Our Democracy (Government and Citizenship)

Elitist Theory

a theory that stresses the social, educational, and economic ties that bind an elite group of individuals and which allow power and influence to remain within their small circle

Lobbying

The practices of interest groups to influence elected officials, policy makers, and politics

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Committees that raise money to support specific candidates for political office who will presumably support their agendas

Electors

members of the national electoral college who actually vote for the president

Super PACs

A result of the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court case that ruled political contribution restrictions were an unconstitutional act against the freedom of speech, resulting in unlimited donations and unprecedented spending in political campaigns

Platforms

the issues and topics considered most relevant to the party which often then shape the political narrative in an election and beyond

Opposition Research

information gathered on political opponents

The Media

Not an official part of the political system, but plays an important role in the political process. Reports on political events, legislation, and conducts investigations into government activities and government officials.

Electoral College

The system for electing the President by using electors from each state based on the number of Congressional representatives the state has

Primary Races

an election in in which candidates from the same party run for their party's nomination

Franking

affords the incumbent member of Congress the right to send mail to their constituents free of charge

Dark Money

financial contributions to non-profit organizations which are not required to disclose their donors

Political Culture

the set of shared attitudes and beliefs that give meaning, order, and structure to the political process in the United States