political participation

Political Parties

organized groups that attempt to influence the government by electing their members to important government offices

Party Platforms

The statement of policies of a national political party (the main points of a political party). Created every 4 years and address things like: military, health care, economy, immigration, and government regulations

Party platforms are important documents because:

they provide a general guide for the types of policies winning candidates are likely to vote for if elected

interest group

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy

Political Action Committee (PAC)

A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money from voluntary donations

Electoral College

A body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

Electors

people chosen by political parties to cast their vote for President in the Electoral College

Voting Requirements

1. you are a U.S. Citizen

2. you are a resident of your state for 20 days prior to election

3. you are 18 years old

Can not vote if serving a sentence for felony conviction.

Can vote once your sentence is complete

voter registration

A system adopted by the states that requires voters to register well in advance of Election Day. A few states permit Election day registration.

Motor Voter Law

this was a law to encourage more people to participate in voting. This allowed people to register to vote while they renewed their license.

Voter ID laws

laws that require a person to provide some form of official identification before they are permitted to register to vote, receive a ballot for an election, or to actually vote

same-day registration

the option in some states (including Minnesota) to register on the day of the election, at the polling place, rather than in advance of the election

Benefits of "same day" registration

More people can vote. If people forgot to register or moved and need to re-register and find out on voting day - they still can register and vote.

Absentee Ballot/Voting

A way people can vote when they can't get to their polling place. They vote on a special form and mail it in.

Media Bias

Bias or slant in the selection of which news to report and how the news is reported. Focusing on only one side of an issue.

Green Party

A minor party dedicated to the environment, social justice, nonviolence, and the foreign policy of nonintervention.

Republican Party Platform

Limited government - Reduce the size and scope of the federal government.

Lower taxes - Advocate for tax cuts and simplified tax codes.

Free market economy - Support minimal government intervention in business and the economy.

Strong national defense - Emphasize military funding and national security.

Traditional values - Uphold conservative social values, such as pro-life policies.

Second Amendment rights - Protect the right to bear arms.

Border security - Advocate for stronger immigration policies and border enforcement.

Energy independence - Promote domestic energy production, including fossil fuels.

Democratic Party Platform

Expanded government role - Support for government programs in healthcare, education, and social services.

Progressive taxation - Advocate for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to fund social programs.

Environmental protection - Focus on addressing climate change, renewable energy, and conservation.

Social justice - Promote civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and racial equality.

Healthcare for all - Push for expanded access to affordable healthcare, including support for Medicare and public options.

Gun control - Advocate for stricter gun laws and regulations.

Pro-choice - Support reproductive rights and access to abortion.

Immigration reform - Favor pathways to citizenship and more inclusive immigration policies.

Libertarian Party

A minor party that believes in extremely limited government. Libertarians call for a free market system, expanded individual liberties such as drug legalization, and a foreign policy of nonintervention, free trade, and open immigration.

Constitution Party

A minor party that advocates for a return to what it views as the original intent of the U.S. Constitution. It emphasizes limited federal government, states' rights, strict adherence to the Constitution, and traditional values, including pro-life and pro-family policies.

Political Left/Left Wing

Liberal - A political philosophy that favors the use of government power to foster the development of a person and promote the welfare of society

Political Right/Right Wing

Conservative - A political philosophy that government power undermines the development of a person and diminishes society as a whole.