Unit 7 - Linkage Institutions

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to Linkage Institutions and Voting Rights from Unit 7.

Election

A formal and organised choice by vote of a person for a political office or other position.

Mandate

'Command' from voters for a winner in an election to enact their policy platform.

Crossover Voting

Voting by a member of one party for a candidate of another party.

Runoff Primary

A second primary election held when no candidate wins a majority of the votes in the first primary.

Initiative

A procedure by which voters can propose a law.

Referendum

Process in which a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate.

Recall Vote

A procedure in which people can vote to remove a public official.

Electoral College

The body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice-president.

Presidential Coattails

When voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president's party because they support the president.

Voter Turnout

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

15th Amendment

Citizens cannot be denied the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of senators.

19th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that protects voting rights for women.

24th Amendment

Amendment that eliminated the poll tax as a prerequisite to vote in national elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

A law designed to help end formal and informal barriers to African-American suffrage.

National Voter Registration Act of 1993

Allowed voters to register to vote when they applied for driver's licenses.

Campaign Manager

The individual who travels with the candidate and coordinates the campaign.

Finance Chairperson

The campaign professional who directs fundraising, campaign spending, and compliance with campaign finance laws.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money.

Soft Money

Campaign contributions unregulated by federal or state law, usually given to parties.

Super PACs

PACs not directly affiliated with a political candidate that can raise unlimited sums.

Horse Race

Election coverage that focuses more on poll results than on substantive differences between candidates.

Muckraking

A form of journalism devoted to exposing misconduct by government, business, and individual politicians.

Infotainment

A mix of information and entertainment.

Free Press

A press not restricted or controlled by government censorship.

Lobbying

Engaging in activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and the policies they enact.

Free Rider Problem

The problem faced by interest groups when citizens can benefit without actually joining or participating.

Ethics in Government Act

Required financial disclosure by high government officials in all three branches of government.