Political Science Exam Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to political processes, campaigns, and voting rights.

Franchise

The right to vote, which has expanded over time through amendments.

Socioeconomic status

A person's income, education, and occupation, which strongly affects voting patterns.

Political efficacy

Belief that your participation matters in government.

Political mobilization

Efforts to encourage people to vote through ads, campaigns, and outreach.

Rational-choice voting

Voting based on what benefits you the most.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on past performance of candidates.

Prospective voting

Voting based on what candidates promise to do in the future.

Party-line voting

Voting for candidates from the same political party.

Straight-ticket voting

Voting only for candidates from one party.

Split-ticket voting

Voting for candidates from different political parties.

Primaries

Elections to choose party nominees.

Closed primaries

Primaries where only registered party members can vote.

Open primaries

Primaries where any voter can participate regardless of party affiliation.

Caucuses

Local party meetings where members choose nominees.

Delegates

Representatives who vote at party conventions.

Superdelegates

Party leaders who can vote freely at party conventions.

Front-loading primaries

States holding primaries early to gain influence.

Battleground (swing) states

States where either party has a strong chance of winning.

Campaign finance

Money raised and spent to influence elections.

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

Regulates campaign finance laws.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Raises money for candidates with limited donations.

Super PAC

Can raise unlimited money but cannot directly coordinate with candidates.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA)

Limited 'soft money' in elections.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Allowed unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions.

Linkage institutions

Connect people to government, such as parties, media, and interest groups.

Realignment

A major shift in party support leading to lasting change.

Coalition

A group with shared interests working together politically.

Critical elections

Elections that cause major political realignment.

Era of Divided Government

When different parties control different branches of government.

Single-member plurality system

Winner-take-all elections where the most votes wins.

Proportional system

Seats are allocated based on percentage of votes, used in other countries.

Interest groups

Organizations that influence policy.

Economic interest groups

Focus on financial interests, such as businesses and labor.

Public interest groups

Promote general welfare, such as environmental and civil rights issues.

Government interest groups

Represent government institutions.

Single-issue groups

Focus on one specific issue.

Lobbying

Attempting to influence government officials.

Grassroots lobbying

Mobilizing the public to influence policy.

Amicus curiae briefs

Documents submitted to influence court decisions.

Revolving door

Movement between government jobs and lobbying positions.

Selective benefits

Incentives offered to join groups, such as discounts and services.

Collective goods

Benefits available to everyone.

Inside lobbying

Direct contact with lawmakers to influence policy.

Outside lobbying

Public pressure tactics, such as media and protests.

Free-rider problem

The issue where people benefit without contributing.

Mass media

Means of communication that reach large audiences.

Broadcast media

Forms of media such as TV and radio.

Media consolidation

Fewer companies owning more media outlets.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Regulates broadcast media.

Partisan bias

Media that favors one political side.

Horse-race journalism

Coverage that focuses on who is winning rather than on issues.

15th Amendment

Granted voting rights regardless of race.

17th Amendment

Established direct election of senators.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

24th Amendment

Banned poll taxes in elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered voting age to 18.