participations + elections vocab

political action committee

an organization that raises/spends money to influence elections or legislation (e.g., the NRA PAC donating to congressional campaigns).
significance: connects interest groups/citizens to elections by funding candidates.

federal election commission

federal agency that enforces campaign finance laws and requires disclosure (e.g., FEC audits candidate filings).
significance: promotes transparency and enforces rules on campaign money.

initiative

a citizen-led process to propose laws/constitutional amendments for a public vote (e.g., California ballot measures).
significance: allows direct voter lawmaking outside the legislature.

recall election

a special election to remove an elected official before term end (e.g., voters ousting a mayor).
significance: provides a tool for voter accountability between regular elections

two-party system

a political system dominated by two major parties (e.g., U.S. democrats and republicans).
significance: structures elections and often limits viable alternatives.

third-party canidate

a candidate from a party other than the two main parties (e.g., green party presidential candidate).
significance: can introduce issues and sometimes affect election outcomes.

incumbency effect

the electoral advantage held by current officeholders (e.g., congressional incumbents’ higher re-election rates).
significance: explains high re-election rates and advantages in campaigns.

voter ID laws

laws requiring identification to vote (e.g., photo ID required at polling places).
significance: aims to reduce fraud but may create barriers for some voters.

gatekeeper

media or institutions that decide which issues receive public attention (e.g., editors choosing front-page stories).
significance: shapes the public agenda by controlling visibility of issues.

horserace journalism

media coverage focused on poll standings and competition rather than policies (e.g., nightly stories on who’s up/down in the polls).
significance: can distract voters from substantive policy discussion.

hard money vs. soft money

regulated contributions to candidates; unregulated funds to parties/ads (e.g., direct candidate donation vs. party issue ads).
significance: determines how campaigns are financed and what regulations apply.

open vs. closed primary

any registered voter may choose a party ballot; only registered party members may vote (e.g., an unaffiliated voter choosing a Democratic primary in an open state).
significance: affects who selects nominees and can change turnout/dynamics.

pluralism

theory that many interest groups compete and influence policy (e.g., labor, business, environmental groups lobbying).
significance: explains policy outcomes as a balance of competing organized interests.

linkage institutions

structures that connect citizens to government (parties, media, elections, interest groups; e.g., political parties mobilizing voters).
significance: translate public preferences into political action and policy.

super delegates

unpledged party officials who can vote at national conventions independent of primaries (e.g., some democratic party leaders).
significance: gives party elites discretionary influence in candidate selection.

participatory model of democracy

model emphasizing broad, active citizen participation in decision-making (e.g., town hall participatory budgeting).
significance: values civic engagement and direct involvement in governance.

pluralist model of democracy

model where policy results from competition among many groups (e.g., multiple interest groups influencing congress).
significance: suggests power is dispersed and compromise governs outcomes.

elite model of democracy

model claiming a small, wealthy/powerful elite dominates politics (e.g., business leaders shaping legislation).
significance: highlights concentrated power and limits of popular influence.

rational choice voting

voting based on individual cost-benefit calculations (e.g., voting for the candidate whose policies maximize a voter’s economic interest).
significance: frames voter behavior as self-interested and strategic.

retrospective voting

voting based on evaluations of past performance (e.g., re-electing a mayor because of a strong city economy).
significance: holds leaders accountable for their records.

prospective voting

voting based on expected future policies or promises (e.g., choosing a candidate for promised tax reform).
significance: encourages voters to consider future outcomes and plans.

party line voting

voting for all (or most) candidates from one party on the ballot (e.g., straight-ticket voting in a general election).
significance: reflects party loyalty and increases polarization in outcomes.