Campaigns & Elections Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for Campaigns & Elections review.

Primary

An election to select a party's candidate for the general election.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to select a party's candidate for the general election, often involving discussions and voting.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation, especially at the federal level.

SuperPAC

A type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

Incumbent

The current officeholder seeking reelection.

National Convention

A meeting where a political party officially announces their presidential and vice presidential nominees, adopt the party platform, and unify the party.

Interest Group

An organized group that tries to influence public policy.

Electoral College

A body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

12th Amendment

Provides the procedure for electing the president and vice-president.

Debates

Can significantly impact an election by allowing candidates to directly compare platforms and persuade undecided voters.