Unit 4 Voting and Elections

What is the original purpose of the Electoral College in presidential elections?

To elect the President and Vice President, with electors chosen based on popular vote in each state.

What amendment split electoral votes between President and Vice President?

The 12th Amendment.

How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?

270 electoral votes.

What are the total number of electors in the US?

538 electors, consisting of 435 representatives, 100 senators, and 3 from D.C.

What is suffrage?

The right to vote.

What is the electorate?

The eligible voting population.

What year was the 15th Amendment passed, and what did it achieve?

Passed in 1870, it prohibited discrimination in voting based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

What major change did the 19th Amendment implement?

It granted women the right to vote.

What does the 24th Amendment prohibit?

It bans any tax payment as a voting qualification.

What does 'gerrymandering' refer to?

The practice of redrawing district voting lines to gain an unfair advantage.

What are 'off year elections'?

Elections not including the presidential election.

What is a 'straight ticket' vote?

Voting for candidates of the same political party across all positions.

What is a 'split ticket' vote?

Voting for candidates from different political parties in the same election.

What was the significance of the Wesberry v. Sanders case?

It established the principle of 'one man, one vote' by requiring equal district representation.

What is political efficacy?

The belief that one's vote matters.

What was required of U.S. citizens according to the Universal Qualifications for voting?

Must be a U.S. citizen, a resident, and at least 18 years of age.

How did the 13th Amendment affect the rights of former slaves?

It abolished slavery and granted former slaves some rights.

What was one of the main factors leading to increased voter turnout in the 1960s?

The Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act aimed to eliminate discrimination in voting.

What is the minimum residency period established by the Supreme Court for voting?

30 days.

How does voter registration vary by state?

States determine registration timeframes and methods, including online and mail options.

What is a 'non-voter'?

An eligible person who chooses not to vote.

Who are 'cannot voters'?

Eligible voters who are not allowed to vote due to circumstances like illness or being out of town.

What attributes are common among likely voters?

Aged 30-35, married, long-term residents, highly educated, and strong party identification.

What historical changes influenced the electorate in the U.S.?

The removal of property and religious qualifications, and amendments expanding voting rights.

What is the Electoral College's voting system in most states?

Winner-takes-all basis, where the popular vote winner in each state receives all electoral votes.

What was a consequence of the 1824 election and the 1800 tie between Jefferson and Burr?

The election went to the House of Representatives due to a tie in electoral votes.

What were literacy tests used for?

To restrict voting rights based on literacy, often targeting racial minorities.

What does 'voter turnout' refer to?

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

What is the legal voting age established by the 26th Amendment?

18 years old.

What can states do regarding suffrage requirements?

States set their own suffrage requirements but cannot violate federal amendments.

How can voters register?

Through various methods including online, mail, and registration offices.

What happens if no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?

The election goes to the House of Representatives for selection.

How were property and religious qualifications for voting changed?

These qualifications were dropped as part of legislative reforms for broader suffrage.

What is the purpose of primary elections?

To nominate a candidate for each political party.

What is a recurring issue with voter turnout during off year elections?

Voter turnout is generally lower because the elections do not include a presidential candidate.

What does the term 'transients' refer to in voting?

Individuals living somewhere temporarily, such as college students.

What role does the state government play in elections?

States determine the timing and rules for elections, including governorship elections.

Why were the 1950s and 1960s pivotal decades for civil rights and suffrage?

These decades saw significant legal changes that addressed voting discrimination.

What technological changes have impacted voter registration?

The introduction of online registration has made it easier for individuals to register to vote.

How does the 12th Amendment affect presidential elections?

It mandates that electors cast separate votes for President and Vice President.

What led to the creation of the Voting Rights Act?

Ongoing discrimination and obstacles faced by minority voters despite the 15th Amendment.