Unit 5 - AP United States Gov & Politics

15th Amendment

Made it illegal for states to prevent voting due to a person's race.

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of senators by the people rather than state legislators.

19th Amendment

Granted voting rights to women.

24th Amendment

Declared that poll taxes were illegal.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Rational Choice Voting

Voter decision-making based on personal benefit, such as profitability for one's business.

Retrospective Voting

Voter decisions based on a candidate's past actions.

Prospective Voting

Voter expectations based on a candidate's future promises.

Party-line Voting

Voting based solely on party affiliation.

Voter Registration Laws

Laws requiring citizens to register to vote, often with deadlines prior to elections.

Voter ID Laws

Laws requiring identification to vote, potentially lowering turnout among low-income voters.

Election Level

Influence of media coverage on voter turnout, with national elections drawing the most engagement.

Election Type

Presidential elections typically yield higher turnout than midterm or off-year elections.

Party Identification

Stronger engagement in politics by those who strongly identify with a political party.

Candidate Characteristics

Voter attitudes influenced by personal traits of candidates.

Demographic Issues

Voting patterns among different demographic groups, such as race or class.

Recruit Candidates

Political parties gather candidates who align with their ideologies.

Nominate Candidates

Parties decide on which candidate will run in elections based on primary results.

Get Out the Vote

Efforts by parties to persuade voters and drive turnout.

Create Party Platforms

Parties develop statements outlining their ideological beliefs and policy goals.

Campaign Management and Fundraising

Strategies developed by parties to fund and run successful campaigns.

Iron Triangles

The relationship among interest groups, Congress, and bureaucratic agencies that influences federal budgets.

Incumbency

The advantage held by candidates running for reelection.

Open Primary

Type of primary where any registered voter can participate.

Closed Primary

Type of primary limited to registered party members.

Caucus

A public gathering where voters choose candidates, sometimes allowing support switching.

Electoral College

System by which the U.S. elects its president, based on state-by-state electors.

Midterm Elections

Elections occurring midway through a president's term, affecting congressional seats.

Grassroots Fundraising

Candidates appealing to lower-income voters for small donations.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises money for political purposes, often through larger donations.

Super PACs

Groups that collect unlimited donations post-Citizens United ruling.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

Legislation aimed at limiting corporate influence in campaigns, enabling public disclosure.

Investigative Journalism

In-depth reports that can significantly alter public opinion.

Changing Media

The evolution of media consumption, leading to a fragmented public opinion.

Fake News

The perception that certain news outlets are biased and untrustworthy.