U.S. Election Terms: Campaigns, Voting, and Political Parties

Popular Vote

When citizens who are registered, vote. The total number of votes cast by the public in an election.

Campaign

The competition by rival political candidates for public office

Congressional Representation

Number of representatives plus number of senators for a state

Political Party

An group of people who share similar political beliefs about how our country should be run.

(PAC) Political Action Committee

A group that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates, often representing specific interests.

Monitor

To watch over

Nominate

to choose or pickA candidate can be "nominated" by their party, to be a "nominee"

Recruit

Finding or attracting new members to a group

Elector

A representative of a political party who votes for President and Vice President

Slate

A list of individuals. "Slate of electors"

Swing State

US state where the two major political parties have similar levels of support among voters

Conservative

Believes less government services and regulations provide individual libtery to improve society. Associated with Republican party.

Liberal

Believes more government services and regulations create equal opportunities to improve society. Associated with Democrat Party.

Platform

A candudate's beliefs or viewpoints identified within their campaign

Political center

The group of people who have moderate views on politics

Primary Election

A political party's internat vote to choose a candidate

General Election

An election where all registered citizens can vote

Special Interest Group

An organization where members share a common interest or goal