GOV-2305 We the People Thirteenth Essentials Edition Chapter 9
What happened with over reliance on natural gas during the 2003 California energy crisis?
California had become too reliant on natural gas-fired power plants for its electricity supply, which made it vulnerable to price spikes in the natural gas market.
What expertise do campaign consultants offer candidates?
Campaign consultants offer candidates the expertise necessary to craft campaign messages, conduct opinion polls, produce television and social media ads, organize direct-mail campaigns, open field offices, and make use of information about their constituents from digital voter files, text messaging, email, political donations, and more.
What are ways that the House of Representatives raise money for elections?
Campaign finance, political action committees (PACs) Super PACs, individual donations, bundling, fundraising events, direct mail, online fundraising, grassroots fundraising
What does the incumbent do when running for re-election?
Campaigning, share their accomplishments about what they did in office, shares their plans to do if they can re enter
Why do candidates spend more time on fundraising than any other campaign activity?
Candidates spend more time on fundraising because it is a critical component of their campaigns, and they need to appeal to both small and large donors to have a reasonable chance of winning.
Which factor is the most important in predicting political participation?
Education is the most important factor in predicting political participation, including voting, encouraging others to vote or support an issue, and donating to a candidate or cause.
What are election boards responsible for in the American federal system?
Election boards are responsible for establishing and staffing polling places, processing mail-in ballots, and verifying the eligibility of voters.
In the US we conduct more ____ than anywhere else
Elections
What is the significance of elections in American politics?
Elections are the most important way that Americans participate in politics.
First purpose of elections
Elections encourage more Americans to participate in our democracy
Second purpose of elections
Elections ensure government officials are held accountable
Third purpose of elections
Elections establish legitimacy in our democracy
Fourth purpose of elections
Elections provide us with more choices
How are electoral votes allocated to each state?
Electoral votes are allocated to each state based on the size of its congressional delegation (senators plus House members).
When voters cast their ballots in a presidential election, they are actually voting for?
Electors represented by their political parties
What happened with supply shortages during the 2003 California energy crisis?
Electricity supply shortages were due to plant outages, transmission problems, and increased demand.
What happened with market manipulation during the 2003 California energy crisis?
Energy companies such as Enron engaged in market manipulation, withholding supply to drive up prices and gaming the market rules to maximize profits.
How did evangelicals strengthen their movement in the 1980s?
Evangelicals strengthened their movement by registering voters and mobilizing them.
How are fundraising events involved in the House of Representatives raising money?
Events organized by candidates or political parties to raise money, often involving ticket sales, auctions, or other activities.
General election occurs
Every four years
First type of election
Primary election
What is the purpose of primary elections in the United States?
Primary elections are held to select each party's candidates for the general election.
Why were primary elections introduced in the United States?
Primary elections were introduced in the United States by Progressive Era reformers who hoped to weaken the power of party leaders.
What is the new priority for reform in the US election system?
Protecting state and county election systems from hackers is a new priority for reform.
Why is money important in U.S. elections?
Public funding is limited, so candidates rely on money from corporations and individuals. Incumbents usually have an advantage in this area over challengers, as they are already well known and have established supporters and contributors.
How are fundraising events used in the raising money in the Senate?
Senators often hold fundraising events, such as receptions or dinners, where supporters can contribute money to their campaign.
Seventh example of activity in political participation
Signing political petitions
Why might a candidate who receives the most popular votes nationwide still lose the election?
Since electoral votes are won on a state-by-state basis, it is mathematically possible for a candidate who receives the most popular votes nationwide to fail to carry enough states for their electoral votes to add up to a majority.
Education
Single most important indication of whether or not you will vote
What policy proposals hurt the Democratic Party with voters in the 2020 election?
Single-payer health insurance, the Green New Deal, and defunding the police
Which states were key in deciding the 2020 presidential election?
Six swing states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia
What is the impact of the economy on election outcomes?
The condition of the economy at the time of the election is among the most important factors that influence election outcomes. If voters are satisfied with their economic conditions, they tend to support the party in power, while concern about the economy tends to favor the opposition.
How does the condition of the economy affect election outcomes?
The condition of the economy at the time of the election is an important factor influencing voter behavior. If voters are satisfied with their economic conditions, they tend to support the party in power, while concern about the economy tends to favor the opposition.
What led to a closer look at different ballot forms and voting systems used across the 3,000 U.S. counties?
The controversial 2000 presidential election led to a closer look at different ballot forms and voting systems used across the 3,000 U.S. counties.
What was the impact of the controversial 2000 presidential election on voting systems in the US?
The controversial 2000 presidential election led to a closer look at different ballot forms and voting systems used across the 3,000 U.S. counties.
What was the coronavirus pandemic and how did it affect the US?
The coronavirus pandemic was caused by a virus that originated in Wuhan, China and ultimately killed several million people around the world, including more than 250,000 Americans. The US government responded with public-health measures that caused social and economic upheaval and threw millions of people out of work. The government also developed an enormous economic stimulus package to ease the nation's economic pain.
What were the three crises facing American politics during the 2020 US presidential election?
The three crises facing American politics during the 2020 US presidential election were the coronavirus pandemic and associated economic crisis, the movement for racial justice, and the conflicts over the fairness, transparency, and administration of elections themselves.
What are the unique rules that govern presidential elections in the United States?
The president and vice president are the only public officials elected by all American voters, although they are technically elected by the electoral college.
What is the unique rule of presidential elections in the United States?
The president and vice president are the only public officials elected by all American voters.
Voter registration
The process of signing up to be a registered voter, usually required before being allowed to
Voter registration
The process of signing up to be a registered voter, usually required before being allowed to vote in an election.
What is the purpose of grassroots campaigns?
The purpose of grassroots campaigns is to increase candidate visibility through extensive outreach and mobilization, which includes public appearances, recruiting volunteers to knock on doors, hand out leaflets, and organize rallies and other public events.
What is the record amount spent by candidates in congressional races in 2020?
The record amount spent by candidates in congressional races in 2020 was $7.2 billion, which is an increase from $5.9 billion in 2018.
What happened with inadequate regulation during the 2003 California energy crisis?
The regulatory framework in California was not equipped to deal with the complexities of the electricity market, leading to a lack of oversight and enforcement.
What determines how a state's delegates will vote at their party's national convention?
The result of each state's primary election or caucus determines how its delegates will vote at their party's national convention.
How have the rules of elections changed over time?
The rules of elections have changed over time.
What was the second crisis affecting the 2020 campaign?
The second crisis affecting the 2020 campaign was racial strife and mass protests that began in the summer of 2020 after the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Black Lives Matter protests erupted nationwide, with some incidents of violent clashes with police and reports of looting, vandalism, and arson.
What are the six possible sources of campaign funds?
The six possible sources of campaign funds are individual donors, political action committees (PACs), political parties, candidates themselves, labor unions, and interest groups.
What were the three crises that affected the 2020 campaign?
The three crises that affected the 2020 campaign were the coronavirus pandemic and related economic crisis, the movement for racial justice, and the validity of the vote count.
What were the top two issues facing the country, according to separate questions asked in exit polls?
The top two issues facing the country, according to separate questions asked in exit polls, were the coronavirus and the economy.
What is the impact of negative ads in political campaigns?
While voters consistently say they reject negative campaigning, negative ads can benefit voters more than positive ones in some cases. Negative ads are more likely to address important policy differences and provide supporting evidence, while positive ads tend to focus on candidates' personal characteristics. Interestingly, when negative ads are misleading or even patently false, they are effective in that voters remember more from them than from positive ads.
What are the six possible sources of campaign funds?
