AP gov chap 10.txt

• author "Me"
• tags "Elections and voting behavior"
• description ""
• fileName "AP gov chap 10"
• Three kinds of elections
• Primary: select party nominees
• General: select officeholder from nominee
• Ballot measure: referendum and initiative petition

A characterization of election by political scientists meaning that they are almost universally accepted as a fair and free method of selecting political leaders. When legitimacy is high, as in the US, even the losers accept the results peacefully.

• Legislative act (school/transportation bond)
• A state-level method of direct legislation that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation or a proposed constitutional amendment.

A process permitted in some states whereby voters may put proposed changes in the state constitution t a vote if sufficient signatures (1/2 number of voters in last election) are obtained on petitions calling for such a referendum.

Failed. Supposed to end affirmative action in California. Came when there was a large amount of illegal immigrants.

Meant to end same-sex marriages. Passed

Ending abortion in Mississippi. Failed

First election with peaceful change of power. Jefferson wins, nut no violence arises. Made prez choose VP.

Republicans gain power.

Gore won popular but bush won electoral college

The legal right to vote, extended to African Americans by the Fifteenth Amendment, to women by the Nineteenth Amendment, and to people over the age of 18 by the Twenty-sixth Amendment

The belief that one's political participation really maters - that one's vote can actually make a difference.

The belief that in order to support democratic government, a citizen should always vote.

A system adopted by the states that requires voters to register well in advance of Election Day. A few states permit Election Day registration.

Passed in 1993, this act went into effect for the 1996 election. It requires states to permit people to register to vote at the same time they apply for their driver's license.

The idea that the winning candidate has a mandate from the people to carry out his or her platforms and politics. Politicians like the theory better than political scientists do.

Electoral choices that are made on the basis of the voters' policy preferences and on the basis of where the candidates stand on policy issues.

A unique American institution, created by the Constitution, providing for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties. Although the electoral college vote usually reflects a popular majority, the winner-take-all rule gives clout to big states.

A theory of voting in which voters essentially ask this simple question: "what have you done for me lately?"

• 1896 80% turnout
• 2000 51% turnout

other countries: levy taxes if you don't vote, and vote on weekends.


In US: you must register to vote. Vote multiple times. In US we have motor voter act.

• 90 days before you turn 18
• Can register up to Election Day.

• 1. Strong affiliation to a party
• 2. Believes voting is their civic duty
• 3. Political efficacy (believe their vote matters and that they can make a difference)

• Education: more educated are more likely to vote
• Age: older are more likely to vote
• Race: white
• Gender: race
• Marital status: married
• Live in one place for a long time
• Gov or union employee

Belief that your representative will carry out your ideals through legislation.

Party affiliation

• Appearance: speaking skills
• Image, integrity

Increasing prevalence