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unit 3 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

A

A landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

It also aimed to end segregation in public places and employment.

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2
Q

Define electorate.

A

The body of people entitled to vote in an election.

This includes all registered voters in a given area.

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3
Q

What does the 15th Amendment state?

A

It prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on ‘race, color, or previous condition of servitude.’

Ratified in 1870.

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4
Q

What is meant by franchise?

A

The right to vote in public elections.

Often referred to as suffrage.

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5
Q

What is a grandfather clause?

A

A provision that allows individuals to bypass certain restrictions based on pre-existing conditions.

Historically used to exempt white voters from literacy tests and poll taxes.

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6
Q

What is a literacy test?

A

An assessment used to determine a voter’s reading and writing abilities, often used to restrict voting rights.

These tests were often discriminatory.

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7
Q

What does the 19th Amendment accomplish?

A

It grants women the right to vote.

Ratified in 1920.

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8
Q

Define party identification.

A

An individual’s psychological attachment to a political party.

It influences voting behavior and political opinions.

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9
Q

What is the party line voting model?

A

A voting pattern where voters align their votes with their political party’s candidates or positions.

It reflects strong party loyalty.

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10
Q

What is a poll tax?

A

A fee required to vote, often used to disenfranchise poor and minority voters.

It was abolished by the 24th Amendment.

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11
Q

What is preclearance in voting?

A

The requirement for certain jurisdictions to obtain federal approval before making changes to voting laws or practices.

Established under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ voting model focuses on the future implications of candidates’ policies.

A

prospective

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13
Q

What does the rational-choice voting model emphasize?

A

Voters make decisions based on their self-interest and the perceived benefits of candidates’ policies.

It assumes voters are rational actors.

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14
Q

What is the retrospective voting model?

A

A voting behavior model where voters evaluate candidates based on their past performance in office.

It influences decisions in elections.

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15
Q

What does the 17th Amendment establish?

A

The direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote.

Ratified in 1913.

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16
Q

Define suffrage.

A

The right to vote in political elections.

It is synonymous with franchise.

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17
Q

What does the 24th Amendment prohibit?

A

The use of poll taxes in federal elections.

Ratified in 1964.

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18
Q

What is the significance of the 26th Amendment?

A

It lowers the voting age to 18 years.

Ratified in 1971.

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19
Q

What does the 23rd Amendment provide?

A

It grants residents of Washington, D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections.

Ratified in 1961.

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20
Q

What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

A

A landmark piece of federal legislation aimed at eliminating various barriers to voting.

It aimed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments.

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21
Q

What is a white primary?

A

A primary election in which only white voters were allowed to participate.

This practice was used to disenfranchise Black voters.

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22
Q

What is an absentee ballot?

A

A voting method that allows a person to mail or submit their vote remotely rather than attending a polling place in person.

Useful for voters unable to attend due to various reasons.

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23
Q

What is the Australian ballot?

A

A voting method in which voters mark their choices in privacy on a uniform ballot.

It is designed to reduce voter intimidation and fraud.

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24
Q

Define the gender gap in voting.

A

The difference in political preferences and voting behavior between men and women.

Often observed in election outcomes.

