Chapter 10: Section 1

Question 1

Incumbent

Answer 1

The person already holding an elective office.

Question 2

Coattails

Answer 2

The alleged tendency 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.

Question 3

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Answer 3

A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money from voluntary donations.

Question 4

Malapportionment

Answer 4

Drawing the boundaries of legislative districts so that they are unequal in population.

Question 5

Gerrymandering

Answer 5

Drawing the boundaries of legislative districts in bizarre or unusual shapes to favor one party.

Question 6

Sophomore Surge

Answer 6

An increase in the votes congressional candidates usually get when they first run for reelection.

Question 7

Clothespin Vote

Answer 7

The vote cast by a person who does not like either candidate and so votes for the less objectionable of the two, putting a clothespin over his or her nose to keep out the unpleasant stench.

Question 8

Position Issue

Answer 8

An issue about which the public is divided and rival candidates or political parties adopt different policy positions.

Question 9

Valence Issue

Answer 9

An issue about which the public is united and rival candidates or political parties adopt similar positions in hopes that each will be thought to best represent those widely shared beliefs.

Question 10

General Election

Answer 10

An election held to choose which candidate will hold office.