Elections & Voting
What amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizens 18 and older the right to vote?
The 26th Amendment
What do we call a government where the people elect representatives to make decisions for them?
A representative democracy (or republic)
A political party’s statement of beliefs and policy goals is called its what?
Platform
Information intended to influence opinions is called what?
Propaganda
What is the name of Louisiana’s state legislature?
The Louisiana Legislature
This is the term for when voters choose a party’s candidate for a general election.
A primary election
The number of seats a state has in the U.S. House of Representatives is based on this count.
The census
The two major political parties in the United States are __________ and __________.
Democratic and Republican
A group that tries to influence government policy or decisions is called what?
Interest group
How old must you be to register to vote in Louisiana (regular rule)?
18 (or 17 if preregistering)
What is the document that lists the candidates and issues voters choose from?
A ballot
What do we call the area a representative serves, such as a district or parish?
A constituency
This term describes a political party outside the two major ones.
A third party
This type of media includes TV, newspapers, radio, and the internet.
Mass media
What is Louisiana’s primary local government division (similar to counties in other states)?
Parishes
This type of election decides who will actually take office.
A general election
This branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws.
The executive branch
What is the main purpose of a political party?
To nominate candidates and help them get elected
What do we call donations given to support a candidate's campaign?
Campaign contributions
Louisiana uses this type of election system where all candidates, regardless of party, appear on the same ballot.
The open primary system (or “jungle primary”)
Name two legal requirements to vote in Louisiana.
Must be a U.S. citizen; Louisiana resident; at least 18 by election day; not currently incarcerated for a felony; not judged mentally incompetent to vote
What is the name of the process that redraws district boundaries every 10 years?
Redistricting / reapportionment
What is the event where political parties formally select their presidential candidate?
A national convention
A person or group trying to persuade lawmakers to support or oppose a bill is called a what?
Lobbyist
What document governs Louisiana’s state government structure and powers?
The Louisiana Constitution