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25
What is a midterm election?
Elections held midway through a president's term, typically for congressional seats. ## Footnote These elections can shift the balance of power in Congress.
26
What does the Motor-voter law entail?
A law that allows individuals to register to vote while applying for or renewing a driver's license. ## Footnote Aimed at increasing voter registration.
27
What is the National Voter Registration Act?
A law designed to enhance opportunities for every American to register to vote and to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. ## Footnote Also known as the Motor Voter Act.
28
Define political efficacy.
The belief that one's participation in politics can make a difference. ## Footnote It influences voter turnout.
29
What is a polling place?
The location where voters go to cast their votes on election day. ## Footnote It is determined by the voter's registered address.
30
What are precincts?
Geographic areas designated for voting, typically containing a specific number of voters. ## Footnote They are used to organize elections.
31
What is a provisional ballot?
A ballot used to record a vote when there are questions about a voter's eligibility. ## Footnote It allows for the vote to be counted once eligibility is confirmed.
32
What is voter apathy?
A lack of interest or concern among voters regarding political participation. ## Footnote It can lead to lower voter turnout.
33
What is voter turnout?
The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. ## Footnote It is an important measure of civic engagement.
34
What are voting blocs?
Groups of voters who share common characteristics or interests and tend to vote similarly. ## Footnote This can influence election outcomes.
35
What is the Democratic National Committee?
The formal governing body for the Democratic Party in the United States. ## Footnote It organizes the party's national convention and coordinates party activities.
36
What is the Democratic Party?
One of the two major political parties in the U.S., generally advocating for progressive policies. ## Footnote It has a history dating back to the early 19th century.
37
Define linkage institutions.
Structures within society that connect people to the government and facilitate political participation. ## Footnote Examples include political parties, interest groups, and the media.
38
What is a national chairperson?
The head of a national political party, responsible for overseeing party operations and strategy. ## Footnote They play a key role in fundraising and election strategy.
39
What is a national convention?
A gathering of party delegates to nominate a candidate for president and establish the party platform. ## Footnote It occurs every four years for each major party.
40
What is a party platform?
A formal set of principles and policies supported by a political party. ## Footnote It outlines the party's stance on various issues.
41
What is the Republican National Committee?
The formal governing body for the Republican Party in the United States. ## Footnote It organizes the party's national convention and coordinates party activities.
42
What is the Republican Party?
One of the two major political parties in the U.S., generally advocating for conservative policies. ## Footnote Founded in the 1850s.
43
What are critical elections?
Elections that signal a significant change in the political landscape or party system. ## Footnote They often realign party support.
44
What is a divided government?
A situation in which one party controls the presidency and another controls one or both houses of Congress. ## Footnote It can lead to legislative gridlock.
45
What does the term Grand Old Party (GOP) refer to?
A nickname for the Republican Party. ## Footnote It reflects the party's long history.
46
What is Jacksonian Democracy?
A political movement during the 1820s and 1830s that promoted greater democracy for the common man. ## Footnote It is associated with President Andrew Jackson.
47
What is party dealignment?
A trend where voters become less attached to political parties and more independent. ## Footnote It can lead to increased voter volatility.
48
What is party realignment?
A significant and lasting shift in the party system, often resulting in the emergence of new party coalitions. ## Footnote It can reshape the political landscape.
49
What are superdelegates?
Party leaders and elected officials who are given the right to vote at the national convention without being pledged to a candidate. ## Footnote They are a feature of the Democratic Party's nomination process.
50
What are third parties?
Political parties that are not one of the two major parties (Democratic and Republican). ## Footnote They often focus on specific issues or ideologies.
51
What are economic protest parties?
Political parties that emerge in response to economic grievances and advocate for specific economic reforms. ## Footnote They often arise during economic downturns.
52
What are ideological parties?
Political parties that are based on a particular set of beliefs or ideologies. ## Footnote Examples include the Libertarian Party.
53
What are single-issue parties?
Political parties that focus on one specific issue, such as the environment or immigration. ## Footnote They seek to promote their issue above all else.
54
What are single-member districts?
Electoral districts that elect one representative to a legislative body. ## Footnote This system often favors a two-party system.
55
What are splinter parties?
Political parties that break away from a major party, often due to ideological differences. ## Footnote They can influence elections by drawing votes away from major parties.
56
What are swing states?
States where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters. ## Footnote They are critical in determining the outcome of elections.
57
What is a two-party system?
A political system dominated by two major parties. ## Footnote The U.S. primarily operates under this system.
58
What is winner-take-all voting?
An electoral system where the candidate receiving the most votes wins all the electoral votes from that state. ## Footnote This system is used in most U.S. presidential elections.
59
What is a blanket primary?
A primary election where all candidates are listed on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. ## Footnote Voters can choose candidates from any party.
