AP GOV Vocab April 4th

15th Amendment

Prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

17th Amendment

Allows for the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people instead of being chosen by state legislatures.

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote, prohibiting any U.S. citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis of sex.

24th Amendment

Prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections, ensuring that no citizen is denied the right to vote based on the inability to pay a tax.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18 years, ensuring that citizens who are 18 years of age or older cannot be denied the right to vote based on age.

Rational choice theory

An economic principle that assumes individuals make decisions based on a rational evaluation of available information, weighing the costs and benefits to maximize utility.

Retrospective voting

A voting behavior where voters make their electoral choices based on their evaluations of the incumbent's past performance.

Prospective voting

A voting behavior where voters make electoral choices based on the anticipated future performance or promises of a candidate or party.

Party line voting

Voting for all candidates of a single political party, reflecting strong party loyalty among voters.

Political efficacy

The belief that one’s participation in politics can make a difference, reflecting the confidence individuals have in their ability to influence political processes.

Midterm election

Elections held midway between presidential elections, typically featuring elections for the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate.

General election

Elections in which voters elect officeholders, generally held at the national, state, and local levels.

Linkage institutions

The means by which individuals can express preferences regarding the development of public policy, including political parties, elections, interest groups, and the media.

Interest group

A collection of people who share a common interest or attitude and seek to influence government for specific ends, typically through lobbying efforts.

Electorate

The body of individuals entitled to vote in an election.

Party platform

A formal set of principles and goals supported by a political party, outlining their stance on various issues to gain support from voters.