POL 101 American Government

Flashcards covering key concepts related to Congressional elections and the political science concepts discussed in POL 101.

Reapportionment

The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives based on changes in population.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Incumbency

The holding of an office or the period during which one is held.

Redistricting

The redrawing of district boundaries to ensure equal representation based on population.

One Man = One Vote

The principle that each voter should have equal weight in elections.

Campaign Finance

The funds raised and spent for political campaign activities.

Coattails

The tendency of candidates to gain votes because of the popularity of candidates at the top of the ticket.

Midterms

Elections that occur in the middle of a presidential term, often affecting the makeup of Congress.

Strategic Politicians vs. Ambitious Amateurs

The distinction between experienced political candidates and less experienced candidates seeking election.

Surge and Decline

A phenomenon in which a party experiences a surge in support in one election followed by a decline in the next election.

Reapportionment

The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives based on changes in population.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Incumbency

The holding of an office or the period during which one is held.

Redistricting

The redrawing of district boundaries to ensure equal representation based on population.

One Man = One Vote

The principle that each voter should have equal weight in elections.

Campaign Finance

The funds raised and spent for political campaign activities.

Coattails

The tendency of candidates to gain votes because of the popularity of candidates at the top of the ticket.

Midterms

Elections that occur in the middle of a presidential term, often affecting the makeup of Congress.

Strategic Politicians vs. Ambitious Amateurs

The distinction between experienced political candidates and less experienced candidates seeking election.

Surge and Decline

A phenomenon in which a party experiences a surge in support in one election followed by a decline in the next election.

Partisan Gerrymandering

The drawing of electoral district boundaries to primarily benefit one political party.

Pro-Incumbent Gerrymandering

The drawing of electoral district boundaries to protect current officeholders, regardless of their political party.

Racial Gerrymandering

The drawing of electoral district boundaries to dilute or concentrate the voting power of a racial or ethnic group, often violating the Voting Rights Act.

Running for US House of Representatives: Qualifications

Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.

Running for US House of Representatives: Term and Elections

Members serve two-year terms with elections held every even year. Representation is based on state population, divided into specific districts.

Running for US Senator: Qualifications

Must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.

Running for US Senator: Term and Elections

Senators serve six-year terms with elections staggered, so approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. Each state has two senators, elected statewide.

Why Someone Gets Elected

Key factors include incumbency advantage, campaign finance, party affiliation, candidate quality, policy positions, and effective voter mobilization.