AP Government Chapter Ten Key Terms

Question 1

Legitimacy

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Referendum

Answer 2

a state-level method of direct legislation that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation or a proposed constitutional amendment

Question 3

Initiative Petition

Answer 3

`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

Question 4

Political Efficacy

Answer 4

the belief that one’s political participation really matters- that one’s vote can actually make a difference

Question 5

Civic Duty

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Voter Registration

Answer 6

a system adopted by the states that require voters to register well in advance of Election Day. a few states permit election day registration

Question 7

Motor Voter Act

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Mandate Theory of Elections

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Policy Voting

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Electoral College

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Retrospective Voting

Answer 11

a theory of voting in which voters essentially ask this simple question: “What have you done for me lately?”