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Nominations

Formal process where the president proposes individuals for appointed positions and the Senate has the power to confirm or reject them.

Campaign Strategies

Efforts including voter outreach, digital/media, and mobilization to influence voters.

Party Conventions

Meetings where political parties formally nominate candidates, adopt a platform, and build unity.

Primaries

Elections where voters choose their preferred candidate by voting.

Caucus

Meetings run by political parties held at county, district, or precinct levels.

1968 Democratic National Convention

Event that marked significant division over the Vietnam War and introduced the primary and caucus systems used today.

McGovern-Fraser Commission

Committee created to reform the presidential nominating process and ensure all Democratic voters had an opportunity to participate.

Superdelegates

Unpledged delegates to political party presidential nominating conventions who can vote for any candidate, acting as a safeguard.

Critics of Current Primary System

Individuals or groups that disapprove or analyze government policies.

Proponents of Current Primary System

Persons or groups that advocate for or support specific proposals or policies.

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

Ruling that limits on candidates' personal spending violates free speech rights.

2004 Election

Election where George Bush was re-elected over John Kerry, marked by themes such as partisanship and national security.

Critical Realigning Elections

Elections causing major shifts in the party system, often due to crises.

2000 Election

Election where George Bush won against Al Gore, despite Gore winning the popular vote, decided by the Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore.

Coattail Effect

When a political leader attracts votes for other candidates in their party.

Election Structure of Original Constitution

System where the Electoral College elects the president, with states’ electors equal to their representatives and senators.

Open Primaries

Primary elections where voters are not required to declare party affiliation.

Closed Primaries

Primary elections where only registered party members can vote for that party’s candidates.

Blanket Primaries

Primary elections allowing voters to choose candidates from any party lines regardless of their registered affiliation.

Initiative

Empowers citizens to propose new laws or constitutional amendments.

Referendum

Process for voters to approve or reject legislative acts.

1800 Election

Election resulting in a tie leading to the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing parties.

1896 Election

Election that centered on economic issues, with William McKinley winning against William Jennings Bryan.

2000 Election (Supreme Court)

Decision that ended the manual recounts in Florida and awarded the presidency to George W. Bush.

Downs Theory of Rational Voting

Theory suggesting voters act as self-interested, rational participants to maximize personal welfare.

Voter Turnout Statistics

Recent US elections have seen some of the highest voter turnout in decades.

Motor Voter Act

Law enhancing voting opportunities and increasing voter participation by simplifying registration.

Mandate Theory of Elections

Idea that winning candidates have a special authorization from the public to implement policies.

Elements of Voter’s Decisions

Factors influencing votes include social, psychological, political, and economic issues.

Frontloading

Practice of states moving their primaries earlier to increase their influence on nominations.

Pluralist Theory

Theory stating power in a democracy is spread among various competing groups.

Elite Theory

Theory asserting a small, privileged group has disproportionate influence or power.

Hyperpluralist Theory

Theory that too many powerful interest groups lead to government fragmentation.

Ralph Nader (Interest Groups)

Influencer of interest groups advocating for reforms in various sectors.

Federalist Paper #10

James Madison's essay addressing the dangers of factions and how the constitution controls them.

Difference between Parties and Interest Groups

Political parties aim to win elections, while interest groups seek to influence policies from outside the government.

Interest Group Liberalism

Describes the dominance of interest groups in shaping government policies.

Olson’s Theory of Large Groups

Theory suggesting large groups struggle to act in common interest despite potential benefits.

Functions of Interest Groups

Activities include representing members, facilitating political participation, and educating the public.

PACs

Political Action Committees that collect and distribute campaign contributions.

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Legal documents filed to present arguments or information supporting a case.

Class Action Lawsuits

Lawsuits allowing a group of individuals to sue as a single entity for a common injury.

Right to Work

Laws ensuring no person can be compelled to join or pay dues to a labor union.

Union Shop

Workplaces requiring employees to join the union and pay dues after being hired.

Public Interest Lobbies

Organizations advocating for policies that benefit the general public.