Voting Rights and Voting Behavior - AP US Government and Politics

What is the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Prohibits voting denial based on race, color, or previous servitude. Passed after the Civil War to protect voting rights of freed slaves.
What is the purpose of exit polls?

To collect data on voter demographics and preferences after voting. Provides immediate data on voting patterns and demographics.
What is a 'political machine'?

A political organization that influences elections through patronage. Historically controlled urban politics through jobs and favors.
Which amendment abolished poll taxes?

The 24th Amendment. Eliminated economic barriers to voting that disproportionately affected minorities.
What is 'retrospective voting'?

Voting based on past performance of a candidate or party. Evaluates whether incumbents deserve reelection based on results.
What is the 'paradox of voting'?

The question of why people vote when the cost outweighs the benefits. Individual votes rarely determine outcomes, yet millions still vote.
What is 'partisan gerrymandering'?

Drawing district lines to favor one political party. Creates electoral advantages by concentrating opposition voters.
What is 'political mobilization'?

Efforts to encourage people to participate in the political process. Campaigns and organizations work to increase voter registration and turnout.
Define 'disenfranchisement.'

The revocation of the right to vote. Can result from legal barriers, intimidation, or systemic discrimination.
Identify one model of voting behavior.

Rational choice model. Assumes voters weigh costs and benefits when deciding whether to vote.
What is the significance of the 26th Amendment?

Lowered the voting age to 18. Extended voting rights during Vietnam War when many 18-year-olds were drafted.
Identify the main purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

To eliminate racial discrimination in voting. Landmark civil rights legislation that banned discriminatory voting practices.
What is the 'motor voter' law?

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Allows voter registration when obtaining or renewing a driver's license.
What is meant by 'electoral participation'?

The various ways citizens engage in the electoral process. Includes voting, campaigning, donating, and other political activities.
Define 'political efficacy.'

The belief that one's political participation makes a difference. Higher efficacy correlates with increased political participation.
What is the 'gender gap' in voting?

Differences in political views and voting behavior between genders. Women typically vote more Democratic while men vote more Republican.
Identify a legal barrier to voting historically used in the U.S.

Literacy tests. Used to disenfranchise African Americans in the Jim Crow South.
What is 'split-ticket voting'?

Voting for candidates from different parties in the same election. Indicates voter independence from strict party loyalty.
What did the 19th Amendment achieve?

Granted women the right to vote. Culmination of the women's suffrage movement in 1920.
What is the 'socioeconomic model' of voting behavior?

Voting influenced by individual economic and social status. Higher income and education typically correlate with increased voting.
What did the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) address?

Reformed voting systems and voter access post-2000 election. Required modern voting equipment and improved accessibility standards.
What is the role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

To regulate campaign finance laws. Enforces federal campaign finance laws and disclosure requirements.
What is 'early voting'?

Casting a vote before the official election day. Increases convenience and may boost turnout in elections.
What is 'suffrage'?

The right to vote in political elections. Fundamental democratic right that has expanded throughout U.S. history.
Which demographic factors affect voting behavior?

Age, income, education, race, and gender. These characteristics strongly predict voting patterns and turnout rates.
Which amendment ensures voting rights cannot be denied by gender?

The 19th Amendment. Prohibits sex-based voting discrimination, passed in 1920.
Define 'straight-ticket voting.'

Voting for all candidates from one party. Reflects strong party identification and loyalty.
Identify one institutional factor affecting voter turnout.

Voter registration requirements. Barriers like complex procedures can reduce voter participation.
What is the 'Australian ballot'?

A secret ballot printed by the government. Replaced party-printed ballots and reduced vote buying and intimidation.
What is meant by 'voter fatigue'?

Decreased voter turnout due to frequent elections. Too many elections can overwhelm and discourage voter participation.
Define 'felony disenfranchisement.'

The exclusion from voting due to a criminal conviction. Varies by state, affecting millions of Americans' voting rights.
What is the purpose of a voter ID law?

To require identification to vote and prevent fraud. Controversial policy that may reduce fraud but can suppress legitimate votes.
What does 'voter registration' mean?

The process of signing up to vote in elections. Required in most states before being allowed to cast a ballot.
What is a 'swing state'?

A state where both major political parties have similar support. Competitive states that could vote for either major party candidate.
Define 'political socialization.'

The process by which individuals form their political attitudes. Occurs through family, school, media, and peer influences.
Which model explains voting based on benefits vs. costs?

Rational choice model. Predicts people vote when expected benefits exceed voting costs.
What is 'prospective voting'?

Voting based on future policy promises of a candidate. Focuses on candidates' proposed future policies and agenda.
What is a 'political action committee' (PAC)?

An organization that raises money for candidates or legislation. Subject to contribution limits and disclosure requirements.

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