Vocab
What is political efficacy?
Someone’s belief that their voice matters in politics.
What Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18?
The 26th Amendment
What is the easiest and most effective way someone can express their political opinion?
Voting
Which factor has been shown to have the strongest correlation with whether an individual votes in U.S. elections?
Education level
What political party system is used today in the U.S.?
Two-party system
What is political socialization?
Why is the donkey the symbol of the Democrats?
Andrew Jackson was called a Jack a$$ and the name stuck with the party.
What is generally considered the most powerful and influential factor in the process of political socialization?
The family
Define ticket splitting
In a single election, citizens vote for candidates of opposing parties on the same ballot.
Ex. Voting for the Democratic presidential candidate and the Republican candidate for Governor on the same ballot.
Which OG political party was led by Alexander Hamilton?
The Federalist Party
What is the Rational Ignorance Effect?
People remain ignorant because they do not want to take the time to learn and educate themselves regarding politics.
What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
Banned voting discrimination like literacy tests and helped protect voting rights under the 15th Amendment leading to higher voter participation among African Americans.
What is the purpose of the FEC?
Federal Election Commission was created to enforce election laws and monitor campaign spending.
Why do third party candidates have a hard time gaining power and influence?
They have limited access to money, ballot access, and campaigning.
Which political ideology in the U.S. is most focused on personal responsibility?
Conservatism
What is the stand the government takes about how issues should be handled?
Public policy
This constitutional principle allows states to set voting qualifications, which historically led to major differences in who could vote across the states?
States power over elections (Article 1 Section 4)
How do social media algorithms and echo chambers influence political information?
They often show users content similar to their existing views, which can reinforce opinions and limit exposure to different perspectives.
Define Referendum
Gives voters the power to oppose or reject a law that a legislature has already passed.
What third party wanted social and political reforms and to end corrupt businesses in the U.S.?
Progressive Party
What is prospective voting?
A voter chooses a candidate based off what could happen in the future.
What made the 2020 election different than any other elections we have had?
There were more people voting by mail then ever before due to Covid-19. (Led to debates about voter fraud)
Which state is miss spelled in the Constitution?
Pennsylvania
What process allows citizens to propose a new law or constitutional amendment and put it directly on the ballot for voters to decide?
Initiative
Why are third parties sometimes called the “conscience of the nation”?
They often highlight issues ignored by major parties, such as labor rights or environmental concerns.