Unit 7 Civics OLC - Politcal Parties, Interest Groups & Mass Media

Political Party

A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy

ballot access

Allowing a political party to put a candidate on the ballot, rules vary from state to state

platform

a series of statements expressing the party's principles, beliefs, and positions on election issues

candidate

a person running for political office

nominate

To select candidates to run for public office

political office

a position for which a candidate is elected to hold

Plurality

Candidate or party with the most votes cast in an election, not necessarily more than half.

third party

A political party organized in opposition to the major parties in a two-party system, minor party. Single Issue, Ideological, Splinter Parties

Plank

each individual part of a political party's platform

interest group

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy

PAC

Political Action Committee

mass media

Forms of communication, such as newspapers and radio, that reach millions of people.

Propaganda

information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

primary

A ballot vote in which citizens select a party's nominee for the general election.

Caucus

A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform.

general election

First Tuesday, after the First Monday in November, election in which voters decide which candidates will actually fill elective public offices

partisan

Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause

non-partisan

An idea or person that does not support a specific party, cause, or candidate.

Referendum

a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate

Lobbying

Engaging in activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and the policies they enact.

delegate

A person appointed or elected to represent others

constituent

a person (citizen) whom a member of Congress has been elected to represent