US Political Parties and Voter Influence Study Guide

Flashcards covering voter influence, party ideologies, election cycles, and historical voting rights based on the lecture notes.

What are the five identified influences on how an individual votes?

1. Personal background, 2. Party loyalty, 3. Candidate qualifications, 4. Candidate image, and 5. Issues of the campaign.

What percentage of eligible people currently vote in U.S. presidential elections, according to the notes?

About $55\%$.

What are three reasons listed for low voter participation in the United States?

lack of interest, complicated voter registration rules, and lack of competitive elections.

Which demographic factors are strong predictors of a person's likelihood to vote?

More education, middle-age, and higher income levels are all associated with a higher likelihood of voting.

When is federal Election Day held?

The Tuesday following the first Monday in November (since 1845).

What is the difference between a presidential election and a congressional midterm election?

Presidential elections are held every $4$ years; midterm elections happen every $2$ years during the 'mid-term' of a president's tenure.

Which amendment limits the President to two terms in office?

The 22nd Amendment.

What is the difference between an Initiative and a Popular Referendum?

An initiative lets citizens propose new laws to vote on, while a popular referendum lets citizens vote to approve or reject laws already passed by the legislature.

Define a 'Political Party' based on the transcript.

A group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and influence policies.

What are the eight functions of political parties?

Electing candidates, educating the public, providing access to the political process, operating the government, dispensing patronage, developing and implementing policy, acting as a government watchdog, and providing stability.

How is a Multi-party system described, and what does it require to govern?

It is a system common in countries like the United Kingdom that requires a coalition government to function.

What are the three types of Third Parties mentioned in the notes?

Single-issue party, Ideological party, and Splinter party.

What are the three basic requirements to register to vote in the United States?

One must be $18$ years old, a US citizen, and not a convicted criminal or legally insane (depending on state laws).

What are the residency requirements for voting in the state of Ohio?

You must be a resident for at least $30$ days.

What are the primary goals of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act?

To tighten voter eligibility rules by focusing on citizenship and identification, specifically requiring proof of U.S. citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate) to register.

According to the transcript, how many proven cases of non-citizen voting have occurred since the 1980s?

There have been $1,500$ to $1,600$ proven cases out of over $1$ billion votes cast, which is approximately $0.0001\%$ of votes.

What are the general beliefs of 'Left' or 'Liberal' ideology (Democratic Party)?

The government should promote health, education, and justice; it may restrict economic freedom to increase equality but should not restrict most individual freedoms.

What are the general beliefs of 'Right' or 'Conservative' ideology (Republican Party)?

The government's role should be limited as citizens can solve problems; the party supports traditional family values and may use government power to protect a 'moral lifestyle'.

Regarding the economy, what values do both Republicans and Democrats share?

A mixed private capitalist economy, support for the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and an emphasis on individual achievement.

How do the Democratic and Republican parties differ on military spending and foreign policy?

Republicans generally support increased military spending and reduced reliance on the UN; Democrats are less likely to want military conflict and support reduced military spending.

What were the statistics for Party Identification in the year 2020?

$31\%$ Democratic, $25\%$ Republican, and $41\%$ Independent.

What is 'Party Polarization'?

A condition where Americans are increasingly polarized on most key issues and do not cross party lines, leading parties to nominate more ideological rather than centrist candidates.

Define the term 'Suffrage'.

The right to vote.

Which constitutional amendments changed voting rights for African Americans, women, and young adults?

The 15th Amendment (African American men), 19th Amendment (women), and 26th Amendment (lowered voting age to $18$).

What is an 'Absentee ballot'?

A method of voting that allows a citizen to vote without going to a physical polling place.

What was the purpose of the 24th Amendment?

It ended the use of poll taxes to prevent people from voting.