Democratic Process

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Passed in an attempt to eliminated legal barriers to voting.Electoral College

Electoral College

The system for electing the President by using electors from each state based on the number of Congressional representatives the state has

Gerrymandering

the process by which Congressional districts are drawn to benefit one political party over the other

Lobbying

The practices of interest groups to influence elected officials, policy makers, and politics

Super PACs

A result of the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court case that ruled political contribution restrictions were an unconstitutional act against the freedom of speech, resulting in unlimited donations and unprecedented spending in political campaigns

Jim Crow Laws

Laws written after Reconstruction that enforced segregation in the South. Restricted the civil rights of black citizens, such as voting and educational equalities.

Electors

members of the national electoral college who actually vote for the president

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution which protected legal rights and civil rights of individuals. Created in 1791.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Committees that raise money to support specific candidates for political office who will presumably support their agendas

Citizen

a legally recognized subject of a government, either native or naturalized. In the US, a citizen is required to obey the law, serve as a juror if called, and pay taxes. Citizens are also expected to be informed on issues and vote in elections, volunteer in their community, and serve in the military if they are interested.

Naturalization

The process of becoming a citizen in a country when not already a native citizen

Primary Races

an election in in which candidates from the same party run for their party's nomination

Equal Protection Clause

Ensure all citizens will be equally protected by the law.

The Media

Not an official part of the political system, but plays an important role in the political process. Reports on political events, legislation, and conducts investigations into government activities and government officials.

Example

Investigative piece on corruption