Unit 5 AP gov

Agenda Setting

The power of the media to focus the public's attention on issues, aiming to get the government to address them.

Initiative

A form of direct democracy that allows citizens to petition for issues decided by a direct ballot.

Caucus

Meetings where party members select delegates to the national convention.

Class action suits

Lawsuits involving numerous defendants affected by the same law or action, represented as a group.

Closed primary system

A system where voters must preregister with a party to vote in its primary.

Coattail

The ability of candidates to gain support by being associated with a popular leader.

Constituent

Voters from the district or state that elected a political leader.

Constituency Groups

Groups that tend to support a political party.

Convention

A gathering where parties elect their nominee and establish their platform.

Dark Money

Political contributions that do not need to be legally disclosed.

Delegates

Members selected by party rules to vote for candidates at the convention.

Electioneering

The process by which interest groups influence election outcomes.

Electoral College

A process where electors selected by states vote for the president based on popular vote.

Exit poll

Polls conducted right after voting to predict election outcomes.

Franking

The privilege allowing Congress members to send mail to constituents for free.

Grassroots

Local efforts to mobilize support for a cause among the public.

Horse Race Journalism

Coverage focusing on polling numbers and candidate strategies rather than issues.

Incumbent

A person currently holding an office, seeking reelection.

Incumbent Advantage

The likelihood of reelection due to name recognition and resources.

Interest group

People who work together to support a cause or political interest.

Iowa Caucus

Traditionally the first caucus in the presidential primary system.

Linkage institutions

Groups connecting citizens to political leadership, including parties and media.

Lobby/lobbyist

Registered professionals who advocate for interest groups in politics.

Majority

The requirement of more than 50% of votes to win an election.

McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

2002 law reforming campaign finance, banning soft money contributions.

Midterm elections

Elections for Congress members when the presidency is not on the ballot.

Motor Voter Act

1993 law easing voter registration processes.

Narrowcasting

Media outlets targeting specific events or audiences.

National committee

Committee focusing on elections and fundraising for a political party.

New Hampshire primary

Traditionally the first primary of a new election season.

Open primary system

A system allowing voters to choose which party's primary to participate in.

Party Base

The core supporters of a political party.

Party-line Voting

Voting exclusively for candidates from one political party.

Plurality

Winning an election by having the most votes, without a requirement for majority.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

A group that raises funds for candidates and political campaigns.

Primary

An election where voters select candidates to run for office from a party.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on anticipated future performance of a candidate.

Pundits

Political commentators providing analysis on news and events.

Realignment

A significant reshuffling of political party support.

Rational-Choice Voting

Voting based on what is perceived to be in the voter's best interest.

Referendum

A proposed law placed on a ballot for public voting.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on a candidate's or party's past performance.

Safe Seats

Congressional districts securely held by one party.

Single-member districts

Electoral districts represented by a single officeholder.

Soft Money

Contributions made to political parties, not directly to candidates.

Split-ticket voting

Choosing candidates from different parties on a single ballot.

Straight-ticket voting

Voting for all candidates from the same political party.

Stump Speech

A standardized speech given repeatedly during a campaign.

Super delegates

Delegates chosen by the Democratic Party not by popular vote.

Super PACs

Groups allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money independently in campaigns.

Swing States/Battleground States

States that can be won by either major political party.

Third Parties

Political parties other than the Democrats or Republicans.

Trial balloons

Used by politicians to gauge public reaction to proposals.

Watchdog function

The media's role in monitoring government power and reporting abuses.

Winner-Take-All

An electoral system where candidates with the most votes get all the seats.