Chapter 10 - Elections and Voting Behavior

Question 0

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

Answer 0

Referendum

Question 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.

Answer 1

Legitimacy

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Initiative petition

Question 3

The legal right to vote

Answer 3

Suffrage

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Political efficacy

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Civic duty

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Voter registration

Question 7

Passed in 1993, this act requires states to permit people to register to vote at the same time they apply for, or renew their driver’s license

Answer 7

Motor Voter Act

Question 8

The idea that the winning candidate has a mandate from the people to carry out his or her platforms and politics.

Answer 8

Mandate theory of elections

Question 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

Answer 9

Policy voting

Question 10

A unique American institution, created by the Constitution, providing for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties

Answer 10

Electoral college

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Retrospective voting