Untitled Flashcards Set

Amicus curiae brief

‘Friend of the court’ brief filed by an interest group to influence a Supreme Court decision.

Australian Ballot

Secret ballot printed at the expense of the state.

Balancing the Ticket

Occurs when a presidential nominee chooses a vice presidential running mate who has different qualities to attract more votes.

Caucus

Local party meeting with the same purpose as a primary.

Closed primary

Party election to choose candidates that is closed to independents; voters may not cross party lines.

Coattail Effect

The helpful effect a popular president can have on congressional candidates from the same party.

Divided Government

Government in which one party controls the presidency while another party controls Congress.

Feeding Frenzy

The media’s extensive coverage of wrongdoing or scandal in government, akin to a shark feeding frenzy.

Free rider problem

The issue faced by interest groups when citizens benefit from their actions without joining or contributing.

Front Loading

Scheduling presidential primary elections early in an election year.

General Election

Election in which officeholders are chosen, occurring after a primary election.

Horse race coverage

Media reporting on an election campaign as if it were a horse race, focusing on who is ahead or behind.

Incumbent

An officeholder seeking re-election.

Iron Triangle

An informal association of a federal agency, congressional committee, and interest group influencing policy making.

Litigation

The act or process of carrying out a lawsuit.

Lobbying

Attempting to influence policymakers.

Open Primary

Election to choose candidates that is open to independents, allowing voters to choose candidates from any party.

Photo opportunity

A staged campaign event attracting favorable visual media coverage.

Plurality

More votes than anyone else, but less than half; e.g., Clinton's 43% of popular votes in 1992.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

An interest group that raises and donates funds to election campaigns.

Single Member District System

System where people elect one representative per district, typically favoring two major parties.

Soft Money

Campaign contributions not donated directly to candidates but to parties.

Solid South

Historically, the South voted solidly Democratic; now it is strongly Republican.

Sound Bite

A short, catchy comment likely to attract media attention.

Spin Control

Placing a certain slant on a story to deflect negative public attention.

Superdelegate

A delegate to the Democratic national convention who holds office.

Super Tuesday

A Tuesday in early March when many presidential primaries are held.

Swing State

A state that does not consistently vote either Democratic or Republican in presidential elections.