Political Participation and Activism

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to political participation and activism, drawn from recent lecture notes.

Political participation

Involvement in activities intended to influence public policy and leadership.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in the United States in 1920.

Voter turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Midterm election

Elections held midway between presidential elections, usually for congressional positions.

Registration system

The process through which voters register to be eligible to vote.

Same-day registration

A registration option that allows citizens to register to vote on the same day as an election.

Absentee ballot

A voting method that allows a registered voter to mail or submit their vote remotely rather than attending a polling place in person.

Partisan advantage

The benefit one political party gains over another through legal or political strategies.

Civic Duty

The belief that citizens should act and participate in government and public affairs.

Apathy

A lack of concern or interest in politics.

Alienation

A feeling of powerlessness and that the government does not care what citizens think.

Political Interest

The level of concern and engagement an individual has in political matters.

Campaign activity

Activities involved in the process of political campaigning, such as fundraising and canvassing.

Virtual Participation

Engagement in political processes through online platforms and social media.

Social capital

The networks of relationships among people in a society that enable cooperation and mutual benefit.

Political movements

Collective efforts by citizens to express opposition or support for government policies.

Tea Party

A conservative political movement in the United States that emerged in the late 2000s advocating for lower taxes and less government.

Occupy Wall Street

A progressive movement that began in 2011, targeting economic inequality and corporate influence on politics.

Black Lives Matter

A movement advocating for the rights and safety of black individuals and highlighting issues of systemic racism.

MeToo movement

A social movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault, particularly in the workplace.

Gun control advocacy

Efforts aimed at enacting laws to regulate firearms and reduce gun violence.

MAGA

An acronym representing the political slogan 'Make America Great Again,' associated with Donald Trump's campaign.

Institutionalization of goals

The process of establishing a social movement’s objectives into formal organizations or policies.

Public response to protests

The varying public sentiments and reactions to political protests and movements.

Civic cooperation

Working collectively within a community to achieve common goals.

Voter registration laws

Regulations that govern how citizens can register to vote.

Election frequency

The schedule of regular elections for various levels of government.

Higher turnout demographics

Groups such as college-educated and high-income Americans who vote at higher rates.

Lower turnout demographics

Groups such as low-income and less educated Americans who vote at lower rates.

Voting barriers

Obstacles that prevent individuals from registering and voting.

Influence of education on voting

The correlation between educational attainment and the likelihood of voting.

Effects of age on voting

Trends showing that older citizens tend to vote at higher rates than younger citizens.

Political loyalty

A commitment to a political party that often influences voting behavior.

Engagement with candidates

The interaction and communication between citizens and political candidates.

Legislative authority over elections

The power state legislatures have to regulate how elections are conducted.

Historical voting restrictions

Past laws and regulations that hindered specific groups from voting.

Success factors for social movements

Elements that contribute to the effectiveness and impact of social movements.

Disenfranchisement

The state of being deprived of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote.

Political interest groups

Organizations formed to influence public policy and advocate for specific agendas.