Keywords
What are ballots?
The list of candidates on which you cast your vote
What is a popular vote?
The total number of votes cast by citizens. In a presidential election, it helps decide the winner in each state, but final decision is made by the Electoral College
Define political party
A group of people who have similar ideas about how the government should be run.
What is the national convention?
One of the most important responsibilities of the national committee; held once every four years; where party members nominate their candidates for President and Vice President of the U.S.
What is Inauguration Day?
Marks the peaceful transfer of power when the new president and vice president take office. Usually happens on January 20th at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
What are precincts?
A geographic area that contains a specific number of voters
What is plurality voting?
The most votes among all those running for a political office
- the largest number of votes wins the election, even if this means less than 50 percent
What does GOP stand for?
Grand Old Party
What are the odds working against the third party?
It's hard to get on a ballot; hard to get access to media; fighting against a two party system; voters feel like their vote is going to waste
Explain the Republican Party?
Believes the free market brings wealth; American companies, instead of the government, should have the chance to solve problems. Republicans typically want fewer government rules for businesses.
Many Republicans want the government to spend less money and believe everyone should pay low taxes; in general, Republicans want to spend money on a strong military that can keep the country safe.
Many Republicans care about religion and traditional family values and support government intervention
In addition, many value the right to own guns and don't support strict gun laws.
What is a platform?
A series of statements expressing the party's principles, beliefs, and positions on election
What does it mean to vote a split ticket?
Split-ticket voting or ticket splitting is when a voter in an election votes for candidates from different political parties when multiple offices are being decided by a single election, as opposed to straight-ticket voting
Who were the first two political parties in the U.S.?
The Federalists; The Democratic Republicans
Explain a caucus?
A meeting where people from a political party come together to choose their candidate for the election. They discuss their choices and then vote to pick the best one.
What is a census?
a count of a population that provides information about its size, location, and characteristics
Define gerrymander
Is an oddly shaped district designed to increase the voting strength of a particular group
What amendment gave the right to vote to 18 year olds?
26th Amendment
Who are the Whigs?
The Whigs (National Republicans) - formed in 1830 to oppose Jackson.
- Established in 1834, the Whig Party was a reaction to the authoritarian policies of Andrew Jackson.
- "King Andrew" as his critics labeled him, had engaged his political opponents by his actions. The term "Whig" was taken from English politics, the name of a faction that opposed royal tyranny.
How do campaigns ensure that the public is receiving information on a candidate's and party's platform? Provide examples
Utilizing media platforms; sending out volunteers; pamphlets; infographics
What are the other variety of roles that the political parties fulfill?
Organize committee and national convention events; getting candidates elected; informing citizens; operate the government; act as a watchdog
What are returns?
Ballots and the results of an election
What is the Electoral College? When do they come into play during the electoral process? What do they do? How does this impact a presidential election?
a body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.
Explain the difference between a closed and open primary. Highlight the pros and cons of each type of primary.
It’s like deciding if only the “insiders” should vote or if everyone in the school should have a say! Both have their good and bad sides, depending on what’s most important to you—fairness or inclusion.
From declaring their candidacy to inauguration day, explain the overall electoral process of a candidate.
Declare candidacy, primary / caucus, national convention, campaign trail, general election, inauguration day
From candidates beginning to run for office to election day, how do citizens become involved and partake in the election process
General information gathering; participating in caucus / primary; volunteering for political parties; voting on election day