AP Government campaigns and voting

What is a primary election?

An election where voters select candidates for the general election. Types include open, closed, and semi-closed primaries.

Difference between open and closed primaries

Open primaries allow any registered voter to participate; closed primaries restrict participation to registered party members.

True or false: All states use the same electoral system.

False, because states can choose their own systems for primaries and general elections.

What is the Electoral College?

A system established by the Constitution for electing the president, where electors from each state cast votes based on state results.

Fill in the blank: The minimum age to vote in federal elections is ____.

18 years.

What is voter suppression?

Actions that intentionally discourage or prevent specific groups from voting, often through strict ID laws or limited polling places.

Significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

It aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, prohibiting discriminatory voting practices.

Question: What is a PAC?

Political Action Committee; they raise funds for campaign contributions to candidates for political office.

Difference between hard money and soft money

Hard money is regulated and donated directly to candidates; soft money is unregulated and used for party building activities.

What is a general election?

An election in which voters choose candidates for office from among those nominated in primary elections.

True or false: Campaign financing is heavily regulated.

True, because laws exist to limit contributions and ensure transparency in political donations.

Key term: incumbency

Refers to the current officeholder running for re-election, often with advantages such as name recognition and fundraising.

Question: What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another, affecting representation.

Difference between a referendum and an initiative

A referendum is a direct vote on a specific proposal; an initiative allows citizens to propose legislation for a vote.

What is voter turnout?

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election, a key indicator of electoral engagement.

Significance of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)

An independent regulatory agency that oversees campaign finance laws and enforces federal election regulations.

Which amendment granted women the right to vote?

The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920.

What do exit polls measure?

Surveys of voters taken immediately after they exit polling stations, predicting election outcomes and analyzing voter behavior.

True or false: All states have mandatory voter ID laws.

False, because voter ID laws vary by state, with some requiring ID and others not.

Question: What role do debates play in campaigns?

Debates provide candidates an opportunity to present their views and policies to voters, impacting public perception.

What is a swing state?

A state where both Democratic and Republican candidates have similar levels of support, often crucial in elections.