Elections In America Final Exam Study Guide

self-starters

Individuals who take the initiative to get involved in political processes without being prompted or formally recruited.

Significance: They spark political movements and expand participation.

Contract for America

A 1994 political agenda promoted by the Republican Party. It was a written list of policy promises that Republican congressional candidates had pledged to pursue if elected. It was introduced six weeks prior to the 1994 midterm elections and included several key legislative initiatives.

Significance: It shifted political power more toward to Republican party.

closed primary

A type of election in which only registered members of a political party can vote to choose that party’s nominee for the general election.

Significance: It empowers political parties, filters who can vote, and leads to more partisan outcomes.

The Big MO

Stands for "Big Momentum". It refers to the surge of energy, media coverage, and voter enthusiasm a candidate gains after doing well in early primary elections or caucuses.

Significance: It gives candidates more media attention. Ultimately, it can make or break campaigns.

party bloc ballot

It groups candidates by party on the ballot. You’ll see all democrats, all republicans, and all other parties grouped together.

Significance: A party bloc ballot increases straight-ticket voting.

electoral coalitions

These are the groups that support a political party.

Significance: In the US, our parties have very broad electoral coalitions. Both of them have groups in there that really don’t get along with each other. 

warchest

The money a candidate or political party has raised and saved for campaigning.

Significance: It provides candidates with a financial foundation to rely on. It helps them run stronger campaigns, scare off opponents, and stay competitive over time.

caucus

A type of in-person political meeting where members of a political party gather to discuss, debate, and vote for their preferred candidate in a primary election.

Significance: They emphasize community involvement.

strategic retirement

The key conditions or resources a political actor needs to achieve a goal.

Significance: It helps shape strategy, explain behavior, and predict outcomes in politics.

Race to 270

The U.S. presidential election strategy in which candidates aim to win 270 electoral votes to secure victory in the general election.

Significance: It focuses on swing states and highlights the importance of the Electoral College over the national popular vote.

FECA

The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 is a law that regulates campaign finance in federal elections.

Significance: It regulates campaign finance, promotes transparency, limits the influence of big money, and creates a fairer electoral process.

Duverger’s Law

It is the number of people elected per district plus one. For example, if you were in a system that elected 3 members per district, you should have 4 parties.

Significance: The US is one of the only electoral systems where Duverger’s Law is accurate. 

presidential coattails

The influence that a sitting U.S. president has on their party's candidates running in congressional elections (House and Senate) during the same election cycle.

Significance: They can boost congressional candidates’ chances.

professional candidate

Someone who has a career in politics, often holding or having held elected office in the past, and has a well-established political profile.

Significance: They bring expertise, campaign skills, influence, and electability, making them crucial figures in elections and political leadership.

matching funds

Government funds provided to political candidates to help cover the cost of their campaign activities, but only if the candidate agrees to follow certain spending limits.

Significance: they help promote fair competition while reducing the influence of big-money donors in politics.

McCain-Feingold

Banned soft money.

Significance: It was thought to had kill the democratic organizations because they were reliant on soft money. 

Secretary of State

When one individual is in charge of elections.

Significance: In 33 states, there is an elected secretary of state.

at the polls registration

You can show up on election day and register to vote at the polling station.

Significance: This increases voter turnout because it makes it easier to register.