Untitled Flashcards Set

Candidate centered campaign

A political campaign that focuses on the individual candidate rather than the party platform or the party's overall message.

Coalitions

Alliances formed between different political parties or groups to achieve a common objective, often seen in the context of legislative votes or elections.

Critical elections

Elections that signal a significant shift in the political landscape and often lead to changes in party alignment.

Realignments

Periods during which the political balance of power shifts between parties, often influenced by critical elections.

Third party

A political party that is not one of the two major parties (Democratic or Republican) and typically represents a broader range of interests.

Proportional government

A system in which parties gain seats in the legislature in proportion to the number of votes they receive in an election.

Winner-take-all system

An electoral system in which the candidate who receives the most votes wins all the delegates or electoral votes.

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence government officials in their decision-making process, often by special interest groups.

“Free rider” problem

A challenge that arises when individuals can benefit from a resource or service without contributing to its cost, leading to underprovision of the good.

Single issue group

An organization that focuses on one specific area of policy, often leading to advocacy for that specific cause.

Incumbency advantage

The inherent advantages that current officeholders have when seeking reelection, such as greater visibility and access to campaign resources.

Open primary

A primary election in which voters are not required to be affiliated with a political party to participate.

Closed primary

A primary election where only registered party members can vote to choose their party's candidate.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to select candidates or decide party policy.

Party convention

A formal gathering of party delegates for the purpose of nominating candidates and discussing party platforms and strategies.

Electoral College

A group of representatives from each state who formally elect the president and vice president of the United States.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

Legislation aimed at regulating campaign financing and reducing the role of soft money in political campaigns.

Citizens United v FEC

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that corporations and unions can spend unlimited sums on political campaigns, viewing such spending as protected speech under the First Amendment.

Protected speech

Speech that is safeguarded by the Constitution, including political speech that influences government or election processes.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that collect and distribute funds to candidates who align with their interests, often to influence legislation or regulation.

Investigative journalism

A form of journalism that seeks to uncover the truth behind complex issues, often involving investigation into political corruption or wrongdoing.

“Horse race” journalism

A style of reporting that focuses on the competitive aspects of the election process rather than substantive issues or policies.