U5 AP USGAP

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political and social issues.

Mass Survey

A way to measure public opinion by interviewing a large sample of the population.

Target Population

The specific group of people a poll is intended to reflect.

Sample

A subset of the population chosen to represent the entire group.

Sampling/Margin of Error

A measure of how much results from a sample might differ from the whole population; smaller margin = more accurate.

Random Sample

A method of selection where every person has an equal chance of being chosen.

Ideological Polarization

The growing divide between liberals and conservatives, reducing the number of moderates.

Policy Mood

The level of public support for expanding the government's role in society.

Political Party

An organization that seeks to influence government by electing its members to office.

Political Realignment

A major shift in political loyalty or party support, often tied to critical elections.

Party Coalitions

Groups of voters with a common interest who support a particular party.

Party Decline

The decreasing influence of political parties over voters and candidates.

Democratic Party

One of the two major U.S. parties, generally supporting liberal and progressive policies.

Republican Party

One of the two major U.S. parties, generally supporting conservative and right-leaning policies.

Divided vs. Unified Government

Divided: different parties control the presidency and Congress; Unified: one party controls both.

Faction

A smaller, organized group within a larger party, often with differing goals or ideologies.

Grass-roots Organization

Political movements that start at the local level with citizen involvement.

Plurality

The most votes, but not necessarily a majority.

Linkage Institution

Channels that connect people to government (e.g., elections, parties, media).

Political Efficacy

A person's belief in their ability to influence politics and government.

Proportional Representation

Electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Winner-Take-All Electoral System

The candidate with the most votes wins all the power; discourages third parties.

Split-Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates of different parties on the same ballot.

Straight-Ticket Voting

Voting for all candidates of the same party.

Party Platform

A party's statement of its goals and policies for the upcoming election.

Patronage/Spoils System

Granting government jobs to loyal supporters of the winning party.

Third Party

Any political party besides the two major parties.

Independent

A voter or candidate who does not belong to a political party.

National Committee

Organizes the party at the national level; plans the national convention.

National Nominating Convention

Meeting where a party formally selects its presidential candidate.

Congressional Campaign Committee

A party committee that helps elect members to Congress.

Superdelegates

Unpledged delegates in the Democratic Party who can vote for any candidate at the convention.

Political Machine

A party organization that rewards supporters with jobs and services in exchange for votes.

Ideological Party

A party committed to a set of beliefs or ideology (e.g., Libertarian Party).

Solidary Incentive

Social rewards from participating in politics (friendship, status).

Sponsored Party

A local or state political party largely supported by another organization.

Personal Following

Support based on a candidate's charisma or personal network.

Two-Party System

A system dominated by two major political parties.

Single-Member Districts

Electoral districts where one representative is chosen per district.

Plurality System

The candidate with the most votes wins; discourages minor parties.

Duverger's Law

Theory that plurality-rule elections favor a two-party system.

Congressional Caucus

A group of members of Congress that meets to pursue common legislative objectives.

Incumbent

A current officeholder running for re-election.

Open Seat

An election without an incumbent, often more competitive.

Coattails

When a popular presidential candidate helps candidates from their party win lower offices.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited independent expenditures by corporations and unions.

Malapportionment

Unequal representation in legislatures due to unequal population distribution in districts.

Gerrymandering

Drawing district lines to favor one party or group.

Primary Election

Election to choose party nominees for general election.

Caucus (Electoral)

A local gathering where party members select delegates to support candidates.

General Election

The election to choose the officeholder from among the party nominees.

Electoral College

The body that officially elects the U.S. president; votes based on state representation.

Position Issue

An issue that divides the public and candidates take opposing views.

Valence Issue

An issue on which most voters agree, and candidates compete on who can best handle it.

Closed Primary

Only registered party members can vote.

Open Primary

Any registered voter can vote, regardless of party affiliation.

Blanket Primary

Voters can choose candidates from all parties for each office (ruled unconstitutional).

Runoff Primary

A second primary between the top two candidates if no one wins a majority.

Popular Vote

Total number of individual votes cast in an election.

Hard Money

Political donations that are regulated by law and go directly to candidates.

Soft Money

Unregulated donations to parties for 'party-building' activities (now limited).

Independent Expenditures

Spending by individuals or groups not coordinated with a candidate's campaign.

527s

Tax-exempt groups that influence elections through issue advocacy, not regulated by FEC as long as they don't coordinate with candidates.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on what a candidate promises to do.

Realignment Elections

Elections that lead to major shifts in political coalitions and party dominance.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on the candidate's or party's past performance.

Split-Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates of different parties in the same election.

Straight-Ticket Voting

Voting only for one party across the ballot.