AP GOV UNIT #3

Question 1

Franchise/suffrage

Answer 1

The right to vote in political elections
Has been gradually expanded to reach more widespread amount of people (Women, African Americans, Younger Americans)

Question 2

Voter Eligibility/Voting barriers/Voter turnout

Answer 2

Voter eligibility has expanded over the years, currently some requirements are US citizen, not a felon in most states, and other rights left to the states

Voting barriers are barriers that may cause a person to not be able to vote. These may include voter id laws, lack of polling places, reduced early voting, and lack of poll workers

Voter Turnout is the amount of voters that voted, compared to the amount of people who were eligible to vote. It can change with age, race, religion, income, education, and ideology.

Question 3

Expansion of Voting: Civil Rights Act 1957, 1964, Voting Rights Act 1965

Answer 3

The first federal civil rights legislation. Signed into law by Eisenhower. Established a Civil Rights Section of the Justice Department as well as empowered prosecutors to obtain injunctions against those interfering with the right to vote.

Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Signed by President Lyndon Johnson. Established EEOC (A commission that investigates unlawful employment practices)

Prohibits racial discrimination in voting. Expands Democracy by ensuring that no racist voting practice practice occurs.

Question 4

Suffrage Amendment:
15, 19, 23, 24, 26

Answer 4

15: Prohibits the federal government to deny a citizens right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude (grandfather clause). Even after this amendment, there was continued Jim Crow laws and KKK intimidation limiting African American voters in the South.
19: Granted women the right to vote, denying the right to vote based on sex. This was achieved through countless decades of protests by notable leaders such as Susan B. Anthony.
23: Extends the vote to Washington D.C. as if they were a state, granting them representatives. It does not give them attributes of a state. Allowed for residents of the District to not be denied their representation.
24:Prohibits poll taxes or any other taxes on voters in federal elections. This was created to respond to the several policies that were adopted during the Reconstruction Era.
26: Lowered the voting age to 18 for all citizens. Was created by popular slogan of “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote” Regarding that people the age of 18 years old were fighting for our country and not able to vote in federal elections.

Question 5

17th Amendment

Answer 5

Direct election of senators
Created due to the public’s dissatisfaction of the state legislature appointing senators (Tammany Hall and “Boss” Tweed)

Question 6

Historical Barriers to voting: Poll tax, literacy tests, grandfather clause, white primary

Answer 6

Poll tax: Fees that were required to be paid in order to vote, most notably used during the Reconstruction Era in the South after the Civil War. Removed by the 24th amendment.

Literacy tests: A testing of your literacy in order to be able to vote. Typically during the Reconstruction Era, due to many African Americans not knowing how to read and write during that time, suppressing many Black votes.

Grandfather clause: A law that was a loophole to deny African Americans to vote by excluding those who were not allowed to vote before 1867.

White Primary: Elections held in the South that excluded Black voters from participating in the primary elections of the Democratic Party.

Question 7

Voter Registration Policies

Answer 7

The process which a citizen is eligible to vote in elections. These policies differ by state with some providing online registration, mail-in registration, and even in-person registration. More options to register for voting allow for people in various types of situations to have a chance to vote.

Question 8

National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)

Answer 8

Created in 1993, it aims to create opportunities for every American to register to vote, further expanding democracy. States are required to offer voter registration opportunities while applying/renewing DL. Simplifies the registration process, having a direct impact on voter turnout.

Question 9

Help America Vote Act (HAVA)

Answer 9

This law provides funding to help states meet standards to improve voting systems and election administration. It also established the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) which is in charge with creating voting system guidelines and maintaining the National Voter Registration form. This answered the irregularities in the 2000 election. Ensure all election process’ are fair and “clean”.

Question 10

Conventional Political participation/Unconventional Political Participation

Answer 10

Commonly widely accepted way to interact with the government. The most prominent form is voting, along with other methods such as contacting public officials, donating resources, and joining social groups and Unions.

