Unit 5 Flashcards
Federal Voting Requirements
General Requirements: Be a U.S. citizen, Be at least 18 years old, Be a resident of the state in which you are voting
Hill v. Stone (1975)
Overview: A Supreme Court case that dealt with restrictions on voting rights based on racial discrimination and how those restrictions violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The ruling reinforced that restrictions that impact minority voters need to be evaluated under stricter scrutiny.
Split Ticket Voting
Definition: When a voter selects candidates from different political parties for different offices in the same election. For example, voting for a Republican for president and a Democrat for congress.
Straight Ticket Voting
Definition: When a voter selects candidates from the same political party for all offices in an election. For example, voting entirely for Republican or Democrat candidates.
Absentee Voting
Definition: A method that allows eligible voters to cast a ballot in an election without going to their designated polling place, usually because they are out of town or unable to attend in person. Absentee voting typically requires submitting a request in advance.
Coattail Effect
Definition: A phenomenon where a popular candidate (usually for president) helps other candidates from the same party get elected to office. The “coattails” of the popular candidate help boost the votes for down-ballot candidates.
Interest Groups
Definition: Organizations that attempt to influence government policy in favor of their interests. Examples include the National Rifle Association (NRA) or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Lobbying
Definition: The act of attempting to influence government decisions, particularly legislation, through direct contact with legislators or government officials.
Grassroots Pressure
Definition: The effort by an interest group to influence public policy by mobilizing ordinary citizens (the “grassroots”) to contact their legislators, demonstrate, or sign petitions.
Australian Ballot
Definition: A secret ballot system where voters cast their votes in private, preventing others from knowing their choices. This system is now standard in most U.S. elections.
Difference Between Political Parties and Interest Groups
Political Parties: Organize to win elections, run candidates for public office, and influence the government.
Interest Groups: Focus on influencing public policy, but do not run candidates for office.
Special Interest Groups
Definition: A type of interest group that focuses on advocating for specific issues, policies, or causes, such as the Sierra Club (environment) or the AARP (retirees).
Political Parties
Definition: Organized groups that seek to gain control of government through the election of candidates to public office. Examples include the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
Advocacy
Definition: The active support or argument for a cause or policy, often carried out by interest groups or political parties to influence public opinion or government action.
Public Policy
Definition: The principles, laws, or regulations adopted or enacted by governments to address issues and concerns of the public.
Caucuses
Definition: A meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy. In some states, caucuses are used to choose delegates for national party conventions.
Primary Elections
Definition: Elections held to select a party’s candidate for the general election. There are two types:
Closed Primaries: Only registered party members can vote.
Open Primaries: Any registered voter can vote, regardless of party affiliation.
Exploratory Committee
Definition: A group formed by a potential candidate to determine whether they should run for office. The committee typically raises money, conducts polls, and builds support.
Multi-Party System
Definition: A political system in which multiple political parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices, separately or in coalition. Found in countries like Italy or Germany.
Third Parties
Third Parties: Minor political parties that are not one of the two major parties (Democrats and Republicans). Examples: Green Party, Libertarian Party.
Splinter Parties
Definition: A party that has split from a major political party due to disagreements over policies or leadership.
Examples: Bull Moose Party (1912) - Theodore Roosevelt’s Progressive Party.
American Independent Party (1968) - George Wallace’s party advocating segregation.
Ideological Parties
Definition: Political parties that are based on a set of comprehensive and coherent beliefs or ideologies.
Examples: Libertarian Party - Advocates for minimal government intervention in personal and economic affairs.
Communist Party - Advocates for the establishment of a socialist state with collective ownership of resources.
Literacy Tests
Definition: A requirement that voters demonstrate the ability to read and write before they could vote. Used in the past to disenfranchise African American voters, particularly in the South.
Voter ID
Definition: Laws that require voters to show a form of identification before they are allowed to vote. Critics argue that these laws can disenfranchise minority, elderly, and low-income voters.
