Voting Rights and Voting Behavior - AP Government and Politics

Voting for candidates from different parties in the same election. Indicates voter independence from strict party loyalty.

Drawing district lines to favor one political party. Creates electoral advantages by concentrating opposition voters.

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

The question of why people vote when the cost outweighs the benefits. Individual votes rarely determine outcomes, yet millions still vote.

Reformed voting systems and voter access post-2000 election. Required modern voting equipment and improved accessibility standards.

A political organization that influences elections through patronage. Historically controlled urban politics through jobs and favors.

Decreased voter turnout due to frequent elections. Too many elections can overwhelm and discourage voter participation.

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

The belief that one's political participation makes a difference. Higher efficacy correlates with increased political participation.

Voting influenced by individual economic and social status. Higher income and education typically correlate with increased voting.

Voter registration requirements. Barriers like complex procedures can reduce voter participation.

The right to vote in political elections. Fundamental democratic right that has expanded throughout U.S. history.

The 24th Amendment. Eliminated economic barriers to voting that disproportionately affected minorities.

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Allows voter registration when obtaining or renewing a driver's license.

Rational choice model. Assumes voters weigh costs and benefits when deciding whether to vote.

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

A secret ballot printed by the government. Replaced party-printed ballots and reduced vote buying and intimidation.

Casting a vote before the official election day. Increases convenience and may boost turnout in elections.

Age, income, education, race, and gender. These characteristics strongly predict voting patterns and turnout rates.

The 19th Amendment. Prohibits sex-based voting discrimination, passed in 1920.

The process of signing up to vote in elections. Required in most states before being allowed to cast a ballot.

The revocation of the right to vote. Can result from legal barriers, intimidation, or systemic discrimination.

To require identification to vote and prevent fraud. Controversial policy that may reduce fraud but can suppress legitimate votes.

Voting based on future policy promises of a candidate. Focuses on candidates' proposed future policies and agenda.

Differences in political views and voting behavior between genders. Women typically vote more Democratic while men vote more Republican.

Voting based on past performance of a candidate or party. Evaluates whether incumbents deserve reelection based on results.

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

The exclusion from voting due to a criminal conviction. Varies by state, affecting millions of Americans' voting rights.

Prohibits voting denial based on race, color, or previous servitude. Passed after the Civil War to protect voting rights of freed slaves.