Campaigns, Elections, and Voting

This set of flashcards covers essential terms and concepts relevant to campaigns, elections, and voting in American politics, as detailed in the lecture notes.

Campaign Finance

The fundraising process for political candidates, particularly for federal office.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA)

Legislation aimed at regulating campaign finance and limiting contributions to political parties.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

A Supreme Court case ruling that money is speech, allowing corporations to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation.

Dark Money

Funds used for political purposes where the donor's identity is not disclosed.

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

The government agency responsible for enforcing federal campaign finance laws.

Super PAC

A type of independent political action committee that can raise and spend unlimited money to advocate for or against candidates.

Public Funding

Government funds provided to qualifying presidential candidates that can match private donations.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution every four years for the sole purpose of electing the president and vice president.

Candidate Image Voting

Voting based on perceptions and images of candidates rather than policy or party affiliation.