GOV chp 13 vocabs

Political participation

Actions by individuals intended to influence government and the actions it takes

Conventional participation

Takes place within formal political processes and the law

Unconventional participation

Takes place outside formal political processes or even the law

Digital activism

Political activism that uses social media, email, podcasts, and other digital media. Also know as internet activism, online activism, and hashtag activism

Clicktivism

A form of political engagement involving online activities such as sharing tweets or trending hashtags or supporting online petitions. Pejoratively known as slacktivism

Political exclusion

The phenomenon by which some - such as the poor, minorities, and the unemployed - are discouraged from taking part in collective decision-making because of their marginal position in society

Paradox of participation

The idea that voting is an irrational act given the time and effort involved and the minimal chance that any one voter can make a difference

Rational choice theory

An approach to the study of politics and government based on the idea that individuals work to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs

Social class

A hierarchical division of society based on measures such as wealth, education, occupation, and status

Economic voting

The theory that there is a strong correlation between voter choice and the state of the economy

Vote buying

The provision by parties and candidates of goods and benefits to voters in return for their support at elections

Issue voter

A voter who makes choices at elections based on the policies that most interest them, rather than solely on the basis of sociological or demographic factors

Secularization

The declining space occupied by religion in political, social, and personal life

Public opinion

The range of views held on an issue of public concern by the members of an affected community

Opinion poll

A series of questions asked in a standard way of a systematic sample of the population in order to gauge public opinion

Sample survey

Similar to an opinion poll but involving a more detailed questionnaire. Such surveys are often commissioned by governments or academic researchers

Clientelism

The provision of material goods in return for electoral support

Patron-client relationship

An informal hierarchical relationship between political patrons and their clients, based on favours in return for support

Mobilized participation

Elite-controlled involvement in politics designed to express popular support for the regime

Political violence

Violence perpetrated by people or governments for political ends