Chapter 10 Flashcards
the belief that in order to support democratic gov, a citizen should always vote
civic duty
created by the const, providing for the selection of the prez by electors chosen by the state parties
electoral college
a process permitted in some states whereby voters may put proposed changes in the states const to a vote if sufficient signatures are obtained on petitions calling for such a referendum
initiative petition
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 scientists do
mandate theory of elections
passed in 1993, this act went into effect for the 96 election. it requires states to permit people to register to vote the same time they apply for their drivers license
motor voter act
electoral choices that are made on the basic of the voters policy preferences and on the basis of where the candidates stand on policy issues
policy voting
the belief that ones political participation really matters- that ones vote can actually make a difference
political efficacy
a state level method of direct legislation that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation or a proposed constitutional amendment
referendum
a theory of voting in which voters essentially ask this simple question “what have you done for me lately?”
retrospective voting
the legal right to vote, extended the blacks by the 15 amend, to women by the 19, and to 18 yr olds by the 26
suffrage
a system adopted by the states that requires voters to register well in advance of election day. a few states permit election day registration
voter registration
the us electoral college is based in this system. the winner of the popular vote in a state, receives all of that states electoral votes
winner take all
an elector who does not vote the candidate who won the electors state in a presidential election
faithless elector