Commonly widely unaccepted ways to interact with the government. This can include protests, civil disobedience (breaking a law people deem to be unjust), and boycotting

Question 11

Ticket-Splitting

Answer 11

When in one election, citizens vote for candidates of opposing political parties. Ex: Voting for Republican president and Democratic seats in Congress

Question 12

Retrospective judgement/Prospective Judgement

Answer 12

Retrospective Judgement: A voter evaluating a candidate based on the performance of the party in power (People seeing the poor job of the Democratic Party 2020-2024)

Prospective Judgement: The voter making a choice based on expectations of how the candidate will perform in the future (Voters expecting the economy will be better with Trump in 2024 like how they saw in his first term.

Question 13

Two-Party System

Answer 13

A party system in government where two major political parties are at the forefront at all times. This then causes for many independent voters in recent years due to voters’ ideologies not being met with one specific party, and third parties being hidden.

Question 14

Third Parties/Minor Parties

Answer 14

A political party that operates alongside the two dominating political parties. They do not get to be elected for office; however, they play a critical role in shaping major political party views due to their ideologies gaining voters and encouraging their voter engagement from endorsing one of the major parties.

Question 15

Party Platform

Answer 15

A political party’s platform is the set of principles and goals that the party stands on, typically exclaimed in their primaries. This may change with the electorate’s public view exclaiming certain social/economic views. While standing on a concrete platform, they may change some of the platform to adhere to the public opinion in order to win.

Question 16

National Conventions(DNC,RNC)/ National Chairperson/ National Committee

Answer 16

A gathering of one party’s delegates in order to rally for possible candidates, and ultimately choose a candidate which the party will support in the presidential election. It establishes the party’s goals, ideologies, and the forefronts that they will stand on throughout the campaign run. This can increase voter engagement due to the mobilization efforts by party members. This emphasizes grassroots participation, and urges an importance for primaries.

The national chairperson is responsible for the daily activities of the party, typically chosen by the presidential nominee of the party.

The national committee are members chosen by a political party that allow the campaign to run by organizing conventions and practically directing presidential campaigns,

Question 17

Delegates/Superdelegates

Answer 17

Delegates are individuals chosen at primaries who are committed to support a specific presidential candidate, who then vote and play a role in determining the presidential nominee for that party at their national convention

Super-delegates are party leaders and elected officials in the Democratic Party who have the ability to support any candidate of their choosing for the nomination. Delegates must vote based on the outcome of the primary elections; however, super-delegates use their own judgement when choosing a nominee. They can influence the nomination process, especially in contested races.

Question 18

Mandate

Answer 18

This is a requirement ordered by the federal government on state or local government, telling them to take a specific action. Essentially an instruction. Some examples are the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act requiring state governments to enforce environmental standards. Another is the Voting Right Act of 1965, enforcing voting regulations. Often related to important national goals like environmental protection, education access, or public health. Can be controversial due to high costs for states as well as concerns about the federal outreach above states.

Question 19

Primary/Closed Primary/Open Primary

Answer 19

This is a preliminary election where voters select which candidate they want their party to support in their run for the presidential election. Candidates who preform well in primaries gain “momentum” which gives voters a higher likelihood to voting for them. The outcome of primaries typically reflect the party’s core values and principles.

In a closed primary, only registered members of a political party can vote to choose their party’s candidate, this ensure the candidates align with what the people of the party want. In an open primary, any registered voter can participate, leading to a more diverse and broader reflection of voter preferences.

Question 20

Caucus

Answer 20

Meetings of members of a political party to discuss and decide on an issue in politics. These can shape party platforms, influence which candidate gets ultimately nominated, and establish a legislative agenda to rally support for.

Question 21

New Hampshire Primary

Answer 21

This is the first primary in the US presidential nomination process. Significant for setting the tone for the leading primaries and caucuses, giving candidates “momentum” as well as voters who is more favored. The media coverage of these candidates can greatly influence the public perception of the candidate, skyrocketing (or diminishing) their supporters for the upcoming election.

