AP gov unit 5 terms

demographics

statistical characteristics of a population, such as age, race, gender, income level, and education

political efficacy

belief that an individual can influence the political system and that their participation matters.

motor voter act

federal law that requires state governments to offer voter registration opportunities to eligible citizens when they apply for or renew a driver's license or public assistance services.

exit poll

method used to gauge voter behavior and attitudes, asking voters on election day who they voted for

partisan

strongly favoring or being loyal to a political party, often with a negative view of the opposing party

independents

candidate who runs for office without a formal party affiliation.

purple states

have voters who are closely divided between two parties, making them swing or battleground states

caucus

local gathering of members of a political party to discuss candidates and select delegates to the party's national convention. This process is distinct from a primary election, which uses secret ballots

primary (closed, open, blanket)

super-delegates

unpledged delegates to the Democratic and Republican national conventions who are free to support any presidential candidate. They are typically elected officials or party leaders, not bound to a candidate by the results of primaries or caucuses

critical election

dealignment

realignment

divided government

t

third parties

initiative

referendum

reapportionment

electoral college

winner-take-all

split ticket voting

selective perception

federal election campaign act of 1974 - FEC

bipartisan campaign finance reform act - McCain-Feingold

soft money

lobbying

527s

“

swiftboating

polarization/party polarization

candidate-centered campaign

po

political action committees

spin - spin doctor