Chapter 8
Winner Take All
Laws in most states that award all of a state's electoral votes to the candidate who wins the most popular votes in that particular state
270
Minimum amount of votes needed to win the Electoral College
primary election
Nominating election held to choose party candidates who will run in the general election
Election Day
Occur every two years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
What influences how a person votes?
Partisan Loyalty Candidate's view on important issues Candidate Characteristics
Runoff election
A "second round" election in which voters choose between the top two candidates from the first round
Plurality
A candidate receives more votes than any other, but does not receive a majority
Electoral College
A group of people that represent the US states in voting for president and vice-president of the United States.
Referendum
A law proposed by a legislature that is referred to the public for a vote of approval or rejection
Closed Primary
A primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote
General Election
An election held to choose which candidate will hold office...candidates are members of opposing political parties.
What is the most important factor in predicting whether an individual votes?
Education Level
Open primary
Primary election in which any voter, regardless of party, may vote.
What laws have been passed to increase registration and voting in the United States?
Same-Day Registration Motor Voter Absentee Voting (includes Early Voting) Voting by Mail (Oregon)
Gerrymandering
The drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a political party or group
National Convention
The meeting of party delegates every four years to choose a candidate for president/vice president and write the party's platform.
Apportionment
The process by which seats in the House of Representatives are distributed among the 50 states
Incumbent
the current officeholder, running for reelection
Qualifications for President
1. Natural born citizen 2. At least 35 years old 3. 14 year resident
538
Total Number of Electors
What are some reasons for low voter turnout in the United States?
Tuesday Voting, 2 Step Process (Registration, Voting)
What is the single-most important political act for most Americans?
Voting
Straight Ticket
Voting for candidates who are all of the same party
Split Ticket
a ballot on which a voter selects candidates from more than one political party
Recall Election
a special election called by voters to remove an elected official before his/her term expires.