Voting
This lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
26th Amendment
A list of goals outlining a party’s positions on issues and political priorities.
Party platform
The amount of electoral votes needed to win an absolute majority in the Electoral College and win the presidency.
270
Channels that allow individuals to communicate their preferences to policy-makers.
Linkage institutions
This refers to reporting that focuses on who is winning or ahead in the polls rather than on candidates' policy agenda or debates.
"Horse race" journalism
This model refers to individuals who base their decisions on what is perceived to be in their best interest.
Rational choice voting
When conflict between the two parties delays the passage/implementation of policies.
Gridlock
Nominating elections in which voters choose candidates from each party who will run in the general election.
Primaries (can be open or closed)
Also called an "independent expenditure-only committee;" may raise unlimited funds in support of a candidate or party as long as they do not coordinate with the candidate or party or donate directly.
SuperPAC
A group/association that focuses on one specific area of public policy. Ex: NRA & MADD
Single-issue groups
Identify a factor that influences voter turnout.
- Polling hours/methods of voting (absentee, by mail)
- Registration requirements/procedures
- Political efficacy
- Election type (midterm vs general)
- Demographic characteristics
Elections in which there is a realignment of political party support among voters.
Critical elections
An organization that raises money for candidates and campaigns. An organization, usually representing an interest group or corporation, that raises money with the goal of supporting or defeating candidates or parties. There are limits to the amount of money it can donate to a candidate or party in each election.
Political action committee (PAC)
An election that takes place in the middle of a presidential term and often result in the loss of congressional seats for the president’s party.
Midterm election
Individuals who enjoy collective goods and benefit from the actions of an interest group without joining/contributing time or money.
Free riders
This eliminated poll taxes.
24th Amendment
Identify a barrier to third party success.
- Winner-take-all voting districts
- Incorporation of agendas into platforms of major parties
- State ballot access requirements
- Exclusion from debates
- "Wasted vote" syndrome
- Lack of media exposure
A meeting in a voting precinct at which party members choose nominees for political office after hours of speeches and debates.
Caucus
Identify one characteristic of modern campaigns.
- Dependence on professional consultants
- Rising campaign costs and intensive fundraising efforts
- Longer election cycles
- Reliance on social media for campaign communication and fundraising
This refers to the way the media influences what issues the public considers important enough to address through the government/policymakers.
Agenda setting
This model refers to individuals who decide whether the party or candidate in power should be reelected based on the recent past.
Retrospective voting
Identify one function of a political party.
- Mobilize and educate of voters
- Create party platforms
- Recruit candidates
- Campaign management, including fundraising and media strategy
This law was challenged in the Citizens United case, which ultimately determined that, under the First Amendment, corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in elections cannot be limited.
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)
The final phase of the nomination process where delegates vote to select their party's nominee and write the party platform.
National convention
Identify one way interest groups influence elections and policymaking.
- Educate/mobilize membership
- Lobby Congress
- Help draft/amend legislation
- Participate in iron triangles
- File amicus curiae briefs