Forms of action
This basic act of casting a ballot is the most common form of political participation.
What is voting?
This term refers to the legal right to vote.
What is suffrage
This three-part measure of social position (SES) is based on income, education, and occupation
What is Socioeconomic Status
These are the state-level contests where voters choose which candidate will represent their party in the general election.
What are primaries and caucuses
This 2022 Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights significantly motivated many voters during the midterms
What is Dobbs v. Jackson
While protests are peaceful demonstrations, this term describes a violent uprising aimed at overthrowing the government
What is an insurrection
This is the percentage of eligible voters who actually participate in an election
What is voter turnout
This "gap" describes why women are more likely to vote Democratic while men are more likely to vote Republican
What is the gender gap
These are the "professional experts" hired to manage a candidate's media, strategy, and fundraising
Who are campaign consultants
Supporters say these laws prevent fraud; critics say they create barriers for low-income and minority voters
What are Voter ID laws
Signing an online petition or sharing political news on a "feed" are examples of this type of participation
What is digital (or online) political participation
This practice allows people to cast their ballots before Election Day to provide flexibility for busy schedules
What is early voting
This demographic group is more likely to prioritize issues like student debt and climate change
Who are younger voters (or 18-29 year olds)?
This is the practice of states moving their primaries earlier in the year to have a bigger impact on the race.
What is frontloading
This term describes the deep ideological divide and lack of compromise between modern Democrats and Republicans
What is political polarization
This term describes a voter's strong, long-term allegiance to one party, which often dictates how they vote.
What is partisan loyalty?
In the U.S., these entities (not the federal government) regulate most laws regarding voter registration and ballot access
What are the states?
This religious group historically tends to vote for the Republican Party due to stances on social issues.
Who are Evangelical Christians
These individuals are chosen to represent their state at the party's national convention to officially nominate the candidate
What are delegates
There are growing calls for reform in this area because large donations from corporations may give them undue influence
What is campaign finance
These individuals are the "boots on the ground" who do the unpaid work of phone banking and canvassing.
Who are volunteers
This specific policy removes the deadline barrier by allowing people to register and vote at the same time on Election Day
What is Same-Day Registration
This concept explains how a person’s age, race, and gender overlap to create unique political challenges
What is intersectionality
This high-tech strategy uses voter data to send highly specific, tailored messages to narrow groups of people
What is micro-targeting
This 2000 Supreme Court case involving George W. Bush showed the court's power in settling disputed election results
What is Bush v. Gore