The six possible sources of campaign funds are individual donors, political action committees (PACs), political parties, outside spending/independent expenditures, candidates' own money, and public financing.
The number of representatives of each stage depends on?
The state population
Who controls voter registration and voting in the United States?
The states, not the federal government, control voter registration and voting in the United States.
coattail effect
The tendency of a popular candidate to attract support for other candidates of the same party in an election.
Which demographic of women tended to support Trump in the 2016 presidential election?
White non-Hispanic women with lower education and income tended to support Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
How many times did White women support a Democratic candidate for president in the presidential elections from 1952 to 2020?
White women supported a Democratic candidate for president only twice in the presidential elections from 1952 to 2020.
What is the most common way average Americans participate in politics outside of voting?
With 67 percent of Americans reading the news using social media, digital participation is the most common way average Americans participate in politics outside of voting.
fifth example of an activity of political participation
Working on behalf of candidates and campaigns
Are hard and soft money regulated?
Yes
Did Democrats retain control of the House of Representatives in the 2020 election?
Yes
In a recall election, voters are asked to answer
Yes or no
Can I use my school address to register to vote?
Yes, it is up to the student where they want to vote. You can use your school address or be registered and vote absentee from your home address if it differs.
Recall election
You are de electing the incumbent y popular vote
What's on the ballot?
You can check Vote411.org to see a list of candidates and ballot initiatives for your location. When you go to vote, you can take a sample ballot or notes on your phone or on paper with your selections, though some states prohibit taking a selfie with your ballot.
How can I register to vote?
You can consult websites such as Vote411.org, run by the League of Women Voters. Registration procedures and rules vary from state to state. From your state's site at Vote411.org, you can register online (in over 30 states) or print and fill out a paper form. Note that the registration deadline can be up to 30 days prior to the election.
What happens at the polling place?
You will check in with a poll worker, who will locate your name on the registration list and may check your identification, depending on state rules. You will then be directed to a voting machine or given a paper ballot. Voters have the right to privacy while they vote and the right to accommodations for disabilities. After you vote, you submit your ballot electronically or insert it into a ballot box.
Who is less likely to register to vote in the US?
Young people especially are less likely to register to vote than are older Americans, in part because they tend to change residences more often. Other groups with lower registration rates include people with lower incomes and education, who also tend to change residences more frequently.
Electoral college
a body of people representing the states of the US, who cast votes for the majority vote of the candidate for electing the president and vice president.
incumbent
a candidate running for re-election to a position that he or she already holds
gender gap
a distinctive pattern of voting behavior reflecting the differences in views between women and men
527 committee (Super PAC)
a nonprofit independent political action committee that may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates
party platform
a party document, written at a national convention, that contains party philosophy, principles, and policy positions
open primary
a primary election in which the voter can wait until the day of the primary to choose which party to enroll in to select candidates for the general election
closed primary
a primary election in which voters can participate in the nomination of candidates but only of the party in which they are enrolled for a period of time prior to primary day
Political Action Committee (PAC)
a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns
general election
a regularly scheduled election involving most districts in the nation or state, in which voters select officeholders; in the United States, general elections for national office and most state and local offices are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years (every four years for presidential elections)
delegate
a representative who votes according to the preferences of his or her constituency
Recall election
a special type of election that allows voters to remove an elected official from their position before the end of their term.
Referendum
A direct vote by the electorate on a specific issue or law.
How is direct mail involved in how the House of Representatives raise money?
A form of political fundraising where candidates or political parties send letters or mailings to potential donors asking for contributions.
Ballot
A form used to cast a vote in an election.
Precinct
A geographic area that contains a specific number of voters and has its own polling place.
Electoral College
A group of electors chosen by the states to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
Polling place
A location where voters go to cast their ballots in an election.
How do education levels impact the political leanings and voting behavior of Whites?
A majority of Whites with a college degree support Democratic candidates and turn out at higher rates, while Whites without a college degree support Republicans and are less likely to vote.
Caucus
A meeting of members of a political party or interest group to select a candidate or decide on policy positions.
Early voting
A period of time before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person.
delegate
A person chosen to represent their political party in selecting the party's candidate for a particular office.
Pollster
A person or organization that conducts opinion polls.
Candidate
A person running for office in an election.
Closed primary
A primary election in which only registered members of a political party are allowed to vote.
Open primary
A primary election in which voters of any political party or no party affiliation are allowed to vote.
Ballot initiative
A proposed law or policy that is put directly to the voters through a ballot measure.
Initiative
A proposed law or policy that is put directly to the voters through a ballot measure.
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
A regulatory agency responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws in federal elections in the United States.
Swing state
A state where the support of voters is evenly divided between two or more political parties.
How is grassroots fundraising used in the raising of money in the House of Representatives?
A strategy where candidates and political parties rely on small donations from a large number of individual donors, often through online fundraising platforms.
Opinion poll
A survey of the general public or a specific group of voters about their opinions on a particular issue or candidate.
Exit poll
A survey of voters conducted after they have cast their ballots in an election.
How many years do a third of senates go up for election?
Two years
Where do congressional delegations occupy?(number of senators and representatives per state)
U.S. Congress
What are the limits on donations that individuals can make to political campaigns?
Under federal law, individuals may donate as much as $2,800 per candidate per election, $5,000 per federal PAC per calendar year, $35,500 per national party committee per calendar year, and $10,000 to state and local committees per calendar year.
What happened to deregulation on electrical utilities in the California 2003 energy crisis
Utilities were purchased on open market, which caused market volatility and market manipulation
Which professional campaign consultants do serious contenders for national and statewide office retain?
Virtually all serious contenders for national and statewide office retain the services of professional campaign consultants, including a campaign manager, media consultants, pollsters and a data analytics team, financial advisers, a press spokesperson, and staff directors to coordinate the activities of volunteer and paid workers.
How do voter ID laws affect voter turnout?
Voter ID laws have been shown to reduce turnout rates, especially among racial minorities, the elderly, the young, and people with low income or disabilities. Some estimates suggest that these laws reduce turnout by 2 to 3 percentage points.
What are voter identification requirements?
Voter identification requirements are laws that require voters to provide proof of identity before being allowed to cast a ballot at the polls.
What is voter registration?
Voter registration is the process of registering to vote in elections by providing personal information to the state election board. In most states, individuals must register to vote before they can actually vote, and the deadline for registration can be up to 30 days prior to the election.
What role do issues and policy preferences play in voters' decisions?
Voters may cast their ballots for the candidate whose position on specific issues they believe to be closest to their own, or the one they believe has the best experience in a particular policy area. Candidates for public office are often judged on the basis of their economic policies or promises, but other issues can also be important, depending on the election.
Initiative election
Voters vote on issues rather than on candidates, on this, citizens pose legislation and submit it to a popular vote
The number one form of political participation
Voting
Greatest form of participation in our nation
Voting in elections
Most common form of participation in our nation
Voting in elections
What is the most common form of participation in American politics?
Voting in elections is the most common form of participation in American politics, and elections are central to democratic government.
What is the most common form of political participation for most people?
Voting in elections is the most common form of political participation for most people.
Donors
individuals, groups, or organizations that provide financial contributions or donations to political candidates, parties, or committees.
What happened with lack of investment during the 2003 California energy crisis?
lack of investment had been in new power plants and transmission infrastructure in California for years, which exacerbated the supply shortages.
First similarity between initiative and referendum elections
1. Both initiative and referendum elections involve putting a specific issue or policy up for a vote. voters are asked to vote directly on a specific proposal. Vote put forth by citizens (initiative) vote put forth by government or legislative body (referendum)
What is the first example of a activity in political participation?
