Unit 5 Vocabulary

Question 1

Political Party

Answer 1

An organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and goals, and work together to influence government policies and win elections.

Question 2

Minority Party

Answer 2

The political party that has fewer elected representatives or members compared to the majority party in a legislative body.

Question 3

Third Party

Answer 3

A political party other than the two major parties (Democrats and Republicans) that typically has less influence and support.

Question 4

Political Platform

Answer 4

A set of ideas, policies, and goals that a political party or candidate supports and promotes during an election campaign.

Question 5

Majority Party

Answer 5

The political party that has the most elected representatives or members in a legislative body.

Question 6

Two-Party System

Answer 6

A political system in which only two major political parties have a realistic chance of winning elections and controlling the government.

Question 7

Proportional Representation

Answer 7

A voting system that aims to allocate seats in a legislative body in proportion to the percentage of votes received by each political party.

Question 8

FEC (Federal Election Commission)

Answer 8

An independent regulatory agency in the United States that enforces campaign finance laws and oversees federal elections.

Question 9

Battleground States

Answer 9

States in which the outcome of an election is uncertain or closely contested, and can heavily influence the overall result.

Question 10

Canvassing

Answer 10

The act of going door-to-door or contacting people directly to seek support, gather information, or promote a political campaign or cause.

Question 11

Buckley v. Valeo

Answer 11

A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld limits on campaign contributions, but ruled that spending money on one’s own campaign is a form of protected free speech.

Question 12

Issue Ad

Answer 12

An advertisement that addresses a specific political issue or topic, often promoting a particular viewpoint or influencing public opinion.

Question 13

Ballot Access

Answer 13

The process and requirements for a political party or candidate to be included on an election ballot.

Question 14

Plank

Answer 14

A specific policy or proposal within a political party’s platform.

Question 15

Candidate

Answer 15

An individual who runs for a political office or position.

Question 16

Write-In Candidate

Answer 16

A candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot but is written in by voters.

Question 17

Public Policy

Answer 17

The decisions and actions taken by government to address public issues and problems.

Question 18

Political Views

Answer 18

An individual’s beliefs, opinions, and values on political matters, often influencing their support for specific parties or candidates.

Question 19

Single Party System

Answer 19

A political system in which only one political party is legally allowed to hold power and govern the country.