Gov vocab

unit 3

Linkage Institution

A structure or channel ( such as a political party, interest group, or the media ) that connects citizens directly to the federal government

Political Socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, ideologies, and partisan attachments

Political Party

An organized group that recruits, nominates, and elects its members to public office to control the operations of government

Platform

A formal, written statement of a political party’s core principles, beliefs, and specific policy goals for the nation

Big Tent Principle

A strategy where a political party seeks to build a broad voter coalition by welcoming individuals with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds

Grassroots Organization

Direct, person-to-person political tactics driven by community members, such as door-to-door canvassing and local registration drives

Party Organization

The formal structure and apparatus of a political party, including its national committees, state leaders, staff, and conventions

Party in the Electorate

The collective body of citizens who consistently identify with, register as, or vote for candidates of a specific political party

Party in Government

The collection of elected and appointed offices who hold public office and organize the legislative and executive branches under their political banner

Political Efficacy

A citizen’s belief that they understand politics and that their single vote or political participation can actually influence government policy