AP GOV

What is a Political Party?

An organization that seeks to influence government policy by nominating candidates and winning elections.

What is a Split Ticket?

Voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot.

What is a Straight Ticket?

Voting for all candidates from the same party.

Define Office Bloc Ballot.

A ballot that lists candidates by the office rather than by party.

What is the purpose of a National Convention?

A large party meeting held every four years to select presidential candidates.

Who are Superdelegates?

Party leaders or elected officials with a vote at the Democratic National Convention, not chosen through primaries.

What defines a Two-Party System?

A political system where two major parties dominate.

What is a Plurality System?

An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes wins, even if not a majority.

What types of reforms did Progressives push for?

Direct primaries and civil service reform, weakening party control and shifting power toward individuals and candidates.

How have political parties evolved over time?

The Democratic and Republican parties have shifted in ideology, constituency, and regional support.

What does Political Realignment refer to?

Gradual shifts and sudden shifts in party loyalty.

What is the structure of major political parties?

They have national, state, and local organizations, with a hierarchy that coordinates across levels.

What are Ideological Parties?

Parties that focus on specific beliefs and aim to promote these ideas over winning.

How do Democrats and Republicans differ?

They often differ on social and economic issues, especially highlighted during conventions.

Why does the Two-Party System persist?

Due to the electoral system and historical traditions.

What challenges do Minor Parties face?

Lack of funding and electoral disadvantages.

What is an Incumbent?

A current officeholder running for re-election.

What are Coattails?

The influence of a popular candidate on the success of other candidates from the same party.

What does PAC stand for?

Political Action Committee, an organization that raises and spends money for candidates or causes.

What is Malapportionment?

Unequal representation in legislative districts.

What is Gerrymandering?

Redrawing district lines to benefit a party.

What is a Sophomore Surge?

An increase in votes when an incumbent first runs for re-election.

What are Position Issues?

Specific policy issues where candidates take different stands.

What are Valence Issues?

Issues on which most voters agree.

What is a General Election?

An election for choosing among party-nominated candidates.

What is a Primary Election?

An election to choose a party’s candidate for the general election.

What is the difference between a Closed Primary and an Open Primary?

In a closed primary, only registered party members vote; in an open primary, all voters can participate regardless of party.

What are Independent Expenditures?

Spending by non-candidates to support a candidate.

What is Soft Money?

Unregulated funds spent on general party activities.

What are 527 Organizations?

Tax-exempt groups that engage in political activities.

What distinguishes Presidential Elections from Congressional Elections?

Presidential elections are more competitive, have higher turnout, receive more media focus, and involve broader issues.

Why do legislators have a local orientation?

It encourages attention to local needs and frequent contact with constituents.

What are the age and citizenship requirements for the House and Senate?

House: 25 years old and citizen for 7 years; Senate: 30 years old and citizen for 9 years.

How do candidates adjust their ideologies in elections?

They often adopt more extreme positions in primaries and more moderate in general elections.

What do matching funds require from presidential candidates?

Candidates must raise a set amount of funds and adhere to spending limits.

What did the Campaign Finance Reform Act (2002) implement?

It banned soft money to parties, raised contribution limits, and restricted ads by outside groups close to elections.

What factors don't guarantee winning an election?

Wealth, incumbent advantages, high media visibility, or controversial issues alone.

What influences campaign outcomes beyond party affiliation?

Campaigns, issues, and candidate appeal also play roles.

What is the difference between prospective and retrospective voting?

Prospective voting considers future policies; retrospective voting looks at past performance.

What aspects impact campaign influence?

Effective messaging, mobilization, voter contact, and targeting key demographics.

What is Coalition Building in politics?

Attracting diverse groups, balancing traditional supporters with swing or independent voters.

What is the Electoral College?

A body that formally elects the president, criticized for potentially ignoring the popular vote.

Do elections drive substantial policy changes?

Arguments vary; institutional constraints may limit impact.