AP Gov Chapter 10 Vocab Flashcards
Legitimacy
A characterization of elections 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 united states, even the losers accept the results peacefully.
referendum
State-level method of direct legislation. Gives voters the chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation/amendments
Initiative petition
A process permitted in some states whereby voters may put proposed changes in the state constitution to a vote if sufficient signatures are obtained on petitions calling for such a referendum.
suffrage
The legal right to vote.
political efficacy
The belief that one’s political participation really matters - that one’s vote can actually make a difference
civic duty
The belief that in order to support democratic government, a citizen should always vote.
voter registration
A system adopted by the states that requires voters to register well in advance of Election Day. A few states permit Election day registration.
motor voter act
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.
Mandate Theory of Elections
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.
Policy Voting
Electoral choices that are made on basis of the voters’ policy preferences and on the basis of where the candidates stand on policy issues.
Electoral College
(Uniquely American) providing for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties
Retrospective Voting
A theory of voting in which voters essentially ask this simple question: “What have you done for me lately?”
