AP Gov

Franchise

The right to vote in public elections.

15th Amendment

Recognized the right of black men to vote.

19th Amendment

Recognized women’s right to vote.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President.

Rational Choice Voting

Voting based on a person's self-interest after studying the issues and platforms.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on the recent past performance of a politician.

Party Line Voting

Voting for all candidates of a single political party.

Political Efficacy

A citizen's belief about whether their vote matters.

Civil Rights Movement

A social movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights.

Iron Triangle

The relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and government agencies that work together to influence policy.

Free Rider Problem

When individuals benefit from resources or services provided by a group without contributing to that group's efforts.

Single Issue Groups

Interest groups that focus advocacy on one specific issue.

Winner-Takes-All System

An electoral system where the candidate receiving the most votes wins all the electoral votes.

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party to decide on candidates or policy.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises and spends money to influence elections.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)

A law that regulates campaign financing and increased limits on hard money donations.

Narrowcasting

Targeting media coverage to specific audiences, often with a particular ideological perspective.

Horse Race Journalism

Media coverage that focuses on the competitive aspects of elections rather than substantive issues.

Coalition

A group of demographic voters who align for a common political purpose.

Incumbency Advantage

The electoral advantage gained by those already in office.

Media as a Linkage Institution

Media connects the public to government by providing information and facilitating political engagement.

Agenda Setting

The process by which media influences the importance placed on topics of the public agenda.