Unit 5 Flashcards

Rational Choice Theory

the idea that voters come out to vote on self interest (voting believing they would benefit)

Retrospective Voting

punish/reward politicians for the health of the country

Prospective Voting

voting based on someone’s ideas and handling of issues

Party-Line Voting

voting straight ticket/with the party

Political Efficacy

the belief that one’s political participation really matters

Civic Duty

the belief that in order to support democracy, a citizen should always vote

Reasons that people don’t vote

busy, obligations, belief that their vote wouldn’t count, lack of choices, voting barriers, registration

Ways states can affect voter turnout

length of voting (early voting, hours, ect.), form of votes, place of voting

referendum

voters can directly vote on actions or policies

initiative

voters proposing actions and policies

Influences (broad)

differences in state-controlled elections, variations in voter registration laws and procedures, election type (Pres vs. midterms)