Unit 2: Political Parties and Elections Study Guide

polls

Surveys conducted to gauge public opinion or predict election outcomes by sampling a section of the population.

lobbyists

Individuals who attempt to influence political decisions or legislation on behalf of a specific interest group.

primary election

A preliminary election in which voters select candidates to represent their party in the general election. This process can be open or closed depending on the state regulations.

national convention

A meeting of party delegates to nominate candidates for president and vice president and establish party policies.

general election

The final election in which voters select among candidates from different parties for public office, determining the officeholder.

campaigning

The process of promoting a candidate or political party to the electorate, involving various strategies such as rallies, advertisements, and debates to gain support and votes.

How many votes in electoral college to win presidency

A candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes out of 538 to win the presidency.

recall petition

A process that allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term by gathering a certain number of signatures to trigger a special election.

petition

A formal request signed by voters to trigger an election or action.

ballot initiatives

Proposals placed on the ballot for voters to directly approve or reject, enabling citizens to enact or change laws.

ballot referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of new legislation.

legislative proposition

a proposed law or amendment submitted to voters for approval or rejection.

PACs

Political Action Committees that raise and spend money to promote candidates or policies.

FEC

The Federal Election Commission is an independent regulatory agency that oversees and enforces federal election laws, including the regulation of campaign finance.

poll tax

a fee required to vote, often used to disenfranchise low-income individuals, particularly in the Jim Crow South.

super pac

A type of political action committee that can raise and spend unlimited funds to advocate for or against political candidates, but cannot coordinate directly with their campaigns.

roles of political parties

The roles of political parties include organizing elections, mobilizing voters, promoting candidate platforms, facilitating governance, and providing a framework for political debate and policy-making.

why does America have a two party system

primarily due to historical precedent, the winner-take-all election process, and the way political parties are structured. This system encourages stability and continuity in governance while often sidelining smaller parties.

media in government

plays a crucial role in informing the public about political issues, policies, and government actions, acting as a watchdog and facilitating the flow of information between government entities and citizens.

roles of citizens in elections

Citizens play a vital role in elections by voting, participating in political campaigns, engaging in discussions about candidates and issues, and holding elected officials accountable.

campaigning advertising pros

include increased visibility for candidates, the ability to convey messages and policies effectively, and the opportunity to reach a wider audience through various media platforms. However, it can also lead to oversimplification of issues and potential misinformation.

campaigning advertising cons

include negative perceptions of candidates, higher costs that may limit participation, and the potential for misleading information that can confuse voters.

how does a demonstrating relate to the political process

Demonstrating relates to the political process by allowing citizens to express their opinions, advocate for specific issues, and exert pressure on elected officials, thereby influencing public policy and electoral outcomes.

what is the purpose of a closed primary

The purpose of a closed primary is to allow registered party members to exclusively participate in selecting their party's candidate for the general election, ensuring that only those aligned with the party's values influence the nomination process.

liberal

A political ideology advocating for social equality, government involvement in the economy, and progressive reforms to promote individual rights and freedoms.

conservative

A political ideology that emphasizes tradition, individual responsibility, and limited government intervention in the economy, advocating for free market principles and a strong national defense.

moderate

A political viewpoint that seeks a balance between liberal and conservative ideologies, often advocating for compromise and pragmatism in policy preferences.

why is it important for elected officials to pay attention to petitions

because they represent the voices and concerns of constituents, providing insight into public opinion and helping shape policy decisions.

election steps for president of usa

a gathering of delegates from a political party to nominate candidates for president and vice president, establish party platforms, and unify party members.