Basics of elections
What is the minimum voting age in the United States?
18 years old
How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency in the United States?
270 electoral votes.
What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
legislation aimed at overcoming legal barriers preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote.
Who was the most successful third-party candidate in a presidential election?
Ross Perot in 1992.
What is the role of social media in modern elections?
It serves as a platform for candidates to connect with voters and share their messages
In a general election, what do voters typically choose?
candidates for various offices.
What is the purpose of the Electoral College?
to elect the President and Vice President.
What is gerrymandering?
the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party or group.
What are some challenges faced by third-party candidates in the U.S.?
Limited media coverage, difficulty getting on ballots, and a winner-takes-all electoral system.
What is the impact of misinformation on elections?
It can influence voter opinions and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
What is the purpose of primary elections?
to select a political party's candidate for the general election.
How are electoral votes allocated to each state?
based on the total number of representatives and senators in each state.
What amendment made it so all men, black and white could vote
15th
What is the spoiler effect in elections?
When a third-party candidate takes votes away from a major party candidate, potentially affecting the election outcome.
How can recent technology like "deep-fake" technology challenge campaigns
it enables the manipulation of candidate speeches or appearances, potentially spreading false information and impacting voter perceptions.
What is the difference between a closed and an open primary?
closed primaries only allow registered party members to vote, while open primaries allow all eligible voters, regardless of party affiliation.
What is the winner-takes-all system in the Electoral College?
in most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote receives all of the state's electoral votes
What are some arguments for and against voter ID laws?
For: Prevents voter fraud. Against: May disenfranchise certain groups
Name two prominent third parties in U.S. history.
Libertarian Party and Green Party.
What is the role of foreign interference in elections?
Attempts by foreign entities to influence the outcome of an election through various means, such as disinformation campaigns.
What is a runoff election, and when does it occur?
a runoff election occurs when no candidate receives a majority of votes in the initial election, and the top two candidates compete again.
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?
the election is decided by the House of Representatives, with each state delegation casting one vote for one of the top three candidates.
Explain the concept of felon disenfranchisement.
he practice of denying the right to vote to individuals convicted of felony crimes.
How does the electoral system contribute to the two-party system in the U.S.?
Winner-takes-all elections encourage voters to support one of the two major parties to avoid "wasting" their vote.
How can gerrymandering impact representation and democratic principles?
It can lead to distorted electoral outcomes, where the party in power manipulates district boundaries to favor its candidates, undermining fair representation.