Question 22

Super Tuesday

Answer 22

It is a single primary or caucus, bringing together 15 contests for Republicans, and 16 contests for Democrats. This can shape the trajectory of presidential campaigns, influencing momentum heavily. “The most accurate indicator of how the presidential primaries will play out”, also awarding around 1/3 of delegates to candidates just on this very day.

Question 23

Crossover Voting

Answer 23

This is when a voter participates in a primary election for a political party which that person does not typically affiliate with. This occurs in states with open primaries, and some opposing party voters may try to vote for a candidate they feel will lose against their party.

Question 24

Runoff

Answer 24

This is a second primary which is held in some states deciding which of the two HIGHEST voted candidates in the first primary will be nominated.

Question 25

General Election

Answer 25

A process where voters select who will represent their government. The outcomes of these elections shift focus on major issues such as healthcare, education, and taxation, in order to reflect the voters' choice. This promotes a true democracy and widespread voter participation ensures the elected officials will reflect what the people want.

Question 26

Ward/Precinct/Polling Place

Answer 26

A zone which the city council maps out for election purposes. This can be used to ensure certain demographic of voters in areas so that the selected ward votes one complete way. Typically established by local election officials. The number of registered voters and turnout rates are often reported at precincts. If there is redistricting, it can have a massive impact on the political representation of a group. A building where people vote in an election. If there aren't enough polling places in an area, turnout may be lower due to very long lines. This is typically in highly dense areas.

Question 27

Ballot Measures: Initiative, Referendum

Answer 27

A process where citizens can directly propose a new law by petitioning, this is then placed on a ballot during an election, and further passed by the legislative branch. DIRECT DEMOCRACY A direct vote where the entire electorate is invited to vote on a certain issue or policy. Citizens may directly participate in decision making by expressing their opinion through their vote.

Question 28

Recall

Answer 28

This is the power to remove an elected official from office. Typically at the state and local levels. Whilst impeachment is a charge, recall is a removal.

Question 29

Front-Loading

Answer 29

The moving up to earlier dates of primaries and caucuses by states to increase their influence in the election. From this presidential nominees are often determined early in the election year.

Question 30

Electoral College/Electors

Answer 30

The system which the US Constitution installed for electing the President and VP through 538 electors who represent the states. States have a number of electoral votes equal to its total number of senators and representatives in Congress. The candidate who obtains at least 270 wins. In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote in states obtain all the electors for that state. Electors may be bound by state law and pledged by political parties to cast their vote according to the popular vote.

Question 31

Red/Blue/Swing States

Answer 31

Red and Blue states are referred to as states whose citizens predominately voted for either the Red(Republican) or Blue(Democrat) A swing state can be also known as a battleground state. Both major political parties have a somewhat split difference in voting. They are the Key target during election. Some of these states include WI, PA, MI, and AZ.

Question 32

Winner Take All Primary/Proportional Primary

Answer 32

An electoral system where a single political party can elect every office within a given district or jurisdiction. This gives a primary nominee all the representatives of that state for the party's National Convention. An electoral system that elects multiple representatives to different primary nominees for the national convention

Question 33

Reapportionment/Redistricting/Gerrymandering

Answer 33

This is the process of redistributing seats in the House of Representatives based on the latest census data. This affects political power at both state and national levels. Redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts to reflect changes in population, ensuring fair representation. Typically occurs after the census every 10 years. Can significantly impact what party has a better chance of winning elections in the newly drawn districts. Some state legislators commit gerrymandering to favor one political party over the other by manipulating the boundaries of districts to shape the outcome. This influences the representation of elected officials and gives power to those in charge of boundary lines.