1. Voting in elections
Initiative election process
1. citizens propose a new law or policy by collecting enough signatures to put the proposal on the ballot 2. voters then decide whether to approve or reject the proposal. 3. an initiative election is a way for citizens to directly make laws or policies.
referendum process
1. government or a legislative body proposes a new law or policy 2. then puts the proposal on the ballot for the voters to approve or reject. 3. the voters are not proposing the law or policy themselves, but are voting on whether they agree with the proposal that the government or legislative body has put forth.
Women earned suffrage in what year?
1920
What allowed women to vote?
19th amendment
What is the second example of a activity in political participation?
2. Attending campaign events, rallies and fundraisers
Second similarity between referendum and initiative elections
2. Both initiative and referendum elections bypass the traditional legislative process: Instead of being decided by elected representatives, the proposal is put directly to the voters to decide.
Prior to what year were there no limits on the amount of soft money contributions
2002
The candidate who wins a majority of votes or more wins the presidency? What are those average number of votes or more?
270
Third similarity between referendum and initiative elections
3. Both initiative and referendum elections can be used to challenge the status quo: Either type of election can be used to propose a new law or policy, or to repeal an existing law or policy.
What percent of Asian Americans live in California?
33%
What types of ID requirements do states have for voting?
36 states have some identification requirements to cast a ballot at the polls, and 8 of them have strict laws that require a government-issued photo. Another 10 states have non-strict laws where photo ID is requested but not required to vote. 14 states and the District of Columbia do not require any ID to vote at the ballot box.
What's the average percentage of turnout?
40-45%
Who are the 538 total electoral votes?
435 Representatives + 100 Senators + 3 electors allocated to the District of Columbia)
How is education the single most important factor impacting voting and political participation?
52% of people with high school diplomas will vote compared to 74% of people with college degrees will vote
The BCRA created a new organization
527 groups, that are allowed to accept unlimited contributions to fund issue advocacy.
Total number of electoral votes
538
total number of electors in the Electoral College is
538
absentee ballot
A ballot that is mailed in or delivered in person by a voter who is unable to vote in person on Election Day.
Independent
A candidate or voter who does not align with any particular political party.
write-in candidate
A candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot and who is instead written in by voters.
Primary elections are
A competition within the party to find out which candidate will go to the general election
Campaign
A coordinated effort to promote a candidate or issue in an election.
How is telephone fundraising used in the Senate raising money?
Senators may use telemarketing to solicit donations from supporters.
What is an exploratory committee in the campaign process?
An exploratory committee is a group of supporters who help a candidate raise funds and bring their name to the attention of potential donors and voters.
Why is it important to vote?
According to Maggie Bush, Programs and Outreach Director for the League of Women Voters of the United States, elections determine how safe our streets are, what kind of health care we have, how community college decisions are made, and resources allocated. The first step to participating in these democratic decisions is voting.
How have African American churches contributed to American politics?
African American churches have been instrumental in the civil rights movement and continue to play important roles in national and local politics.
How does race and ethnicity impact voting?
African Americans, Latinos/Latinas, and Hispanic populations are more likely to vote Democratic
What did President Trump do after nearly all the votes had been tallied and it appeared that Biden won?
After nearly all the votes had been tallied and it appeared that Biden won, President Trump mounted court challenges to the outcome in several states carried by Biden, including Nevada and Pennsylvania.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect voting in the 2020 presidential election?
All but six states made it easier to vote by mail and vote early in person
What are some questions that all campaigns must decide on?
All campaigns must decide on a strategy, including what their main message will be, how they will allocate their resources (to television, social media, face-to-face mobilization), and which voters they will target.
The candidate who wins the popular vote in that state wins
All of the state's electoral votes
What is the relationship between education and political participation?
Americans with higher levels of education tend to participate more in politics than those with less education. Education is the single most important factor in predicting whether an individual will not only vote but also participate in most other ways, such as by encouraging other people to vote or support an issue and donating to a candidate or cause. Just 52 percent of those with only a high school diploma voted in the 2016 presidential election, compared with 74 percent of college graduates.
Where specifically were riots and protests more common than voting
Among marginalized groups that did not have voting rights
Runoff election
An election held after a primary election if no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast.
Primary election
An election held by a political party to select its candidate for a particular office in a general election.
Nonpartisan election
An election in which candidates do not run as members of political parties.
Partisan election
An election in which candidates run as members of political parties.
Landslide
An election in which one candidate wins by a large margin.
General election
An election in which voters choose from among all the candidates who are running for a particular office.
Midterm election
An election that takes place in the middle of a President's term, usually to elect members of Congress.
Recall election
An election to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.
What race/ethnic groups are less likely to vote?
Asian Americans
What is the demographic makeup of Asian Americans and how does it impact their political power?
Asian Americans make up roughly 6% of the population, have education and income levels closer to those of Whites than of Latinos and Latinas or African Americans, but are less likely to participate in politics than Whites or African Americans. No one national group dominates among the Asian American population, and this diversity has impeded the development of group-based political power.
Where can I find my polling place and its hours of operation?
At Vote411.org, you can enter your address of residency to find your polling place, its hours of operation, and any early voting options.
What is first example used in the second activity example of political participation?
Attending campaign events
What is automatic voter registration (AVR)?
Automatic voter registration (AVR) is a state election reform that automatically registers eligible residents to vote when they interact with certain state agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles or a public assistance agency. As of 2020, 19 states and the District of Columbia have approved AVR.
What were the additional restrictions placed upon those who were eligible to vote?
Based on property ownership and taxes
What is the history of grassroots organizations in competitive presidential elections since 2000?
Both parties have built strong grassroots organizations to reach voters and turn them out on Election Day. In 2004, Republicans were successful in training over 1.4 million volunteers, while Barack Obama's campaign made mobilization a centerpiece of its strategy in 2008, creating a nationwide organization with over 700 field offices. In 2016 and 2020, political campaigns shifted to social media as a primary way to mobilize voters.
How is population of state known?
By the US census Bureau which is done every 10 years
What is the relationship between campaign fundraising and election outcomes?
Candidates with the most campaign dollars often, but don't always, win. However, in general, incumbents find it much easier to raise funds and outspend their challengers. In 2020, the total cost of congressional and presidential elections was $14 billion, making it the most expensive election in history.
What are the candidate characteristics that influence voters' decisions?
Candidates' personal attributes such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, geography, and socioeconomic background can influence voters' decisions. Personality characteristics such as "authenticity," "decisiveness," and "honesty" are also important. Voters may be attracted to candidates who are similar to themselves or who they perceive to have good judgment and integrity.
What are caucuses and how do they differ from primaries?
Caucuses are party business meetings that involve fewer voters and therefore give party leaders and activists a larger role in selecting candidates. They involve a series of meetings starting at the precinct level and working up to the state party convention where delegates to the national convention are chosen. Primaries, on the other hand, are more straightforward and involve casting votes for a preferred candidate.
What are caucuses in the United States?
Caucuses are party business meetings where registered voters of the same party within a local geographic area elect delegates supporting particular candidates to county caucuses.
What is clicktivism?
Clicktivism refers to forms of participation that require little effort and may not convert to offline acts of participation in politics. Some have dismissed political activity on social media as clicktivism, while others argue that so-called clicktivism is the building block for sustained participation in politics.
Which type of primary elections are preferred?
Closed
What is the difference between closed and open primaries?
Closed primaries only allow registered members of a political party to vote, while open primaries allow all registered voters, including independents, to choose which party's primary they will participate in.
What is the difference between primaries and caucuses?
Compared to primary elections, caucuses involve fewer voters and give party leaders and activists a larger role in selecting candidates.
How do Latinos and Latinas compare to Whites and African Americans in terms of political participation?
Compared with Whites and African Americans, more Latinos and Latinas are recent immigrants to this country and thus have fewer opportunities, such as access to a quality education. Therefore, they are more likely to lack resources for participation in politics, such as money, time, and language skills. Although turnout rates among Latinos are lower than non-Hispanic Whites, there is evidence these are increasing, especially in key swing states.
What is the timeline for presidential and congressional campaigns?
Presidential campaigns begin almost two years before the November election, while congressional campaigns begin a year in advance.
What are congressional elections that do not coincide with a presidential election called?
Congressional elections that do not coincide with a presidential election are called midterm elections.
Fourth example of political participation activity
Contacting your elected officials
What communication tools do contemporary political campaigns rely on to reach voters?
Contemporary political campaigns rely on a number of communication tools to reach the voters they want to target for support, including television, radio, social media/digital advertising, massive computerized databases, and micro-targeting. Digital media are especially important in mobilizing people to vote.
General elections are a
Contest between opposing parties
Third example of an activity of political participation
Contributing money to campaigns
How are individual donations involved in how the House of Representatives raise money?
Contributions made by individuals to political campaigns, often limited to a certain amount per election cycle.
What was the concern of critics regarding the adoption of computerized voter-registration databases under HAVA?
Critics of HAVA feared that such systems might be vulnerable to unauthorized use or hacking.
Campaign money has three sources
Dark money, soft money, and hard money
Possible reasons for special election
Death of the incumbent Resignation of the incumbent Removal of the incumbent from office Incapacity or disability of the incumbent
What was the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election?
Democratic former vice president Joseph Biden won a solid popular and electoral college victory against incumbent Republican President Donald Trump, with his vice-presidential running mate Senator Kamala Harris. Democrats retained control of the House of Representatives, but with a reduced margin. Control of the Senate remained undecided until the outcomes of two January runoff elections in Georgia.
Which party was more likely to vote by mail in the 2020 presidential election?
Democrats
Reasons for energy crisis 2003 in California
Deregulation, supply shortages, market manipulation, lack of investment, inadequate regulation, over reliance on natural gas
How has digital media affected modern political campaigns?
Digital media have become another major weapon in modern political campaigns as more Americans turn to the internet, and social media in particular, for news. Campaigns develop a social media strategy for fundraising, mobilizing supporters, and getting out the vote. Digital media enable inexpensive organization of volunteers and offer more opportunities for free advertising, such as on Twitter and YouTube political videos.
What is digital political participation?
Digital political participation includes a wide range of activities such as discussing issues and candidates or mobilizing supporters through social media, email, and text messaging; reading online news stories and commenting on them; viewing YouTube videos and campaign ads; contributing money to candidates, parties, and groups; contacting political leaders and following them on Twitter; running campaign ads on social networking sites; organizing petition drives; and organizing face-to-face neighborhood meetings online.
What is digital political participation?
Digital political participation includes a wide range of activities such as discussing issues and candidates, mobilizing supporters through social media, email, and text messaging, reading online news stories and commenting on them, contributing money to candidates, parties, and groups, contacting political leaders, running campaign ads on social networking sites, organizing petition drives, and organizing face-to-face neighborhood meetings online.
What is digital political participation?
Digital political participation is a wide range of activities that includes discussing issues and candidates or mobilizing supporters through social media, email, and text messaging; reading online news stories and commenting on them; viewing YouTube videos and campaign ads; contributing money to candidates, parties, and groups; contacting political leaders and following them on Twitter; running campaign ads on social networking sites; organizing petition drives; and organizing face-to-face neighborhood meetings online.
What are some advantages of digital political participation over traditional forms of participation?
Digital political participation makes traditional activities easier, more immediate, and more personalized. It offers an active, two-way form of communication with feedback, rather than the more passive, one-way communication involved in reading newspapers, watching television, or listening to the radio. It combines person-to-person communication with broadcast capability.
What's another word for general election?
Presidential election
How does digital politics create collective action?
Digital politics can create punctuated bursts of collective action. For example, during the 2016 presidential primaries, Bernie Sanders's supporters relied heavily on Reddit to organize rallies and rock concerts on his behalf. After Donald Trump won the 2016 election, over 700,000 people signed an online petition to eliminate the electoral college and elect the president based on actual votes cast. Social media can efficiently coordinate the actions of millions of people required for running political campaigns and winning elections.
What is the role of people power in modern political campaigns?
Direct mail and robocalls are less effective than face-to-face and in-person phone contacts, and candidates still rely heavily on the services of tens of thousands of volunteers for get-out-the-vote drives. However, even the recruitment of volunteers has become a job for electronic technology, with phone banks used to contact potential campaign workers.
Sixth example of activity in political participation
Displaying campaign signs
What was the impact of Trump's campaign on White non-college-educated voters in 2016?
Donald Trump helped mobilize less-educated and lower-income Whites with a populist campaign promising to "Make America Great Again" and bring back manufacturing jobs. He organized nationwide campaign rallies with high turnout, while his Twitter account provided daily updates and he invested heavily in Facebook political campaign ads.
Who were the eligible voters during early periods of American history?
During early periods of American history, suffrage was usually restricted to White males over the age of 21.
What is the importance of early voting states in the presidential nomination process?
Early voting states are important because they can help candidates gain momentum by securing national media attention, campaign contributions, and higher ratings in public-opinion polls. Candidates who perform well in these early voting states send signals to voters in later voting states that they are viable and electable.
What impact did COVID-19 and the economy have on the 2020 election?
Exit polls indicated that the economy was the most important issue influencing how people voted in the 2020 election. One in 10 Americans were living in a household where there was sometimes or often not enough to eat, and nearly 3 in 10 households found it somewhat or very difficult to pay household expenses and basic necessities.
The 2020 and 2022 elections were the most
Expensive campaign elections
Hard money and soft money is regulated by the?
FEC (Federal Election Commission)
Public funding
Financial support for political campaigns provided by the government or public funds.
What is the role of formal organizations and professional campaign managers in campaign success?
Formal organizations and professional campaign managers are critical for campaign success. Candidates generally need hundreds of volunteers and a few paid professionals for a local campaign, while state-level campaigns require thousands of volunteers, and presidential campaigns require tens of thousands of volunteers and hundreds of paid staff nationwide.
What is the third example used in the second activity example of political participation?
Fundraising
What are ways that the Senate raises money for elections?
Fundraising events, direct mail, telephone fundraising, online fundraising, political action committees(PACs) personal funds
What is fundraising in political campaigns?
Fundraising in political campaigns is the process of collecting money from donors to finance a candidate's campaign.
How are PACs involved in how the House of Representatives raise money?
Groups that raise money and make contributions to political campaigns in support of their preferred candidates or issues.
Historically, riots and protests
Have been more common than voting
What should I do if I change my address?
If your address changes—even if you switch apartments in the same building—you need to update your registration. You can update at Vote411.org.
What happened in 2016 with regards to the intrusion of Russian hackers in the US election system?
In 2016, 21 states experienced intrusion by Russian hackers into their computerized election systems, although to date there is no evidence that ballots were changed.
How is online fundraising used in the Senate raising money?
In recent years, online fundraising has become an increasingly important part of political fundraising, and senators use social media and email to solicit donations from supporters.
What was the result of White evangelical Christian voters in the 1984 election?
In the 1984 election, 8 in 10 evangelical Christian voters cast their ballots for Reagan.
What was the outcome of the 2000 presidential election in Florida, and what did the examination of the results reveal?
