Elections + Campaigns + Political Parties Study Guide Flashcards
(33 cards)
How do you join a political party?
Simply state your desire to join a political party & register under said political party
Linkage Institutions
basic forms of media or structures that connect people/citizens to their government–campaigning, protesting, voting, social media
Poll Watcher
monitors the election w/o any disruption or intimidation
*recent activities of threatening poll watchers –bringing weapons etc.
Who were the factions James Madison was talking about?
- Interest groups
- Political parties
Polarization
movement of political opinion to greater extremes rather than leaning towards a more neutral approach
What are some forms of political participation?
- linkage institutions
- joining a social movement
Closed primaries
only open to participants who are registered under a political party
Open primaries
open to any participants regardless of political affiliation
Who created voting ballots in the 1800s?
influence of populism - made up by the political parties
17th amendment
direct election of senators from US voters
Significance of the Census?
Census - counts population and observes significant shifts
Extremely significant due to its basis of districts redrawn through these shifts
The Electoral College
- winner-takes-all system
- can win the popular vote, but still lose due to the electoral vote
- need 270 votes to win
- Presidency (TIE): House breaks tie, each receive one vote
- Vice Presidency (TIE): Senate breaks tie
Incumbent
current candidate, person who holds the current position
Gerrymandering
specific manipulation of state bordering for election advantage
26th amendment
allowed 18+ year olds to vote
23rd amendment
permitted DC citizens the right to choose electors for presidential elections
Recall
power to remove elected officials through collection of signatures
Initiative
petition by the people to propose amendments to the Constitution
Referendum
direct vote by the legislature in regards to any law, proposal, issue etc.
How has technology changed politics?
- more money spent in campaigning
- greater engagement with voters
- ex. JFK vs. Nixon “appearance matters”
Why is party power waning?
- growing rates of slipping party identification
- candidates can connect to voters themselves
What factors influence which party someone belongs to?
- specific party identification
- political efficacy
- gender, religion, social class, ethic backgrounds
Functions of political parties?
- Organizations: recruit, nominate, & support candidates
- Electorate: provide shortcut labels & specific cues for voters
- Government: policy positions for members etc..
Impacts of Third Parties?
- enables crucial conversations of often overshadowed topics
- safety valve b/w R & D
