Unit 5: Political Participation Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to political participation, voter rights, and behavior as outlined in the study guide.

The Franchise

The right to vote; also referred to as suffrage.

14th Amendment

Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibits states from denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

24th Amendment

Banned poll taxes in federal elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Rational Choice Voting

When voters choose the candidate they believe will benefit them the most based on policy or outcomes.

Retrospective Voting

Voters make their decision based on the past performance of a candidate or political party.

Prospective Voting

Voters choose candidates based on their promises and plans for the future.

Straight Ticket Voting

Voting for all candidates from one political party on a ballot.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who actually vote in an election.

Structural Barriers

Legal or systemic obstacles that make it harder to vote.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one’s political participation makes a difference.

Demographics

Characteristics of a population such as age, race, education, and income.

Linkage Institutions

Organizations that seek to influence government by electing their members to office.

Political Parties

Connect voters with elected officials and help organize political beliefs into platforms.

Canvassing Campaigns

The act of going door-to-door or making calls to encourage voter participation.

Campaign Management

The organization and strategy behind a political campaign.

Coalition

A group of individuals or organizations united around common political goals.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Organizations that raise and spend money to influence elections.

Super PACs

Independent expenditure-only committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the U.S. president, requiring a majority of electors to win.

Incumbent

The current officeholder running for re-election.

Campaign Finance

Regulations governing how money is raised and spent in elections.

Media Bias

Refers to perceived or actual partiality in news coverage.

Fairness Doctrine

A former policy requiring broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues.