AP Gov Unit 5: Political Participation

Political Participation

The ways in which individuals take action to influence government policies and leadership. This includes voting, campaigning, contacting officials, and participating in protests.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

A landmark federal legislation that prohibits racial discrimination in voting, aiming to eliminate barriers such as literacy tests and poll taxes that disenfranchised African American voters.

Motor-Voter Act (1993)

Also known as the National Voter Registration Act, this law made it easier for Americans to register to vote by allowing registration at motor vehicle departments and other public offices.

Factors Affecting Voter Turnout

Various elements that influence the likelihood of individuals voting, including age, education, income, interest in politics, and the competitiveness of elections.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's actions can influence political processes. High political efficacy leads to greater political participation.

Plurality

An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have an absolute majority.

Majority

A voting system where a candidate must receive more than half of the votes to win.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy in favor of their members' interests. They engage in lobbying, litigation, and public campaigns.

Free Rider Problem

Occurs when individuals benefit from resources or services without paying for them, leading to under-provision of those resources.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values, influenced by family, education, media, and peers.

Political Models

Theoretical frameworks describing how elected officials should act.

Politico Model

A hybrid approach where legislators balance their own judgment with constituent preferences.

Trustee Model

Elected officials make decisions based on their own expertise and judgment.

Delegate Model

Representatives act strictly according to the wishes of their constituents.

Electoral College

The body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the president and vice president. Each state has a number of electors equal to its congressional representation.

12th Amendment (1804)

Amended the Constitution to provide for separate Electoral College votes for President and Vice President, addressing issues from the election of 1800.

Presidential Powers

The authority vested in the president, including: Appointing officials, Making treaties, Serving as Commander in Chief, Receiving ambassadors, Granting pardons, Vetoing bills, Issuing executive orders and agreements.

Bully Pulpit

The president's use of their visibility and prestige to influence public opinion and promote their policies.

Veto

The president's constitutional right to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing its enactment into law.

Pocket Veto

A special type of veto exercised by the president after Congress adjourns, by not signing a bill within 10 days, effectively preventing its enactment.

Presidential Coattails

The tendency for a popular president to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in congressional elections.

Cabinet, Agencies, Public Corporations

Components of the executive branch that assist in the administration of government functions.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Senatorial Courtesy

The practice whereby the president seeks the approval of a senator from the state where a judicial vacancy exists before nominating a candidate.

Supreme Court Nominations

The process by which the president nominates individuals to serve on the Supreme Court, subject to Senate confirmation.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion written by a justice who agrees with the majority's decision but for different reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion written by a justice who disagrees with the majority's decision.

Judicial Activism

The philosophy that courts should play an active role in shaping public policy by addressing social issues.

Judicial Restraint

The philosophy that courts should defer to the decisions of elected branches of government and avoid making policy decisions.

Checks on the Supreme Court

Mechanisms by which the other branches of government can limit the power of the judiciary, such as impeachment and altering the number of justices.

Congress can impeach judges

The legislative branch's authority to remove federal judges from office for misconduct.

Congress can alter the number of judges

The legislative branch's power to change the size of the Supreme Court.

Can amend the Constitution

The ability of Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution, subject to ratification.

Congress can change jurisdiction of the lower courts and the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

Congress's authority to define and limit the jurisdiction of federal courts.

rational choice voting

A voting theory suggesting that individuals make electoral choices based on individual preferences and the expected outcomes of their votes.

party-line voting

A voting pattern where voters align with their political party's stance on issues, leading to consistent support for party candidates.

retrospective voting

A voting behavior where individuals base their electoral choices on the past performance of a candidate or political party.

prospective voting

A voting behavior where individuals make electoral choices based on the anticipated future policies or performance of candidates.