Baker v. Carr
Allowed federal courts to rule on redistricting; established “one person, one vote.”
Citizens United v. FEC
Corporations/unions can spend unlimited money on independent ads; created Super PACs.
Shaw v. Reno
Race cannot be the main factor in drawing districts.
Balancing the ticket
Picking a VP who appeals to different voters than the presidential nominee.
Battleground/Swing state
Competitive state that could vote either party.
Blanket primary
Voters choose any party’s candidates for each office (now rare/mostly banned).
Closed primary
Only registered party members vote.
Open primary
Any voter can choose which party’s primary to vote in.
Caucus
In-person party meeting to choose candidates; low turnout.
Campaign expenses
Money spent on ads, staff, travel, etc.
Campaign staff
The people who plan and run a campaign.
Candidate-centered campaign
Focus on candidate personality over party.
Coattails
Popular candidate helps elect others of their party.
Critical election
Major lasting shift in political coalitions.
Dealignment
Voters move away from both parties; more independents.
Electioneering
Direct efforts to influence elections (ads, rallies).
Electoral College
System that elects president; 270 electoral votes to win.
Exit poll
Poll of voters immediately after voting.
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
Enforces campaign finance laws.
Front-loading
States scheduling primaries early for more influence.
Framing of questions
Poll result changes based on how questions are worded.
Incumbent advantage
Current officeholders win easily due to name recognition and money.
Independent expenditure
Political spending not coordinated with a campaign.
Initiative
Citizens propose laws through petition.
