Political Participation and Voting Rights

Flashcards covering key concepts related to political participation, voting rights, and voting behavior models.

14th Amendment

Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people.

15th Amendment

Granted African American men the right to vote.

17th Amendment

Changed the election of Senators from state legislatures to a direct vote by the people.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

24th Amendment

Eliminated poll taxes, a structural barrier to voting.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

Rational choice voting

Refers to individuals who base their voting decisions on perceived personal best interest.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on whether a party or candidate in power deserves reelection based on their recent past.

Prospective voting

Voting based on predictions of how a party or candidate will perform in the future.

Straight ticket voting

Voting for all candidates from one political party on a ballot.

Political efficacy

The belief that an individual's participation in the political process will make a difference.

Linkage institutions

Channels that allow individuals to communicate their preferences to policymakers, including political parties, interest groups, elections, and media.

Incumbency advantage

The benefits that current officeholders have over challengers in elections.

Iron triangles

A stable relationship between an interest group, a congressional committee, and a bureaucratic agency.

Free riders

Individuals who benefit from the work of an interest group without providing any financial support.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that officially elects the President and Vice President of the United States.