Chapter 10 Flashcards
Blanket primary
A primary election in which each voter may vote for candidates for both parties
Closed primary
A primary election in which voting is limited to already registered political party members
Coat tails
The alleged tendencies of candidates to win more votes in an election because of the presence at the top of the ticket of a better known candidate, such as the president
General election
An election held to choose which candidate will hold office
Gerrymandering
Drawing the boundaries of legislative districts in a bizarre or unusual shape to favor one party
Incumbent
The person already holding elective office
Independent expenditures
Spending by political actions committees, comparatives, or labor unions, that is done to help a party or candidate but is done independently of them
Malpportionment
Drawing the boundaries of leg distaste districts so that they are unequal in populations
Open primary
Primary election in which voters may choose in which party to vote as they enter the polling place
Political action committee (PAC)
Committee set up by a coronation labor union, or interest group that raises and spends money from voluntary donations
Position issue
An issue about which the public is divided and rivalry candidates or political parties adopt different policy positions
Primary election
An election held to chose candidates for office
Prospective voting
Voting for a candidate because you favor their ideas for handing issues
Retrospective voting
Voting for a candidate because you like their past actions in office
Run off primary
A seocond primary election held when no candidate wins a majority of votes in the first primary
