated with any political party.

What is a Proportional System?

Parties gain seats based on the percentage of votes they receive.

What is a Two Party System?

Political system dominated by two major parties.

What is a Winner Take All System?

The candidate or party with the most votes wins all representation.

Define Interest Group.

A group of people sharing common goals who seek to influence public policy.

What is the Free Rider Problem?

When people benefit from a group’s actions without contributing to it.

Define Lobbying.

Attempting to influence policymakers on specific issues.

What is an Iron Triangle?

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

What is an Issue Network (Iron Network)?

A web of interest groups, public officials, and experts focused on a specific issue.

Define Direct Lobbying.

Communicating directly with policymakers to influence decisions.

Difference between Protest Movements and Social Movements?

Protest movements raise awareness; social movements aim to create lasting change.

Define Inside Strategies.

Working within Washington (e.g., lobbying, drafting bills).

Define Outside Strategies.

Influencing policy outside of Washington (e.g., public pressure, media).

What are Single Issue Groups?

Interest groups focused on one specific issue (e.g., gun rights, abortion).

What is a Closed Primary?

Only registered party members can vote.

What is an Open Primary?

Any voter can participate regardless of party affiliation.

What is a Caucus?

A meeting where party members choose candidates.

What is the Electoral College?

Body of electors who formally cast votes for President and Vice President.

Define Incumbent.

A current officeholder running for reelection.

Define General Election.

The final election where voters decide which candidates take office.

Define Popular Vote.

The total number or percentage of votes each candidate receives.

What happens in a Primary Election?

Parties choose their candidates for the general election.

What happens in a General Election?

Voters select between party candidates for office.

When do Presidential Elections occur?

Every four years.

What are Midterm Elections?

Congressional elections held midway through a president’s term.

Define Campaign Finance.

The fundraising and spending that supports a political campaign.

What are Political Consultants?

Advisers who manage campaign strategy and media promotion.

What did Citizens United v. FEC (2010) decide?

Political spending is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.

What was the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)?

Banned soft money and required candidates to approve their ads (“I approve this message”).

What is a PAC?

Organization that raises limited funds to support candidates.

What is a Super PAC?

Raises unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with candidates.

Define “Horse Race” Journalism.

Media focuses on who is leading in polls rather than issues.

Define Investigative Journalism.

In depth reporting that uncovers hidden stories or corruption.

What is the role of the media in politics?

Shapes public focus on issues and influences political agendas.