In the 2000 presidential election in Florida, Republican George W. Bush narrowly defeated Democrat Al Gore, but a recount was ordered due to the small margin of victory. Examination of the results revealed that the punch card voting machines and "butterfly ballot" used in Florida had led to many voting and counting errors.
Who did most White evangelical Christians support in the 2016 and 2020 general elections?
In the 2016 and 2020 general elections, most White evangelical Christians supported Trump.
What was the gender gap in the 2016 presidential election?
In the 2016 presidential election, the gender gap was significantly larger, with 54% of women supporting Clinton compared to 41% of men.
Who is responsible for running elections in the American federal system?
In the American federal system, the responsibility for running elections is decentralized, resting largely with state and local governments.
Who is responsible for running elections and creating ballots in the United States?
In the United States, it is the state and county governments, not the federal government, that run elections and create ballots.
What is the historical context of voting rights in the United States?
In the early history of the United States, suffrage was restricted to White males over 21, with additional restrictions based on property ownership and taxes. Later, poll taxes and literacy tests were used to prevent immigrant voting in northern cities and African American and poor White voting during the Jim Crow era.
How does income affect political participation?
Income is a significant factor in political participation, as individuals with higher incomes are more likely to vote and make contributions compared to those with lower incomes.
What is the relationship between income and political participation?
Income is an important factor when it comes to making contributions and voting. Individuals with higher incomes are more likely to participate in politics than those with lower incomes. Among people age 45-64, for example, the 2016 census found that 83 percent of individuals earning over $150,000 a year voted compared to 43 percent of those earning less than $20,000 per year.
What advantage do incumbents have in elections?
Incumbents have an advantage in fundraising and attracting supporters and contributors, as they are usually well known and have an established base. However, this advantage can be diminished if they have been subject to damaging publicity while in office.
Why do incumbents have an advantage in fundraising over their opponents?
Incumbents have an advantage in fundraising because they already have established networks of donors, and most donations from businesses, interest groups, and PACs go to incumbents who are likely to win.
How are Super PACs involved in how the House of Representatives raise money?
Independent expenditure-only committees that can raise unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, and individuals to support or oppose political candidates.
How does socioeconomic status relate to interest in politics?
Individuals higher on the socioeconomic scale tend to have higher levels of interest in politics.
How does an impeachment contrast from a recall election?
Initiated by a legislative body A legal process Allows the legislative body to remove an elected official from office for misconduct or illegal activity Typically used to address concerns about misconduct or illegal activity
How does a recall election contrast from an impeachment
Initiated by citizens A special type of election Allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term Typically used to address concerns about performance or behavior
What is political participation?
Involvement in political activity such as 1. voting in elections 2. Attending campaign events, rallies, and fundraisers, 3. contributing money to campaigns, 4. contacting elected officials, 5. working on behalf of candidates and campaigns, 6. displaying campaign signs, 7. signing political petitions, 8. protesting, demonstrating, and publicly expressing support for or opposition to candidates or campaigns on social media.
Why are Iowa and New Hampshire important in picking presidential candidates?
Iowa and New Hampshire are important in picking presidential candidates because they are the first states to cast votes, which can help candidates gain momentum by securing national media attention, campaign contributions, and higher ratings in public-opinion polls.
How have Jews been active in politics?
Jews have been active in politics through a variety of social action agencies, including the American Jewish Congress and the Anti-Defamation League.
Who won the 2020 presidential election?
Joe Biden
What are leadership PACs?
Leadership PACs are PACs established by congressional and party leaders to provide funding for their political allies.
Socioeconomic status
Level of education, income, and occupation
Did Republicans retain control of the Senate in the 2020 election?
Likely, pending the results of two runoff elections in Georgia
Hard money refers to
Limited contributions made directly to candidates
What is the process by which major parties select their presidential candidates?
Major parties start the process of selecting their presidential candidates by holding primary elections and caucuses. Most states hold primaries, but some use caucuses.
What is the argument against the electoral college?
Many people argue that the electoral college is biased against large-population states and overrepresents small-population states.
What is the impact of increased demographic diversity on U.S. politics?
Members of racial and ethnic groups are more likely to vote Democratic, while White non-Latinos are more likely to vote Republican. African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and other racial or ethnic minorities accounted for 33% of all registered voters in 2018, while the share of White non-Hispanic registered voters declined from 76% in 2000 to 67% by 2018.
What is micro-targeting in political campaigns?
Micro-targeting involves sending different campaign ads or messages to different demographic groups of voters and potential voters. It became more sophisticated in the 2008 presidential campaign, when the Obama campaign made use of survey data and statistical algorithms to generate carefully targeted messages for different groups of voters.
What is micro-targeting in political campaigns?
Micro-targeting is the process of sending different campaign ads or messages to different demographic groups of voters and potential voters. The idea behind micro-targeting is to address the different issues that different voters care about. This allows campaigns to send different messages to different groups, such as suburban "soccer moms" and rural "cowboy dads."
How much do the House of Representatives usually raise?
Millions of dollars, total of 2020 election was 3.7 billion
How much does the Senate raise?
Millions, 2020 election was 15 million
What was the centerpiece of Barack Obama's campaign strategy in the 2008 presidential election?
Mobilization was the centerpiece of Obama's strategy, as he organized a base of volunteers to go door-to-door seeking support for their candidate. This approach helped him win crucial primary victories and expand the party's electoral map by mobilizing support in places where Democrats had not seriously contended in the past.
___is vital for financing campaigns
Money
How often do most Americans have the opportunity to vote in elections?
Most Americans have the opportunity to vote in several elections each year.
What types of voting systems do most U.S. counties now use?
Most U.S. counties now use computerized electronic voting systems, although some still use paper ballots.
What was the voter turnout for the 2020 presidential election?
Nearly 159 million votes cast, 66.4% of eligible voters
What was the voter turnout in the 2020 election?
Nearly 67 percent of those eligible to vote went to the polls, almost 10 percentage points higher than in 2016 and the highest turnout level seen in the United States since 1900.
Why are negative ads effective in political campaigns?
Negative ads are more likely to address important policy differences and provide supporting evidence, while positive ads tend to focus on candidates' personal characteristics. Additionally, voters remember more from negative ads, even if they are misleading or false, possibly because they elicit emotional responses.
Second role of digital politics in political participation
New forms of fundraising and voter mobilization
Did Democrats successfully "Flip the Senate" in the 2020 election?
No, most incumbent Republican U.S. senators were re-elected
Is there a limit to how much money candidates can spend on their own campaigns?
No, there is no limit to how much money candidates can spend on their own campaigns. This is based on the Buckley v. Valeo decision, which established that the right of individuals to spend their own money to campaign for office is a constitutionally protected matter of free speech.
The electoral votes in states are determined by
Number of representatives and senators
What are the state electoral votes based on?
Number of representatives and senators, and population
How does age impact voting?
Older people have a higher rate of voting than younger people
What is the relationship between age and political participation?
Older people tend to have much higher rates of political participation than young people, in part because they are more likely to own homes and pay property taxes, which makes them more aware of the importance of government. In 2016, citizens 65 years and older reported the highest turnout (71 percent), followed by those age 45-66 (67 percent), age 30-44 (58 percent), and age 18-29 (46 percent), according to the census. Youth turnout has historically been extremely low in midterm elections without a presidential race, though it grew dramatically in the most recent midterm. Among the youngest age cohort, voter turnout went from 20 percent in 2014 to 36 percent in 2018, and increased to 53-56 percent in 2020.
What was the "red mirage" and "blue shift" in the 2020 presidential election?
On election night, it seemed like Trump had a strong lead, but as mail-in votes began to be counted, Biden gained ground and ultimately overtook Trump
What information do I need to provide to register to vote?
On the voter-registration form, you will provide your name and address and will certify that you are eligible—that you are a U.S. citizen and of the appropriate age. The voting age is 18, but some states allow preregistration or primary-election voting at younger ages. You may also need an identification number such as a driver's license, state ID, or the last four digits of your Social Security number, depending on your state.
How often do voters' partisan loyalties change?
Once formed, voters' partisan loyalties seldom change unless some crisis causes them to reexamine their loyalties. During such a crisis, millions of voters can change their party ties.
Can partisan loyalties change?
Once formed, voters' partisan loyalties seldom change unless some crisis causes them to reexamine their loyalties. During such a crisis, millions of voters can change their party ties. For example, at the beginning of the New Deal era, millions of former Republicans transferred their allegiance to President Franklin Roosevelt and the Democrats.
Why might it be too late for individuals to register to vote?
Once individuals become interested in the election and learn about the candidates, it may be too late for them to register.
What is a common reason people in the US give for not voting?
One of the most common reasons people in the United States give for not voting is that they are not registered.
Each state has to have at least what number of representatives
One representative
What percentage of the senate go up for election
One-third
How does online mobilization work effectively?
Online mobilization works effectively through emotional appeals, immediacy, personal networks, and social pressure. One's social network plays a much stronger role in political participation than do individual factors such as income and education. When members of a social network indicate they have voted in an election or contributed to a candidate, for example, that can motivate others in their network to do the same.
Primary elections may be
Open or closed
What percentage of respondents expressed support for a campaign on social media?
Over 40 percent of respondents expressed support for a campaign on social media.
When do presidential and congressional elections take place in the United States?
Presidential elections take place every four years and congressional elections every two years, both on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
How has the federal government expanded suffrage in the United States?
Over the past two centuries, federal statutes, court decisions, and constitutional amendments have been used to override state voting laws and expand suffrage including the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920, and the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18 in 1971.
What are PACs and what is their primary purpose?
PACs are organizations established by corporations, labor unions, or interest/advocacy groups to channel money into political campaigns. Their primary purpose is to represent the interests of a particular group and to influence the outcome of an election in their favor.
How does participation in politics vary by educational attainment and age?
Participation in politics often increases with higher levels of educational attainment and sometimes age.
What is the relationship between income and education level and political participation for both Whites and African Americans?
Participation is highly correlated with more income, higher education, and higher-level occupations for both Blacks and Whites. Nevertheless, African Americans are somewhat more likely to vote than Whites of similar socioeconomic status.
Four purposes of elections
Participation, accountability, legitimacy, more choices
What is partisan loyalty and how does it affect voting behavior?
Partisan loyalty refers to a sense of identification or kinship with a particular political party. It is the most reliable indicator of which candidates people will vote for, from presidential elections to local elections. Once formed, voters' partisan loyalties seldom change unless some crisis causes them to reexamine their loyalties.
What is partisan loyalty?
Partisan loyalty refers to a voter's sense of identification or kinship with a particular political party, predisposing them to favor their party's candidates and oppose those of the other party.
What is partisan loyalty?
Partisan loyalty refers to the sense of identification or kinship that most voters feel with the Democratic or Republican Party. It is the most reliable indicator of which candidates people will vote for, from presidential elections to local elections.
What is the most reliable indicator of which candidates people will vote for?
Partisanship is the most reliable indicator of which candidates people will vote for, from presidential elections to local elections.
How do party activists view presidential elections?
Party activists view presidential elections as contests between good and evil, democracy and authoritarianism, and they communicate this perspective to the general public as they work to mobilize supporters via social media and partisan media outlets.
Electors
People selected by each state to cast their electoral votes for the president and vice president
Delegates
People who represent their political party at a convention
Turnout
Percentage of eligible voters who actually voted on Election Day.
What impact did President Trump's anti-immigration policies have on Latino voter turnout in 2018 and 2020?
President Trump's anti-immigration policies, which affect many Latinos, increased voter turnout in the 2018 elections by 50% compared to the 2014 elections, and increased further in 2020.
What is polarization in American politics?
Polarization refers to the increasing divide between the Democratic and Republican parties in American politics.
What are political action committees (PACs) and what is their purpose?
Political action committees (PACs) are organizations established by corporations, labor unions, or interest or advocacy groups to channel money into political campaigns. PACs are permitted to make larger contributions to any given candidate than individuals are allowed to make. More than 4,600 PACs are registered with the Federal Election Commission, which oversees campaign finance practices in the United States.
How did political campaigns shift their mobilization strategies in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections?
Political campaigns shifted to social media as a primary way to mobilize voters and directly provide their supporters with election updates. In 2016, three in 10 Americans received digital messages about the elections, with far more people turning to the candidates' social media posts than to their websites or emails.
Primary elections are controlled by
Political parties
Two methods of choosing the president
Popular vote and the electoral college
What did President Trump refuse to promise regarding the legitimacy of the outcome of the 2020 presidential election?
President Trump refused to promise to accept the legitimacy of the outcome if he thought it had been obtained fraudulently.
Who is most affected by voter ID laws?
Racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, the young, and people with low income or disabilities are disproportionately affected by voter ID laws, as they are more likely to lack government-issued photo identification. More than 1 in 10 U.S. citizens does not have government-issued photo identification, including 1 in 5 African Americans.
What is the second example used in the second activity example of political participation?
Rallies
Because of representatives depending on state population, representatives may be ___ every year depending on increase or decrease in population
Reapportioned
What two elections are similar
Referendum and initiative
What's the cornerstone to any democracy?
Regular, open, honest, and fair elections
Why did Republicans charge that mail-in ballots in 2020 had opened the way for systematic electoral fraud?
Republicans charged that mail-in ballots in 2020 had opened the way for systematic electoral fraud because they believed that the process was vulnerable to fraud and abuse.
How did Republicans and Democrats mobilize voters in the 2004 presidential election?
Republicans trained over 1.4 million volunteers to make calls, go door-to-door to register voters, write letters, create pro-Bush blogs, and phone local radio call-in shows. Democrats also worked to mobilize voters, but were less successful in their efforts.
What is the impact of direct mail, robocalls, and face-to-face interaction on voter turnout?
Research has shown that face-to-face interaction greatly increases the chances that the person contacted will go to the polls, increasing overall voter turnout by almost 10%. Direct mail has a much smaller impact, increasing turnout by just 0.5%, while robocalls have no measurable effect. In-person telephone calls have a modest positive effect.
What is same-day registration?
Same-day registration is a state election reform that allows people to both register and vote when they go to the polls on Election Day. As of 2020, 17 states plus Washington, D.C., have enacted same-day registration laws. Same-day registration has been shown to boost voter turnout, particularly among younger and less educated voters.
How are personal funds used in the Senate raising money?
Senators may also contribute their own personal funds to their campaign.
How are political action committees(PACs) used in the Senate raising money?
Senators may also receive donations from PACs, which are groups that are organized specifically to support political candidates or issues.
How is direct mail used in the raising money by the Senate?
Senators may also send out mailings to potential donors asking for contributions.
How does social media play a role in political participation?
Social media can efficiently coordinate the actions of millions of people required for running political campaigns and winning elections. It can create punctuated bursts of collective action, leading to real-world political protests, voter-mobilization drives, and the election of candidates and parties to government. Social media make possible tiny acts of political participation that can scale up to dramatic changes.
How can social media networks be used for political mobilization?
Social media networks can mimic face-to-face communication and be used for political mobilization. A study involving 61 million users of Facebook found that election appeals from Facebook friends increased turnout by 340,000 people who otherwise would not have voted, with users' closest connections having the most influence.