60
What are caucuses?
Meetings of party members to discuss and select candidates for elections. ## Footnote They are used in some states instead of primaries.
61
What is a closed primary?
A primary election where only registered party members can vote to select their party's candidate. ## Footnote It restricts participation to party affiliates.
62
What is the Electoral College?
A body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President. ## Footnote Each state has a number of electors based on its congressional representation.
63
What does front-loading refer to in elections?
The practice of scheduling primaries and caucuses earlier in the election season. ## Footnote It can influence the momentum of candidates.
64
What are general elections?
Elections held to fill public offices, typically between the nominees of political parties. ## Footnote They occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
65
What is an incumbent?
An individual currently holding a political office. ## Footnote Incumbents often have advantages in elections.
66
What is an open primary?
A primary election where voters can choose to participate in any party's primary regardless of their own party affiliation. ## Footnote It allows for broader participation.
67
What does plurality mean in elections?
The largest number of votes received by a candidate, without requiring a majority. ## Footnote It is common in many electoral systems.
68
What is a primary election?
An election held to determine a party's candidate for the general election. ## Footnote It can be open, closed, or semi-closed.
69
What is a proportional system in elections?
An electoral system where parties gain seats in the legislature in proportion to the number of votes they receive. ## Footnote It contrasts with winner-take-all systems.
70
What is a split ticket?
A ballot on which voters select candidates from different parties for different offices. ## Footnote It reflects a more independent voting behavior.
71
What is Super Tuesday?
A day in the presidential primary season when multiple states hold their primaries. ## Footnote It can significantly impact the race for the nomination.
72
What is the coattail effect?
The phenomenon where a popular candidate at the top of the ballot helps other candidates of the same party win. ## Footnote It often occurs during presidential elections.
73
What are political action committees (PACs)?
Organizations that raise and spend money to elect or defeat candidates. ## Footnote They are a key component of campaign financing.
74
What are dark ads?
Political advertisements that are not publicly disclosed and are targeted to specific audiences on social media. ## Footnote They can influence voter perceptions without transparency.
75
What is the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?
A law aimed at regulating campaign financing and reducing the influence of money in politics. ## Footnote It includes provisions to limit soft money contributions.
76
What was the outcome of Citizens United vs. FEC?
A Supreme Court ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns. ## Footnote It significantly changed campaign finance laws.
77
What is dark money?
Political spending by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose their donors. ## Footnote It can obscure the sources of campaign funding.
78
What is the Federal Election Commission?
An independent regulatory agency that oversees federal election laws and campaign finance. ## Footnote It enforces compliance with campaign finance regulations.
79
What is hard money in political campaigns?
Political contributions that are regulated and must be disclosed to the Federal Election Commission. ## Footnote It is subject to contribution limits.
80
What is soft money?
Unregulated contributions to political parties for party-building activities. ## Footnote It is not subject to the same limitations as hard money.
81
What are super PACs?
Political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to advocate for or against political candidates. ## Footnote They must operate independently from candidates' campaigns.
82
What are broadcast networks?
Television networks that transmit programs to a wide audience, often used for news and political coverage. ## Footnote Examples include NBC, ABC, and CBS.
83
What is the gatekeeper role of the media?
The media's function in determining which news stories are covered and which are not. ## Footnote It influences public perception and agenda.
84
What is horse-race journalism?
A type of news coverage that focuses on the competitive aspects of elections rather than on policy issues. ## Footnote It emphasizes polls and candidate standings.
85
What is the scorekeeper role of the media?
The media's role in tracking and reporting on political campaigns and elections. ## Footnote It shapes the public's understanding of the political landscape.
86
What is the watchdog role of the media?
The media's responsibility to monitor government and political activities and expose wrongdoing. ## Footnote It holds public officials accountable.
87
What is confirmation bias?
The tendency to favor information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or opinions. ## Footnote It can affect how individuals consume news.
88
What are editorials?
Articles that express the opinions of the editorial board of a publication. ## Footnote They often advocate for specific policies or viewpoints.
89
What is the Fairness Doctrine?
A former policy that required broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues. ## Footnote It was abolished in 1987.
90
What is mainstream media?
Media outlets that reach a large audience and are widely recognized, such as major television networks and newspapers. ## Footnote They dominate the media landscape.
91
What is narrowcasting?
The practice of targeting media messages to specific segments of the audience. ## Footnote It contrasts with broadcasting, which aims at a broader audience.
92
What are sound bites?
Short, catchy phrases or statements used in news coverage to convey a message quickly. ## Footnote They are often used in political campaigns.
93
What is media bias?
The perceived or actual partiality or favoritism in news coverage. ## Footnote It can influence public opinion and political beliefs.

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