AP Gov Unit 3 Review

Exit Poll

Survey taken right after people vote to predict election results and analyze voter demographics.

Tracking Poll

Repeated polls over time to track changes in public opinion.

Push Poll

Poll designed to influence opinions by asking misleading or biased questions.

Political Socialization

The process by which people form their political beliefs (family, media, school, religion, peers).

Gender Gap

Difference in political views or voting behavior between men and women.

Value of Polling

Measures public opinion, helps candidates adjust campaigns.

Problems with Polling

Bias, unrepresentative samples, wording effects, margin of error, nonresponse.

Soft Money

Contributions to parties, not specific candidates — less regulated (now limited).

Hard Money

Direct contributions to candidates — regulated and limited by law.

SuperPACs

Independent groups that can raise/spend unlimited money to support or oppose candidates (cannot coordinate directly).

Bundling

Collecting many small donations and presenting them together to increase influence.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited corporate and union spending on independent political ads.

Functions of Parties

Recruit candidates, mobilize voters, organize government, create policy platforms.

Decline of Party Influence

More split-ticket voting, rise of independents, candidate-centered campaigns, media influence.

Third Parties

Minor parties (ideological, single-issue, splinter). Reasons they fail: Winner-take-all system, lack of funding, low visibility. Effects: Influence major party platforms, act as “spoilers.”

Party Discipline

How strongly party members support their party’s policies and leaders.

Midterm vs. Presidential Elections

Midterms have lower turnout; president’s party usually loses seats.

Open Primary

Voters can choose either party’s ballot.

Closed Primary

Only registered party members can vote in that party’s primary.

Caucus

Party members meet and discuss candidates before voting.

National Convention

Party gathering to nominate a presidential candidate and adopt the party platform.

Platform

A party’s official statement of policies and goals.

Front Loading

States moving primaries earlier to gain more influence.

Delegate Selection

Process by which parties choose representatives (delegates) to vote at conventions.

General Election

Election where voters choose among final candidates for office.

Critical Election

Marks a long-term shift in party loyalty.

Secular Realignment

Gradual shift in party identification over time.

Off-Year Election Trends

Lower turnout, older and wealthier voters have more influence.

Voter Demographics: Age

Older people vote more.

Voter Demographics: Race

White and higher-income voters have higher turnout; minorities lean Democratic.

Voter Demographics: Religion

Evangelicals → Republican; Jews → Democratic; Catholics → split.

Voter Demographics: Gender

Women → Democratic; Men → Republican.

Reasons for Non-Voting

Apathy, lack of trust, registration barriers, satisfaction with status quo, low efficacy.

Political Efficacy

Belief that one’s vote and participation can make a difference.

Prospective Voting

Based on what candidates promise to do in the future.

Retrospective Voting

Based on past performance of candidate/party.

Rational Choice Voting

Based on what benefits the voter personally.

Split Ticket Voting

Choosing candidates from different parties on the same ballot.

Straight Ticket Voting

Voting for all candidates of one party.

Balance the Ticket

Choosing a VP candidate to appeal to a different region, ideology, or demographic group.

12th Amendment

Established separate ballots for president and vice president.

Incumbent

Current officeholder; usually has advantage in elections.

Electoral College

System that formally elects the president; each state gets electors equal to its congressional representation. Voters choose electors → electors vote for president → 270 electoral votes needed to win.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

“One person, one vote” — courts can review redistricting.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Race-based gerrymandering unconstitutional.

Gerrymandering

Drawing district lines to favor one party or group.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

Protected minority voting rights.

Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

Weakened the Voting Rights Act by removing federal preclearance requirements for some states.

Referendum

Voters approve or reject a law passed by the legislature.

Initiative

Citizens propose laws or amendments by petition.

Recall

Voters can remove elected officials before their term ends.

Iowa & New Hampshire

First caucus and primary — shape momentum.

Swing States

Can go either way; receive most campaign attention.

Safe States

Reliably vote for one party.