Ap Government: U.S. Voting Rights, Amendments, and Political Party Dynamics

15th Amendment

Ratified in 1870; prohibited states from denying voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude (former slaves could vote)

19th Amendment

Ratified in 1920; prohibited states from denying voting rights based on sex (gave women the right to vote)

17th Amendment

Ratified in 1913; established direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote instead of state legislatures

23rd Amendment

Ratified in 1961; gave Washington D.C. three electoral votes in presidential elections

24th Amendment

Ratified in 1964; prohibited poll taxes in federal elections

26th Amendment

Ratified in 1971; lowered the voting age from 21 to 18

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Landmark legislation that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; strengthened voting rights protections

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Federal law that prohibited racial discrimination in voting; banned literacy tests and required preclearance for certain jurisdictions

Franchise

The right to vote in public elections

Poll Tax

A fee required to vote; used to prevent poor people (especially African Americans) from voting; banned by 24th Amendment

Literacy Test

Reading and writing tests used to prevent African Americans from voting; banned by Voting Rights Act of 1965

Grandfather Clause

Law that exempted people from voting restrictions if their grandfather could vote; allowed poor whites to vote while blocking African Americans

White Primary

Primary elections where only white voters could participate; used in the South to exclude African Americans from meaningful political participation; declared unconstitutional

Preclearance

Requirement that certain states/jurisdictions get federal approval before changing voting laws (part of Voting Rights Act)

Rational Choice Voting

Voting based on what benefits the voter personally; weighing costs and benefits like an economic decision

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on a candidate's past performance and record

Prospective Voting

Voting based on a candidate's future plans and policy proposals

Party Line Voting

Voting for all candidates from the same political party

Motor-voter Law

Common name for National Voter Registration Act; allows people to register to vote when getting/renewing driver's license

National Voter Registration Act

1993 law requiring states to offer voter registration at DMVs, public assistance offices, and by mail to increase voter participation

Help America Vote Act

2002 law passed after the 2000 election controversy; provided federal funds to modernize voting equipment and establish minimum voting standards

Australian Ballot

Secret ballot printed by the government; prevents voter intimidation and vote buying

Absentee Ballot

Ballot that allows people to vote by mail if they cannot vote in person on Election Day

Provisional Ballot

Ballot cast when voter's eligibility is questioned; counted only after eligibility is verified

Political Efficacy

A citizen's belief that their vote matters and can influence government; sense that participation makes a difference

Voter Apathy

Lack of interest or caring about voting and political participation

Gender Gap

Difference in political opinions and voting patterns between men and women

Voting Bloc

A group of voters who consistently vote together for the same party or issue (e.g., union members, religious groups)

Wards

Divisions within a city used for organizing local elections and representation

Linkage Institutions

Organizations that connect citizens to government (political parties, media, interest groups, elections)

National Convention

Large party meeting held every 4 years where party nominates presidential candidate and writes party platform

National Chairperson

Leader of a national political party (DNC or RNC); manages party operations, fundraising, and strategy

War Chest

Campaign funds accumulated by a candidate or party before an election; money saved up for political campaigns

Robocalls

Automated phone calls used by campaigns to reach many voters quickly with recorded messages

Party Realignment

Major, lasting shift in party coalitions and voter allegiances; large groups of voters switch parties, often due to crisis

Critical Elections

Elections that reveal sharp, lasting changes in party loyalties; mark the beginning of party realignments

Party Dealignment

When voters move away from both major parties and become independents; weakening of party identification

New Deal Coalition

Democratic Party coalition formed in 1930s under FDR; included urban workers, immigrants, African Americans, labor unions, and Southern whites

McGovern-Fraser Commission

1969 Democratic Party reform commission that made delegate selection more democratic and increased representation of women and minorities

Superdelegates

Democratic Party leaders and elected officials who are automatic convention delegates; not chosen through primaries/caucuses; can support any candidate