Political Participation Vocabulary

These flashcards cover important vocabulary terms related to political participation and behaviors, vital for understanding the electoral process and political systems.

Centrism

A political ideology that advocates for moderate or middle-ground positions.

Free rider problem

A situation where individuals benefit from resources or services without contributing to their provision.

Dark money

Political spending by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose their donors.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act 2002 (McCain-Feingold)

Legislation that regulates campaign financing and aims to reduce the influence of money in politics.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited.

Liberalism

A political ideology emphasizing individual rights, civil liberties, and social justice.

Grassroots lobbying

A form of advocacy that seeks to influence public opinion and policymakers through community involvement.

Majority

A political party or group that holds more than half of the power or seats.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises and spends money to elect candidates or influence legislation.

Swing states

States where both major political parties have similar levels of support from voters.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

SuperPACs

Independent expenditure-only committees that can raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals.

Voter mobilization

Efforts aimed at increasing voter turnout in elections.

Incumbency advantage

The electoral edge afforded to those already in office.

Party platform

A formal set of principle goals supported by a political party or candidate.

Media bias

The perceived or actual partiality of journalists and news producers within the mass media.

Recall

A procedure through which voters can remove an elected official from office.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President.

Amicus curiae briefs

Legal briefs submitted by non-parties with a strong interest in the subject matter.

Voter registration laws

Regulations that govern the process by which eligible citizens sign up to vote.