Question 34

Incumbency

Answer 34

The current office holders who seek re-election to the position they are in. They enjoy advantages in their re-election such as name recognition, established networks, and access to campaign resources. Also the "scare off effect" occurs when challengers back off from the election due to the many advantages an incumbent has.

Question 35

Franking privileges

Answer 35

Members of Congress having free mailing services. This is used to convey information to people who vote for you (constituents), enhancing their connection with them.

Question 36

Coattail effect

Answer 36

A popular presidential candidate being able to attract votes for other congressional members of that same party. This can be controversial because if an unpopular president is in place, their may be electoral losses in Congress as well.

Question 37

Midterm Elections

Answer 37

The general elections that occur in the middle of a president's four year term. These determine the composition of Congress. More than 20% lower turnout in midterm election than in presidential, and these have just as big as an impact as the president, for they are the lawmakers.

Question 38

Nomination Campaign

Question 39

General Election Campaign

Answer 39

The period of time before a presidential nominee is going up for election. They hold a campaign and go all around the country spreading their beliefs along with re-establishing their party platform.

Question 40

Campaign: Campaign Manager, Finance Chair, Communications director, Press Secretary, Campaign Consultant

Answer 40

The campaign manager coordinates the campaign with the candidate; Whom to hire, when to air TV, social media. (Most likely the only full time employee running 1 campaign) The finance chair coordinates all the financial efforts; stay informed of newspaper, TV, radio, and digital coverage. Ensuring compliance with campaign-finance laws and reporting requirements The communicational director develops the media strategy for the candidate. If a person is more popular, the media will present him more (Free press coverage). The Press Secretary interacts with journalists on a daily basis (Spokesperson). They are quoted in news coverage, explain candidates issue positions, and react to action of opposing candidates.

Question 41

Canvass/Get-out-the-vote(GOTV)

Answer 41

Going door-to-door and speaking with potential voters. Most personal type of GOTV activity, and least cost-efficient. Fairly successful, especially during Barack Obama's 2008 and 2012 This is an effort to increase voter turnout during elections. 2 Types. Encouragement to vote by nonpartisan organizations (NFL, NBA). Also can be coordinated by a political party to mobilize voters toward their candidate. They identify the voters and attempt to persuade and motivate them to go vote.

Question 42

Independent Expenditure Groups

Answer 42

An expenditure for a COMMUNICATION that advocates the election or defeat of an identified candidate. But cannot be made in coordination with any candidate or political party. This is used by individuals, groups, corporations, unions, and PAC

Question 43

Matching Funds

Answer 43

A system where the government's funds are provided to organizations based on the amount of private contributions they have received. Encourages candidates to raise private donations, promotes a diverse range of voices. Allows lesser wealthier opponents to compete more effectively over the more wealthy. Critics say that matching funds does not eliminate the influence of large donors and special interest groups.

Question 44

Political Action Committee (PAC

Answer 44

Organizations that raise and spend money to elect/defeat political candidates. They fund campaigns and influence political outcomes. Connected Pac- Corporation, Unions, CANNOT use money to influence elections, but can create a connected PAC that is funded sperately to support a candidate. (CTU) Non-connected Pac- No connected organizations, and can attribute funds from any person Leadership Pac- members of congress and other politicians establish these PACs to support candidates for various federal offices

Question 45

Super PAC/527 groups/ 501(c) group

Answer 45

An independent expenditure committee that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections, AS LONG AS THEY DO NOT COORDINATE DIRECTLY WITH CANDIDATES OR POLITICAL PARTIES. Emerged following the Citizens United v. FEC in 2010. Makes it easier for wealthy individuals to have an insane impact on elections. Non-profit organizations They have no campaign limits, but must disclose donors. They cannot coordinate its activities with any campaign Groups that must be intended to benefit a community or the public at large, not a private group. They have to "exclusively" operate for social welfare. They promote legislative and civic action intended to bring about "civic betterment"

Question 46

Campaign Finance Reform

Answer 46

The most recent reform in federal law was the BCRA. Those who support this law say that our country is bought out at the expense of interests of the people.

