AP GOV - TOPIC 5 VOCAB

Voting behavior

How individuals decide to vote based on various factors.

Rational-choice voting

Voting based on what is perceived to be in one’s best interest.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on past performance of candidates or parties.

Prospective voting

Voting based on expected future performance.

Voter turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections.

Registration requirements

Rules that voters must follow to be eligible to vote.

Voter ID laws

Laws requiring identification to vote.

Political party

An organization that seeks to influence government by getting candidates elected.

Party platform

A set of beliefs and policy positions endorsed by a political party.

Third party

A political party outside the two major parties that can influence policy.

Interest group

An organization that seeks to influence public policy.

Lobbying

Direct interaction with policymakers to influence decisions.

Litigation

Using courts to achieve policy goals.

Grassroots mobilization

Encouraging public participation to influence policy.

Electoral College

A system where electors formally elect the president.

Swing state

A state where neither major party has overwhelming support.

Incumbency advantage

The advantage current officeholders have in elections.

Campaign strategy

Planned methods used to win elections.

Media

Means of communication that influence public opinion.

Digital media

Online platforms used for political communication.

Campaign finance

Funding used for political campaigns.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

Organization that raises money to support candidates.

Super PAC

A group that can raise unlimited funds for political advocacy but cannot coordinate with candidates.

Agenda setting

The ability of media or leaders to influence which issues are prioritized.

Voting as democratic act

Participation in elections is a key element of democracy.

Turnout factors

Education, income, and age influence likelihood of voting.

Voting barriers

Requirements like registration and ID can limit participation.

Party functions

Parties nominate candidates, mobilize voters, and structure debate.

Party influence on policy

Parties shape legislation and public opinion.

Third party impact

Third parties influence issues but rarely win elections.

Interest group influence

Effectiveness depends on resources, membership, and access.

Interest group strategies

Groups use lobbying, litigation, and grassroots efforts.

Presidential elections

System involving Electoral College and campaign strategies.

Congressional elections

Differences exist between House and Senate races.

Modern campaigns

Use media and digital tools to reach voters.

Media influence on politics

Media shapes public opinion and political priorities.

Campaign finance sources

Funding comes from individuals, PACs, and Super PACs.

Campaign finance regulation

Laws limit or regulate campaign spending.

Changing media landscape

Digital media has increased fragmentation of information.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established that redistricting issues can be decided by courts.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Ruled that racial gerrymandering violates equal protection.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Ruled that political spending is protected free speech.

Federalist No. 10

Discusses factions and their influence on political participation.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

Advocates for civil disobedience to promote justice.

First Amendment (campaign finance)

Protects political speech including campaign spending.

Fourteenth Amendment (voting)

Ensures equal protection in voting laws.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits denial of voting based on race.

Nineteenth Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment

Lowers voting age to 18.

Equal Protection Clause (voting)

Ensures fair treatment in voting laws.

Free Speech Clause

Protects political expression and participation.

Voting rights protections

Laws and doctrines ensuring access to voting.

Campaign finance doctrine

Legal principles governing political spending.

Political participation theory

Study of how and why people engage in politics.