Exam #2, Column #3 Flashcards
National Convention
A convention where delegates choose the party’s presidential candidates
Soft Money
Alternative form of financing campaigns that emerged in the last years. Derived from major loophole in federal campaign financing and spending law that exempt from regulation those contributions made for the party building rather than for specific candidates
Two Party System
System in which two major political parties consistently dominate the political landscape
Agency Representation
Representation by which representatives are held accountable to their constituencies if they fail to represent it properly ex. Hire and fire
Delegates
A representative who votes according to the preference of his or her constituency
Ch 9 pg 268
Plurality System
Electoral system in which a candidate who poll more than any other counter part is elected
Single-member District
An electoral district represented by a single officeholder. Also called winner-takes-all, single-member constituencies, and single-winner voting
Coattail Effect
The tendency for popular political candidates to attract votes for other candidates do the same party in an election. Aka down-ballot effect
Amicus Curiae
Literally, “friend of the court”; individuals or groups who are not parties to a lawsuit but who seek to assist the Supreme Court in reaching a decision by presenting additional briefs Ch 13 pg 414
Cloture
A provision by the House Rules Committee that permits floor debate and the addition of new amendments to a bill
Kitchen Cabinet
A president’s informal circle of advisers, as opposed to the official members of his cabinet
