Chapter 9 Elections and Campaigns POLS 15

Terms and Definitions Flashcards for exam review.

Primary Election

An election in which voters select party nominees.

General Election

An election in which voters choose among candidates from different parties.

Open Primary

A primary election in which voters are not required to declare party affiliation.

Closed Primary

A primary election limited to registered party members.

Electoral College

A body of electors who formally elect the president and vice president.

Winner-Take-All System

An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes wins all electoral votes.

Referendum

A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or issue.

Initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose legislation and submit it to voters.

Recall

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office.

Super PAC

An independent political action committee that can raise and spend unlimited money to influence elections.

Independent Expenditures

Money spent by individuals or groups not coordinated with a candidate’s campaign.

Incumbent Advantage

The electoral edge enjoyed by current officeholders.