AP U.S. Government & Politics Review Unit 5: Political Participation

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to political participation in the U.S., focusing on voting rights, electoral processes, and the influence of interest groups.

Voting Amendments

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution that extended voting rights to various groups, including African-American men, women, and young adults aged 18-20.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that made it easier for African-Americans to vote by breaking down barriers such as the poll tax and literacy tests.

Rational-Choice Voting

Voting based on what is in the citizen’s best interest.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's vote matters and can influence policy.

Midterm Elections

Elections for Congress that occur during the middle of a President’s term.

Candidate-Centered Campaigns

Campaigns that revolve around a candidate and their personal agenda rather than their political party.

Super PAC

An independent expenditure-only committee that can raise unlimited funds for a candidate or party, but cannot coordinate with them.

Direct Lobbying

Seeking to influence a politician on a specific issue by directly engaging with bureaucrats or elected officials.

Open Primary

A primary election not limited to registered party voters.

Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010)

Supreme Court case ruling that political spending is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.

Soft Money

Money spent on a campaign not directly donated to a candidate, often used for ads.

Inside Strategies

Approaches used by interest groups to influence policy by working within Washington D.C.

Iron Triangle

The mutually beneficial relationship between congressional committees, federal bureaucracy, and interest groups.

Critical Election

An election that leads to a major realignment of party support.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of registered voters who vote in an election.

Proportional System

An electoral system where political parties earn legislative seats proportionally to the number of votes they receive.

Independent Candidate

A candidate for office with no formal affiliation to a political party.

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party to choose nominees for political office.