Comprehensive U.S. Political Ideologies, Amendments, and Electoral Systems

Political ideology (Political Typology)

A set of beliefs about the best way to govern, which influences political behavior and policy preferences.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values, often influenced by family, education, and media.

Fifteenth Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on 'race, color, or previous condition of servitude.'

Liberal

A political ideology that emphasizes social equality, environmental protection, and government intervention in the economy.

Nineteenth Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that granted women the right to vote.

Conservative

A political ideology that emphasizes limited government, individual liberties, and free markets.

Twenty-Third Amendment

An amendment that grants residents of Washington D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections.

Populist

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often against the elite.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

An amendment that prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections.

Libertarian

A political ideology that advocates for minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment

An amendment that lowered the voting age to 18 years.

Minor/Third Party

Political parties that are not one of the two major parties (Democratic and Republican) and often represent specific issues or ideologies.

The Electorate

The body of people entitled to vote in an election.

Two-Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties, typically the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S.

Party Realignment

A significant and lasting shift in the political landscape, often resulting in a change in party dominance.

Moderates

Individuals who hold centrist views and may blend liberal and conservative positions.

Gender Gap

The difference in political opinions or voting behavior between men and women.

Republican Party

One of the two major political parties in the United States, traditionally associated with conservative policies.

Voter Integrity

The principle of ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and that votes are counted accurately.

Democratic Party

One of the two major political parties in the United States, traditionally associated with liberal policies.

Voter Suppression

Efforts to prevent specific groups of people from voting, often through restrictive laws or practices.

Precinct

A geographic area that contains a specific number of voters and is the smallest unit of election administration.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Minnesota Voter Qualifications

The criteria that individuals must meet to be eligible to vote in Minnesota, including age, residency, and registration requirements.

Safe District

A legislative district in which one political party has a significant advantage over others, making it unlikely for the opposing party to win.

Primary Election

An election in which registered voters from a political party nominate candidates for the general election.

Polarization

The growing ideological divide between political parties and their supporters.

Midterm Election

Elections held in the middle of a president's term, typically for congressional seats and other local offices.

Off Year Election

Elections that occur in odd-numbered years when there are no presidential or midterm elections.

Party Platform

A formal set of principal goals supported by a political party or candidate, outlining their policies and positions.

Advocacy Journalism

Journalism that promotes a particular cause or viewpoint, often aiming to influence public opinion.

Red State/Blue State

Terms used to describe states that predominantly vote for the Republican Party (red) or the Democratic Party (blue) in elections.

Adversarial Journalism

Journalism that seeks to challenge and hold accountable those in power, often through investigative reporting.

Straight Party Ticket

A voting option that allows voters to select all candidates from one political party with a single vote.

Voting Rights Act 1965

A landmark piece of federal legislation that aimed to eliminate various forms of voting discrimination.

Split Ticket Voting

When a voter chooses candidates from different political parties for different offices on the same ballot.

Poll Tax

A fee that was required to be paid in order to vote, which was used to disenfranchise poor and minority voters.

Electoral College

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

Swing State

A state where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters, making it a key target in elections.