POLITICAL PARTIES
This term is used to describe where a person’s or a political party’s views fall compared to others.
THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
Acting on behalf of a Special Interest Groups, these people are hired to try to influence a politician's beliefs/vote.
Lobbyists
Based on the terms discussed in this unit, Countries like China, North Korea and Cuba would be best described as this type of state.
ONE PARTY
Every year, the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November is known as this.
Election Day
States have the same number of electoral votes as they have these...Delaware has three in total.
Senators and Representatives
The number of Congressional districts a state has is determined by this event that takes place every 10 years
Census
"Open Primaries" allow a state's Democrats, Republicans, and these people to vote.
Independents
A political party explains where it stands on various issues by creating one of these for perspective voters
A PLATFORM
Term used to describe the “Political arm” of special interest groups…they give money to candidates or political parties to help them win an election
Political Action Committee (PAC)
A "plurality" of Americans are registered to vote, but don't affiliate with either political party which they would be considered to be one these.
An Independent
As exemplified by Ross Perot in the 1992 election between Bill Clinton and George Bush, In a two-party system, sometimes third party candidates can play this “role” in an election
SPOILER
It's possible for a candidate to LOSE the popular vote but still win the presidency if the gain get ____ electoral votes.
270
The process of states gaining or losing Congressional representation every 10 years is known by this name.
Reapportionment
In the U.S., the Green Party, Libertarian Party, and Constitution Party would be referred to by this term.
Third Parties
A set of core beliefs and ideals that define a person or political party as represented by terms like "liberal" or "conservative" for example
Ideology
According to the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, people have the same freedom of speech rights as these.
Corporations (and Unions)
When it comes it comes to presidential elections and the electoral college, DEMOCRATS might use this term to describe states like Washington, Vermont, California, and Delaware.
"SAFE STATES"
One way of determining a party's nominee involves party members meeting and discussing which candidate they support...hint--Iowa does it first.
Caucus
Based on recent presidential elections, states PA, MI, and WI (among others) are regarded as these.
"Swing States"
Drawing a Congressional district with the intent of favoring one party or group of people over others is known by this name that was coined in the early 1800s
Gerrymandering
Congressional districts that are drawn to concentrate and therefore limit the overall voting power of specific group or party within a state are said to be __?__.
"Packed"
In the U.S., people who believe that the government's role should be "small or limited" and it's most basic duty is to protect the country would most likely belong to this party/
Republican
Campaign contributions to 501c3s are usually large and anonymous leading to this nickname
"Dark Money"
Formally, the right to vote is known by this term…don't worry, voting’s not that painful.
Suffrage
After all of the "primaries" have taken place, a party's presidential nominee is formally declared at this event.
Convention
Some people criticize the electoral college system because of this THREE WORD principle, which ignores how close the popular vote might be in a particular state.
"Winner take all"
Congressional districts that are drawn with the goal of dispersing a particular group or party's voters throughout a state and limiting their influence is known by this name.
Cracking
These can spend an unlimited amount of money on a political campaign so long as they don’t “coordinate” with the candidate
Super PACs
Term used to describe a person who believes that the government should NOT interfere with or regulate the economy nor control people’s personal lives would be called this.
Libertarian
Election costs have soared in recent years. We know this because campaign donations are tracked by this independent governmental agency which oversees political spending.
Federal Elections Commission (FEC)
In a country with a multi-party system, a political party that won an election with a plurality might be forced to form one of these.
COALITION
Only registered members of Delaware’s Democratic Party can vote in the their primary…this is an example a __?__.
A "Closed Primary"
While rare, occasionally "the will" a state's people as reflected by a majority of the popular vote, is ignored by these people who pledge their vote to the losing candidate the electoral college vote is tallied.
"Faithless Electors"
Well drawn Congressional districts that are considered to be "fair" share these TWO characteristics...hint...both begin with a "C"
Compact and Contiguous
These TWO diametrically opposed political ideologies represent the "extremes" of the political spectrum...just look to Hitler and Stalin as examples.
Fascism and Communism