Elections & Voting Behavior
This type of state swings between Republican and Democratic in presidential elections.
What is a swing state (or purple state)?
This describes the focus on who’s ahead in the polls rather than policy issues.
What is horse race journalism?
A formal gathering where political parties nominate candidates and establish platforms.
What is a party convention?
This term describes a legislative district where one party consistently wins by large margins.
What is a safe seat?
This form of protest involves the intentional breaking of laws to highlight injustice.
What is civil disobedience?
Voter participation is typically lower during this type of non-presidential election.
What is a midterm election?
This phenomenon occurs when people only consume media that supports their existing beliefs.
What is an echo chamber (or media/news bubble)?
A written document outlining a political party’s positions and priorities.
What is a party platform?
This manipulative redistricting strategy concentrates opposition voters into a few districts.
What is packing?
This term refers to one's long-term psychological attachment to a political party.
What is party identification?
This theory suggests voters make decisions based on personal benefit and policy outcomes.
What is rational choice theory?
This term refers to the ability of a candidate to be recognized by the public without needing major campaigning.
What is name recognition?
These organizations can raise unlimited funds independently to support or oppose candidates.
What is a Super PAC?
This gerrymandering tactic spreads opposition voters thinly across districts.
What is cracking?
This outdated practice rewarded political supporters with government jobs.
What is the spoils system?
This voting pattern occurs when a voter selects candidates strictly from one political party.
What is party-line voting?
This occurs when individuals seek out news that aligns with their views, avoiding opposing opinions.
What is selective exposure?
These organizations can contribute directly to candidates but must follow strict fundraising limits.
What is a PAC?
This case ruled that race-based redistricting must meet strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause.
What is Shaw v. Reno?
These are organizations that connect people to the government, like parties, media, and interest groups.
What are linkage institutions?
This term describes a significant shift in party coalitions and voter loyalty during a pivotal election; such as 1932, 1980.
What is a realigning election?
This campaign practice involves collecting contributions from multiple donors and presenting them together.
What is bundling?
This key Supreme Court case allowed unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions.
What is Citizens United v. FEC?
This 1962 case established the principle of “one person, one vote,” making redistricting a justiciable issue.
What is Baker v. Carr?
This term describes a situation where political differences between parties or groups become deeply divided.
What is political polarization?