Political Systems and Elections Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts relating to political systems, elections, and important amendments in the United States.

Agenda setting

Political parties setting policy goals.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

Also known as the McCain-Feingold Act; banned soft money contributions to presidential candidates and set limits on individual contributions.

Caucus

Party regulars meet in small groups to discuss qualifications for candidates and vote on endorsements.

Closed primary

A primary election in which only registered party members can vote.

Coalition building

Alliance of special-interest groups working to achieve a common goal.

Critical elections

Elections that result in a party realignment by shifting voter allegiance.

Demographic

Characteristics of a population that can include age, sex, and race.

Electoral college

A body of electors established by the Constitution, responsible for electing the president.

Electorate

Individuals who are legally registered to vote.

Fifteenth Amendment

Granted the right to vote to freed slaves made citizens by the Fourteenth Amendment.

Free rider

An additional provision attached to a bill that may not relate to the bill's main subject.

Horse race journalism

Media coverage that focuses on who is leading in a political campaign rather than detailed issue discussion.

Investigative journalism

Reporting that uncovers stories which can significantly affect public opinion or political outcomes.

Incumbents

Current officeholders who are seeking re-election.

Interest group

An organization that seeks to influence public policy based on the views of its members.

Iron triangle network

The relationship among interest groups, Congress, and bureaucracies that influences policy.

Linkage institutions

Channels through which individuals can express preferences regarding public policy.

Lobbyists

Individuals who advocate for special-interest groups to policymakers.

Media bias

The unfair preference given to one perspective in news coverage.

Midterm election

An election held two years after a presidential election to elect Congress members.

Nineteenth Amendment

Constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote.

Open primary

A primary election allowing registered voters from any party to vote in another party's primary.

Party convention

A gathering of party members to nominate candidates and develop party platforms.