Question 47

Hard Money/Soft Money

Answer 47

Hard Money is given directly to a candidate, this is traced and regulated. These come from individuals or PACs, complying with strict limits. This directly funds the campaign: advertising, staffing, and other essentials. Soft Money are contributions made to political parties for purposed OTHER than supporting a specific candidate. Typically not subject under the same regulations as hard money. This is not tracked. LOTS OF LOOPHOLES

Question 48

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)/ Federal Election Commission (FEC)

Answer 48

Federal law in 1971 that regulates campaign financing. There was an amendment made in 1974 that capped the total donation amount, and creating the FEC. The FEC is a US agency that oversees and enforces federal campaign finance laws. They ensure transparency and set rules for expenditures. Impact how a candidate raises and spends money during elections.

Question 49

Buckley V. Valeo

Answer 49

Addressed the constitutionality of campaign finance laws. The ruling struck down limits on independent expenditures, emphasized free speech in political spending. "money is speech"

Question 50

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)

Answer 50

Enacted in 2002 that aimed to regulate the financing of campaign in the US. Wanted to eliminate soft money and impose strict limits on individual contributions (attempting to curb wealthy donors). This was bipartisan, reflecting a collective desire to reform campaign finances. Then it faced the challenge of Citizens United vs. FEC. A loophole around it was Super PACs

Question 51

McConnell v. FEC

Answer 51

Senator Mitch McConnell challenged the BCRA in placing limits on corporations and nonprofit organizations. They offered a mixed ruling. They upheld the limits on “soft money”. “The BCRA does not violate the 1st amendment freedom of speech.” Such regulation was necessary to prevent groups from finding loopholes.

Question 52

Interest Groups

Answer 52

Collections of individuals to influence public policy and decision-making to achieve specific goals. This includes groups such as the NRA, CTU, PETA, and AARP. Often engage in grassroots mobilization (contacting legislators, e-mails, phone calls, face-to-face visits. They give a voice to the underrepresented. They can elevate their influence through targeted messaging at voter demographics.

Question 53

Think Tanks

Answer 53

These are research organizations that generate ideas on various public policy issues. They employ experts from fields.They provide lawmakers with data-driven insights and policy proposals. Brookings Institution, the Heritage Foundation

Question 54

Free Rider Problem

Answer 54

This is when an individual benefits from a service without paying for it. So teachers put money into a union for better contracts and there is a free Rider getting the same benefits as the paying union members because they are under the same organization.Interests Groups work around this by offering certain incentives only paying union members obtain. (what Simon wants and Mrs. Chapman despises)

Question 55

Iron Triangles

Answer 55

The relationship between government agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups. Interest group give electoral support to Congress, Congress funds government agencies, and government agencies give interest group special favors. Congress gives friendly legislation to interest groups, interest groups lobby their support for government agencies, and gov agencies exhibit policy choices & execution.

Question 56

Positive/Negative Campaign Ads

Answer 56

Positive ads use optimistic language to inspire the electorate and maximize turnout. Voters may see your positive messaging, positive ads may lead to a higher rate of participation at the polls. Negative Ads may display direct attacks on their opponents. 80% of Obama vs Romney ads were negative. Negative ads affects voters across both size of the political spectrum.

Question 57

Contrast ad/Inoculation ad

Answer 57

This is an ad that compares the records and proposals of the candidates with a bias toward the sponsor. Highlights differences between the two parties and/or candidates. Inoculation ads attempt to counteract an anticipated attack before the attack is launched, to weaken the argument of the opponents attack when it comes.

Question 58

Horse-race Journalism

Answer 58

The focus of the media is on the polling data and the public perception instead of the candidates policy. Only reporting exclusively on candidates differences rather than similarities. Media outlets make the elections appear as competitions to increase the audiences.