Module 10: Parties, Interest Groups, and Elections

Why is voting considered the most important political act?

Your vote can influence the way society functions.

What is the 26th Amendment? What event caused it to be ratified?

Voting age is 18. The Vietnam war drafts.

What is election turnout?

Participation rate of a given election.

What is the purpose of political protests?

Bring attention to various issues

Why do state legislatures control voter registration?

The election clause of the U.S. Constitution grants this power to the state legislature.

What is microtargeting?

A practice sometimes used by political strategists that identifies specific potential supporters by learning their consumer habits and buying preferences to tailor advertising

What is lobbying?

Appealing to legislative branch for passage of bills

What is a political party?

People with shared ideas who seek to control the government

Who makes up a party coalition? How can these lead to internal party conflict?

Party organization, media, donors, and think tanks. They create internal conflicts and tensions.

What is partisanship? What about negative partisanship?

Strong support or loyalty towards a party; voting or aligning with a party due to extreme dislike of the other party.

What is an example of political polarization?

When members of one political party view government in a different light than members of another party.

How does age impact voting?

People who are 65 and older are more likely to vote.

3 greatest influences in voting

Partisan loyalty, issues, and characteristics of candidates.

Primary elections vs. General elections

Chooses candidate for political party; elections to fill a position (Presidential and Midterm elections)

Open primaries vs. Closed primaries

(under primary elections) Any eligible voter can enroll to participate; only party members can vote.

When are presidential elections held?

The first Tuesday in November every 4 years

How many electoral votes are required to win?

270

What is retrospective voting?

Voting based on the past performance of a candidate

What is the electoral college?

A body of electors who represent the people's vote in choosing the president.