Chapter 10 Textbook Flashcards
A characterization of elections by political scientists meaning that they are almost universally accepted as a fair and free method of selecting political leaders
legitimacy
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 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
initiative petition
The legal right to vote
suffrage
The belief that one’s political participation really matters—that one’s vote can actually make a difference
political efficacy
The belief that in order to support democratic government, a citizen should always vote
civic duty
A system adopted by the states that requires voters to register well in advance of Election Day
voter registration
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
moter voter act
The idea that the winning candidate has a mandate from the people to carry out his or her platforms and politics
mandate theory of elections
Electoral choices that are made on basis of the voters’ policy preferences and on the basis of where the candidates stand on policy issues
policy voting
A unique American institution, created by the Constitution, providing for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties
electoral college
A theory of voting in which voters essentially ask this simple question: “What have you done for me lately?”
retrospective voting
