Unit 2 Test - Study Guide

Individualism

A belief in the importance of individual rights and independence.

Political socialization

The process by which individuals form their political beliefs and values.

Public opinion polls

Surveys that measure the public's views on various political issues.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy regarding taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Monetary Policy

Actions by the Federal Reserve to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and interest rates.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on the past performance of a candidate or party.

Party-line voting

Voting in accordance with the political party's platform or candidates.

Prospective voting

Voting based on expectations of how candidates will vote in the future.

Rational voting

Voting that reflects an individual's personal interests.

Demographics

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

Incumbency advantage

The electoral advantage gained by current officeholders.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (B.C.R.A.)

Legislation that restricts soft money contributions to political parties.

Citizens United v. FEC

A Supreme Court case that ruled political spending is protected under the 1st Amendment.

PACs

Political Action Committees that can contribute directly to candidates.

Super PACs

Independent political committees that can raise unlimited funds for political purposes.

Absentee ballot

A voting method that allows a person to mail or submit their vote remotely.

Motor Voter Law

Legislation that allows voter registration while applying for a driver’s license.

Linkage Institutions

Structures that connect citizens to government, like political parties and interest groups.

Electoral college

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the president.

Party Convention

An event where a political party nominates candidates for the upcoming election.

Primary election

An election to select a party’s candidate for the general election.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to discuss and decide on candidates.

Initiative

A process where voters can propose legislation or constitutional amendments.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal.

Lame duck period

The time after an election when the candidate who is not re-elected remains in office.

Inauguration Day

The day the president is sworn into office, occurring on January 20th.

Mobilization of voters

Efforts to encourage people to participate in the electoral process.

Electoral vote

The votes cast by members of the electoral college in presidential elections.