Election Basics
This type of election determines the final winner of an office
General election
This type of primary allows any voter to choose which party’s election to participate in
These individuals vote at conventions to choose the nominee
Delegates
1 campaign method candidates use to persuade voters
Ads, rallys, public appearances, speeches, debates, fundraising, etc.
This term refers to favoring one side when presenting information
Bias (or spin)
This type of election narrows candidates within a political party
Primary election
This type of primary only allows registered party members to vote
Closed
These party leaders can vote independently of primary results
Superdelegates
This propaganda/ad strategy involves presenting only positive or negative information
Card stacking
This is when the government prevents information from being published beforehand
Prior restraint
These events officially nominate candidates and help unify the party before the election
Party conventions
This system allows party members to vote in their party, but independents can choose
Semi-closed
These two states are criticized for having too much influence early in elections
Iowa, New Hampshire
This type of propaganda/ad suggests “everyone is supporting this candidate”
Bandwagon
This is one way media influences public opinion
Framing stories, choosing what to cover, algorithm manipulation
List one way candidates can get on the ballot without primaries
Petition, self announcement
This method involves discussion and group decision-making instead of secret ballots
Caucus
List 1 criticism of the election system related to fairness
Gerrymandering, early states having power, superdelegates, primaries not having much participation, winner-take-all, hard for 3rd parties to get on ballot, etc.
Most campaign money comes from these organizations
PACs
List 1 role of the media in elections
Informing the public, shaping opinion, watchdog, track political success/outcomes, etc.
National, state, local
List 1 key criticism of caucuses compared to primaries
Limit participation, take more time, are less accessible, less democratic/swayed by opinion
List 1 major criticism of campaign finance laws
Money has too much influence in politics, money isn't effectively regulated, etc.
This Supreme Court case allowed unlimited independent political spending
Citizens United v. FEC
1 reason freedom of the press is important in democracy
Allows citizens to be informed, holds government accountable, prevents abuse of power, etc.