Gov 16 17

Political party

A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, conduct elections, govern, and determine public policy.

Theocracy

A government dominated by religion.

Theology

A set of basic beliefs about life, culture, government, and society.

Coalition government

A government formed by several parties who combine forces to obtain a majority.

Third Party

Any political party other than one of the two major parties.

Single-member district

An electoral district in which only one candidate is elected to each office.

Proportional representation

A system in which several officials are elected to represent the same area in proportion to the votes each party's candidate receives.

Independentist voter

A voter who does not support any particular party.

Plectrict

A voting district.

Plectrict captain

A volunteer who organizes party workers to distribute information about the party and its candidates.

State central committee

A committee usually composed largely of representatives from the party's county organizations.

National convention

A gathering of local and state party members chosen to nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

National Committee

Representatives from the 50 states who help run political party organizations.

Patronage

The practice of granting favors to reward party loyalty.

Caucus

A private meeting of party leaders to choose candidates for office.

Nominating Convention

An official public meeting of a party to choose candidates for office.

Boss

A powerful party leader.

Direct Primary

An election in which party members select people to run in the general election.

Closed Primary

An election in which only members of a political party can vote.

Open Primary

An election in which all voters may participate.

Plurality

The largest number of votes in an election.

Runoff Primary

A second primary election between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first primary.

Ticket

The candidates for president and vice president.

Platform

A statement of a political party's principles, beliefs, and positions on vital issues.

Planks

A section of a political party platform.

Campaign Manager

The person responsible for the overall strategy and planning of a campaign.

Image

A mental picture.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization formed to collect money and provide financial support for political candidates.

Soft Money

Money raised by a political party for general purposes, not designated for a candidate.

Suffrage

The right to vote.

Grandfather Clause

An exemption in a law for a certain group based on previous conditions.

Poll Tax

Money paid in order to vote.

Cross-Pressured Voter

One who is caught between conflicting elements in his or her own life.

Straight Party Ticket

One where a voter has selected candidates of his or her party only.

Propaganda

The use of ideas, information, or rumors to influence opinion.