Chapter 14 Terms

Political Party

An organized group of party leaders, officeholders, and voters who collaborate to elect candidates to political office.

Party Identification

The level of connection and influence a voter has with a particular political party. 

Straight-Ticket Voting

Voting for all candidates on the ballot from one political party.

Split-Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates from different parties within the same election.

Party Platform

A collection of positions and policy goals agreed upon by members of a political party

Recruitment

The process by which political parties identify potential candidates

Party Coalition

Groups of voters who consistently support a political party over time. 

Realignment

A shift in the groups of people who support a political party, moving their allegiance to a different party

Critical Election

A significant national election that signals a change in the balance of power between parties. 

Party Era

A period when one political party consistently wins most national elections.

Era of Divided Government

A trend since 1969 where one party controls one or both houses of Congress, while the president belongs to the opposing party

Open Primary

A primary election where all eligible voters can participate, regardless of party affiliation. 

Closed Primary

A primary election restricted to voters registered with a specific political party. 

Caucus

A meeting where a state's eligible voters select delegates to represent their preferences in the nomination process.

Superdelegate

Typically a party leader or activist who is not bound to a candidate based on the outcome of the state’s primary or caucus. 

Front-Loading

A state’s decision to move its primary or caucus to an earlier date in the election season to increase its influence in the presidential nomination process. 

Candidate-Centered Campaign

A campaign trend where candidates create their own strategies and raise funds with limited influence from party elites.

Two-Party System

A political system where two parties dominate and win almost all elections. 

Proportional Representation System

An electoral system where citizens vote for parties, not individuals, and seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives. 

Single-Member Plurality System

An electoral system for legislatures where the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.

Third Party

A minor political party that competes with the two major parties. 

National Convention

A meeting where party delegates officially select their presidential nominee.