Political Science Study Guide: Parties, Elections, and Campaign Finance

What is the Political Spectrum?

A way of modeling different political positions, ideologies, and parties along a continuum from left to right.

What does Partisanship refer to?

Strong and sometimes blind allegiance to a particular political party.

What is Bipartisanship?

Cooperation or agreement between two major political parties.

What are Political Action Committees (PACs)?

Organizations that pool campaign contributions from members and donate them to support or oppose candidates or legislation.

What are Super PACs?

Independent expenditure-only committees that can raise unlimited funds but cannot contribute directly to parties or candidates.

What are Splinter Parties?

Political parties that form when a faction breaks away from a major party due to disagreements.

What defines Ideological Parties?

Minor parties formed around a specific set of political, economic, or social beliefs.

What are Single-Issue Parties?

Political parties focused on one specific issue or policy area.

What is Super Tuesday?

The Tuesday in February or March when the largest number of states hold primary elections.

What is a Caucus?

A meeting of party members to select delegates, often involving discussion and physical grouping.

What is a Direct Primary?

An election where voters directly select their party's nominees for office.

What is a Closed Primary?

A primary election where only registered party members can vote.

What is an Open Primary?

A primary election where voters can participate regardless of party affiliation.

What is a Runoff Primary/Election?

A second election held when no candidate receives a majority in the first election.

What is a Political Party Platform?

A formal statement of a party's positions on issues and proposed policies.

Who are Swing Voters?

Voters who do not consistently support one party and may change their vote.

What are Swing States?

States where no candidate or party has overwhelming support in elections.

What are Single-Member Districts?

Electoral districts that elect one representative, typically using a first-past-the-post system.

What is the Electoral College?

The system used to elect the U.S. President based on state electoral votes.

What occurs at National Party Conventions?

Major gatherings held by political parties to nominate their presidential candidate and adopt the party platform.