What is socioeconomic status?
Socioeconomic status is a term used by social scientists to describe an individual's level of education, income, and occupation.
Factors impacting voting
Socioeconomic status, education, age, race, ethnicity and gender
What is soft money and when was it banned?
Soft money was unregulated contributions to the national parties that were officially intended for party-building and voter-registration-and-mobilization efforts. It was banned in 2002 by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act.
What are some of the divisive conflicts in politics today that hinge on differences over religious beliefs?
Some of the divisive conflicts in politics today include those over abortion, contraceptives, and LGBTQ rights.
What were some warning signs from the 2020 election?
Some warning signs included deep partisan rancor, an increased belief in political conspiracy theories, and efforts to undermine the election results.
What are some ways to participate in politics?
Some ways to participate in politics include getting informed about the candidates and issues, displaying bumper stickers, volunteering on behalf of a campaign, attending rallies or campaign events, and contributing financially to candidate campaigns.
How do state electoral laws affect voter turnout?
State electoral laws can make voting easier or can impede voting, which affects voter turnout.
How do state laws influence elections in the United States?
State laws influence who may vote, how they vote, and where they vote. For example, states decide whether to require photo identification to vote and whether to allow residents to vote by mail, to vote in person before Election Day, and to register to vote and then vote on the same day.
Referendum of election
State legislature submits proposed legislation and puts it in for voter approval
What is suffrage?
Suffrage is the right to vote.
Voting is referred to as
Suffrage or franchise, your right to vote
What are Super PACs and dark money, and how are they different?
Super PACs are 527 committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money for political campaigns. Dark money refers to 501(c)(4) committees that engage in campaign advocacy but may not spend more than half their revenue for political purposes. Unlike a 527, a 501(c)(4) is not required to disclose where it gets its funds or exactly what it does with them.
What are superdelegates and how do they influence the presidential nomination process?
Superdelegates are party leaders and elected officials who can vote for any candidate they choose at the party convention. The Democratic Party designates a number of superdelegates, while the Republican Party does not. Superdelegates are controversial because they can have a significant impact on the outcome of the nomination process.
What is the role of television ads in modern political campaigns?
Television ads are used to establish candidate name recognition, create a favorable image of the candidate, link the candidate with desirable groups in the community, communicate the candidate's stands on selected issues, and often to air negative ads criticizing opponents.
What is the role of television in modern political campaigns?
Television plays a central role in modern political campaigns by establishing candidate name recognition, creating a favorable image of the candidate and a negative image of the opponent, linking the candidate with desirable groups in the community, and communicating the candidate's stands on selected issues. Negative ads, in particular, are effective in eliciting emotional responses, such as fear, anxiety, or anger.
What act banned soft money contributions to federal candidates and parties?
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)
What is the Citizens United Supreme Court decision?
The Citizens United Supreme Court decision, made in 2010, allows corporations, unions, and interest groups to form Super PACs that can spend unlimited amounts to advocate for or against candidates, as long as the Super PACs are "independent" of the candidate's campaign.
What are the two major political parties in the US and what are their ideological differences?
The Democratic Party is the political home of those who view themselves as ideologically liberal, while the Republican Party has become the party of conservatives. There are differences of political perspective within each party.
What is the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)?
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is a law passed by Congress in 2003, requiring the states to use computerized voter-registration databases.
What is the League of Women Voters?
The League of Women Voters emerged from the fight for women's suffrage in the early twentieth century. Its primary goal today is to help Americans of all descriptions understand and navigate the voting process.
What was the outcome of the impeachment trial?
The Republican-controlled Senate declined to convict Trump on the charges brought by the Democratic-controlled House, leading to his acquittal.
What were the main issues that the Trump and Biden campaigns focused on?
The Trump campaign focused on tax cuts, deregulation, opposition to immigration, suspicion of international organizations and agreements, and increased military spending. The Biden campaign called for new taxes on the wealthy, stronger environmental and financial regulations, liberalization of immigration rules, increases in social spending, a return to an internationalist foreign policy, and a return to "normalcy" and civility in American politics.
What was the purpose of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment?
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 in 1971, with the intention of channeling student protests against the Vietnam War into peaceful participation at the ballot box.
Incumbent
The current holder of a political office who is seeking re-election.
What was the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court vacancy after Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death?
The death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg ignited a partisan battle over the vacancy on the Supreme Court. Democrats requested that Republicans honor the precedent they set in 2016 when they would not hold hearings for Obama's nomination to the Court because it was an election year, but Republicans saw an opportunity to establish a long-lasting conservative majority on the Court. In a record 27 days, the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a staunch religious conservative, establishing a six-member conservative majority on the Court. Every Democrat and only one Republican voted against her nomination.
What is the electoral college and how does it influence campaign strategy?
The electoral college is one election rule that influences the campaign strategy of presidential candidates by forcing them to campaign heavily in a small number of battleground, or swing, states—those whose populations are divided roughly evenly between Democrats and Republicans—while often ignoring the rest of the country.
What is the electoral college?
The electoral college is the group of electors who formally select the president and vice president in the United States.
Senators are selected by voters in
The entire state
First role of digital politics in political participation
The exchange of information
What is the significance of the record voter turnout in the 2020 election?
The fact that record numbers of Americans went to the polls in 2020 is a sign of their continuing belief in America and in democracy and their hope for a better future.
What should I do if I have a problem voting?
The first step is to ask a poll worker on-site for help. Another resource is the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline run by volunteers with a legal support staff to make sure people's votes are being counted properly.
What will America's future depend on?
The future will depend upon the programs and policies of the Biden era and President Biden's ability to heal a fractured and polarized nation.
What is the gender gap in American politics?
The gender gap is a distinctive pattern of male and female voting decisions in electoral politics, with women tending to vote in higher numbers for Democratic candidates, and Republicans winning more male votes.
What was the gender turnout gap in the 2018 midterm election?
The gender turnout gap in the 2018 midterm election was 3 percentage points, with 55% of women voting compared to 52% of men.
How did the influence of White evangelical Christians rise to prominence in the late 1970s?
The influence of White evangelical Christians rose to prominence in the late 1970s, aligning with the Republican Party and eventually backing Ronald Reagan for president in the 1980 election.
Who were the main candidates in the 2020 presidential primaries?
The main candidates in the 2020 presidential primaries were Donald Trump for the Republicans and Joe Biden for the Democrats.
What factors contributed to the results of the 2020 US presidential election?
The major factors that contributed to the results of the 2020 US presidential election were partisan loyalty, issues and policy preferences (including the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and racial justice issues), and candidate characteristics (such as experience and leadership style). Other factors that played a role included voter turnout and the fairness, transparency, and administration of the election.
What are the factors that influence voters' decisions?
The major factors that influence voters' decisions are partisan loyalty, issues and policy preferences, and candidate characteristics.
What are the major factors that influence voters' decisions?
The major factors that influence voters' decisions are partisan loyalty, issues and policy preferences, and candidate characteristics.
What are the major issues that influence voters' decisions?
The major issues that influence voters' decisions are their policy preferences, such as health care, climate change, education, and economic issues. Candidates for the presidency or Congress are often judged on the basis of their economic policies or promises, and other issues vary in importance depending on the election.
What is the process of selecting presidential candidates by the major parties?
The major parties select their presidential candidates through primary elections and caucuses.
Gerrymandering
The manipulation of voting district boundaries in order to give one political party an advantage over another.
What is the maximum amount that an individual can donate per candidate per election?
The maximum amount that an individual can donate per candidate per election is $2,800.
What was the name of the movement that thousands of Trump supporters participated in after the 2020 presidential election?
