Electoral College
How many total electors make up the Electoral College?
538
What is the main function of political parties during elections?
What is the main function of political parties during elections?
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
435
What is a filibuster?
A tactic used to delay or block a vote in the Senate.
What is gerrymandering?
The manipulation of district lines to favor one party or group.
How many votes does a candidate need to win the presidency?
270
What is a “party platform”?
A set of principles or policy goals that a party stands for.
How many senators does each state have?
2
What is the first step in the lawmaking process after a bill is introduced?
It is sent to a committee for review and discussion.
What is an incumbent?
What is an incumbent?
How is the number of electors for each state determined?
the number of Representatives + Senators
What is polarization, and why is it a problem?
It’s the growing ideological divide that makes compromise harder.
What is the term length for a member of the House?
2 years
How can the Senate end a filibuster? What do they need?
By invoking cloture, requiring 60 votes.
What’s the difference between “packing” and “cracking”?
Packing means concentrating opposition voters into one district so they win fewer seats overall.
Cracking means spreading opposition voters across many districts so their votes are diluted and they can’t win a majority anywhere.
If no candidate receives 270 votes, who chooses the president?
the House of Representatives
What is it called when voters identify strongly with one political party and consistently support its candidates?
partisanship, or party loyalty.
What is the term length for a senator?
6 years
What is the president’s role in the legislative process?
To sign or veto bills.
What’s the difference between descriptive and substantive representation?
Descriptive = looks like constituents
Substantive = acts in their interests.
How many electoral votes does Washington, D.C. have, and why
3 electoral votes, because the 23rd Amendment gives it the same number of electors as the smallest state
What does it mean when someone identifies as an “independent”?
They do not align with either major political party.
What amendment allowed voters to directly elect senators?
17th Amendment?
What is the main purpose of a congressional committee?
Committees study bills, hold hearings, and make changes before deciding whether the bill should move forward for a vote.
why do incumbents have an advantage?
Name recognition, fundraising, and casework help them win.