Political Socialization

Loopholes

legal ways of avoiding certain legal requirements

Political Socialization

the process by which people develop their political ideologies

Platform

all a political party’s beliefs or issues on their agenda

Independent

this person doesn’t align with any party, tends to vote on the issues

Delegates

a person chosen to act for or represent others. People sent to a higher-level convention to represent the people of one geographical area.

Soft Money

Contributions to a political party rather than to particular candidate

Open Primary

Voters do not have to declare a political party affiliation and may vote for any party’s candidate in this primary

Ballot

object on which voters indicate their choices

General election

regularly scheduled election that happens every four years for president

Lobbying/lobbyist

representing a group and trying to influence legislatures. Attempts by organizations or individuals to influence the decisions of government.

Closed Primary

only party members can vote for that party’s candidates

Electoral College

people chosen to cast official votes for President and Vice President

Plank

One issue or belief that is part of political parties’ agenda

Bi-Partisan Politics

politics in support of both parties’ agenda

Conservative

Political ideology that generally supports the idea that the federal government should take a less active role in the nations’ problems. Tends to value tradition.

Liberal

Political ideology that generally supports the idea that the federal government should take a less active role in the nation’s problems. This ideology is more open to change.

Moderate

Individuals who political views are between the liberal and conservative viewpoints. Roughly 35-40% of the nation.