The movement that thousands of Trump supporters participated in after the 2020 presidential election was called "Stop the Steal."
congressional delegation
The number of representatives and senators, per state
What tasks does the party convention perform besides confirming the choice of the primaries and caucuses?
The party convention makes rules concerning delegate selection and future presidential primary elections, drafts a party platform, and allows the party to showcase its candidates before a large national audience.
Voter turnout
The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.
Bundling as a method in the House of Representatives of raising money
The practice of collecting individual donations from multiple donors and presenting them as a single contribution to a political campaign.
What were the two key shifts in the electorate in the 2020 elections?
The two key shifts were: 1. Ideological moderates supported Biden by nearly two to one, and 54 percent of independents supported Biden, compared to 41 percent for Trump. 2. Among first-time voters, Biden won nearly 65 percent of the vote, showing the strength and depth of the Democrats' ground game. Biden won by convincing moderates and independents to support the Democratic ticket and mobilizing a large number of new voters, with overwhelming support from people of color and young voters.
What are the two types of general-election campaigns in the US?
The two types of general-election campaigns in the US are grassroots campaigns and mass media campaigns. Grassroots campaigns are organizationally driven and labor intensive, while mass media campaigns are media driven and money intensive.
How is online fundraising involved in the House of Representatives raising money?
The use of the internet and social media to solicit donations for political campaigns.
How did the civil rights movement impact African American participation in politics?
The victories of the civil rights movement made Blacks full citizens and stimulated a tremendous growth in voter turnout. African American voters began to wield considerable political power and the number of African American elected officials grew significantly. However, state laws requiring government voter identification have created new impediments that tend to have a disproportionate impact on minority voters in some states.
How is campaign finance involved in how the House of Representatives raise money?
The way in which political campaigns are funded, including money raised by candidates, political parties, and interest groups.
How is the winner of the presidential election determined?
The winner of the presidential election is the candidate who wins at least 270 of the electoral college's 538 votes.
What was the impact of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
The women's suffrage movement held rallies, demonstrations, and protest marches for over half a century before the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote nationally.
Each state has to have at least what number of senators
Two senators
In reference to age, who has the highest voter turnout?
Those who are in the 60s and older
How much do candidates for the House of Representatives need to raise to have a reasonable chance of winning?
To have a reasonable chance of winning a seat in the House of Representatives, a candidate may need to raise more than $1 million.
What did Republicans promise in the 2020 election?
To rebuild the economy, oppose a national lockdown, and restore law and order
How did Trump and Biden differ in their response to the coronavirus pandemic?
Trump frequently attacked scientists and public-health professionals, promoted dubious drugs as potential cures for COVID-19, and refused to wear a mask. Biden, on the other hand, observed COVID-19 precautions and did not hold large public rallies. Wearing a face mask became an outward symbol of party polarization, with Democrats regularly wearing them and Republicans sometimes not.
How did Trump and Democrats differ in their response to the racial protests?
Trump supported police actions, accused protesters of causing violence, charged that Democratic governors and mayors were not doing enough to protect public safety, and dispatched federal forces to several cities. Democrats said the president's actions only added fuel to the fire and hoped that these events would demonstrate to Americans the importance of voting for Joe Biden.
What was the basis for Trump's impeachment?
Trump was impeached for allegedly asking the leader of Ukraine to investigate his political opponents in exchange for U.S. military aid to Ukraine, and for obstructing the inquiry by telling White House officials to ignore subpoenas from Congress for documents and testimony.
How is turnout different from voters?
Turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who actually participated, voting is the act of casting a ballot in an election
digital political participation
activities designed to influence politics using the internet, including visiting a candidate's website, organizing events online, and signing an online petition
campaign
an effort by political candidates and their supporters to win the backing of donors, political activists, and voters in their quest for political office
In an open primary
any registered voter can participate in any party's primary election.
primary election
elections held to select a party's candidate for the general election
Representatives are selected by the voters in their
congressional districts
midterm election
congressional elections that do not coincide with a presidential election; also called off-year elections
What are some forms of political participation other than voting?
contacting political officials, attending campaign events and rallies, and volunteering to work on a campaign.
How did eligible citizens participate in government before direct elections for members of the electoral college were established?
eligible citizens could participate in government by voting in elections for the U.S. House, state legislatures, and local offices.
special election
election that is held outside of the regular election cycle to fill a political office that has become vacant for some reason.
Soft money refers to
funds that are donated to political parties or political action committees (PACs) for the purpose of supporting or opposing a candidate or political issue.
In a closed primary
only voters registered with a particular political party can participate in that party's primary election.
protest
participation that involves assembling crowds to confront a government or other official organization
While riots are generally rejected by most Americans as a legitimate form of political activity,
peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment and have been used by various different ideological groups to demand social and political rights.
grassroots campaigns
political campaigns that operate at the local level, often using face-to- face communication to generate interest and momentum by citizens
501(c)(4) committees (dark money)
politically active nonprofits; under federal law, these nonprofits can spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns and not disclose their donors as long as their activities are not coordinated with the candidate campaigns and political activities are not their primary purpose
Eighth example of activity in political participation
protesting, demonstrating, and publicly expressing support for or opposition to candidates or campaigns on social media.
Riots are generally ___by most Americans as a legitimate form of political activity,
rejected
How does the FEC regulate soft money?
requiring PACs and 527 groups to register with the commission and disclose their donors and expenditures. And enforces rules on how and when these organizations can spend their money to support or oppose candidates.
The FEC regulates hard money by
setting limits on how much individuals and organizations can contribute to a candidate's campaign, and requiring candidates to disclose the sources and amounts of their campaign contributions.
socioeconomic status
status in society based on level of education, income, and occupational prestige
How is 538 total votes from electoral college counted by?
sum of the 435 Representatives, 100 Senators, and three electors allocated to the District of Columbia.
The number of electoral votes each state has is equal to
the number of representatives it has in the House of Representatives (which is based on the state's population) plus the number of senators it has (which is always two).
same-day registration
the option in some states to register on the day of the election, at the polling place, rather than in advance of the election
turnout
the percentage of eligible individuals who actually vote
electoral college
the presidential electors from each state who meet after the general election to cast ballots for president and vice president
Mobilization
the process by which large numbers of people are organized for a political activity
re-election
the process of holding an election for an incumbent political officeholder to seek another term in office.
suffrage
the right to vote; also called franchise
What are some political activities that require more time, effort, and/or money than voting?
• Contacting political officials, • attending campaign events and rallies, • volunteering to work on a campaign
Why are rallies important to the political participation activities?
• Provides citizens a visible and powerful way to express their views • brings together people with similar views increasing the voice of the rallies with more people • generates public awareness and support to a issue or cause • by mobilizing large groups of people, this puts pressure on decision makers and politicians to take action • empowers belonging in a community • demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to a political party or candidate
Why is attending campaign events important for political participation?
• active and visible way for citizens to engage with the political process. • express their support for a candidate or issue • individuals have the opportunity to hear directly from candidates, • ask questions, and • engage in discussions with other attendees. • mobilizes support for a candidate or issue • broadens network and allows recruitment of people with similar interests • Active engagement in the democratic process
Riots and protests
• forms of political participation • public expressions of support or opposition on issues or candidates
Third role of digital politics in political participation
• organizing campaign events
Fourth role of digital politics in political participation
• publicly expressing support for or opposition to candidates or campaigns on social media
What is the role of digital politics in political participation?
• the exchange of information • new forms of fundraising, and voter mobilization. • includes organizing campaign events and • publicly expressing support for or opposition to candidates or campaigns on social media.
