Chapter 7: Voting and Elections

Vocabulary flashcards to help understand key concepts related to voting and elections.

Political Participation

Involvement in activities aimed at influencing public policy and decision-making.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Direct Primary

A primary election in which voters directly select the candidates who will run for office.

Recall

A special election initiated by petition to remove an official from office before the end of their term.

Referendum

An election in which citizens vote directly on proposed laws or amendments.

Apathy

Lack of interest or concern, often leading to low voter turnout.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party.

Midterm Elections

Elections that occur halfway through a president's term.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

Legislation that banned soft money contributions in federal campaigns and increased limits on individual donations.

Citizens United v. FEC

A Supreme Court ruling that allowed businesses and unions to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns.