Political Participation and Voting Rights Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to political participation, voting rights, and the electoral process as discussed in the lecture.

Political Participation

The ways in which individuals engage in the political process to influence policy.

Linkage Institution

Channels that connect individuals to the government, including elections, political parties, and the media.

Social Movement

A collective effort by groups of people to achieve social or political change.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President.

Campaign Finance

The fundraising and spending of money in political campaigns.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Demographic Factors

Statistical characteristics of populations, often used to assess voter behavior.

Registration Requirements

Laws and rules that dictate the process individuals must follow to register to vote.

Political Efficacy

The belief that an individual's political participation can make a difference.

Bar Graph Analysis

A method of representing and analyzing data related to voter turnout and political participation.

Mail-In Voting

Voting completed and submitted by mail, often used for absentee ballots.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

Prohibits the imposition of poll taxes in federal elections.

Voting Behavior Models

Theoretical frameworks that explain how and why people vote.

Incumbent

An individual currently holding office, often running for reelection.