Chapter 10, Section 1 Page 236

Why is voting an important right of American citizens? Voting gives people voice in government by allowing them to choose people who will run their government.

What is the National Voter Registration Act? The National Voter Registration Act (or the Motor Voter Act) requires the states to allow people to register to vote when they renew their drivers’ licenses.

What requirements must you meet to qualify to vote? You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state for a specified period of time, and a citizen of the United States. You must also be registered to vote.

What is the difference between a polling place and a precinct? A polling place is a location where voting is carried out. A precinct is a voting district. Voters go to polling places in their district

What is the role of challengers at the polls? A challenger represents each political party. He or she looks up your registration form and compares the signature on it with the signature on your application. If they do not match you will be asked for additional identification.

What does it mean to vote a split ticket? A person votes for some candidates from one party and some from another party.

What is an absentee ballot? Citizens who cannot get to the polls on Election Day use absentee ballots. These ballots are marked at home and returned by mail.

What are two good reasons to exercise your vote? Voting gives people a chance to choose their government leaders and allows people to express their opinions on public issues.

Chapter 10, Section 2

What are the three types of elections in the United States? The three types of elections in the United States are general elections, elections on issues, and special elections.

What happens if neither candidate wins the majority of the electoral votes in a presidential election? How often has this happened in history? If neither candidate has a majority then the House of Representatives elects the next president. This happened in 1800 and 1824.

What is the difference between an initiative and a referendum? In an initiative, voters propose a new law or amendment by gathering signatures on a petition. In a referendum, citizens vote to get a law sent back to them for their approval at the next general election.

What are the three major steps in presidential elections? The three steps are nomination of candidates, the campaign, and the vote or election.

What are some ways that candidates campaign for elections? Some candidates campaign by giving speeches across the country, appearing on television, and holding press conferences and debates.

What is the Electoral College? The Electoral College is a body of electors in each state. Each slate of electors is pledged to a candidate. The popular vote in each state determines one of the slates of electors. It is usually a winner-take-all system.

When you vote for the U.S. president, for whom are you actually voting? You are actually voting for the electors pledged to the candidate.

Chapter 10, Section 3

What is the purpose of campaigning for office? The purpose is to convince the public to vote for him or her for public office

What are some techniques used during campaigning? Campaign workers use canvassing, endorsements (or propaganda), and various forms of advertising and image molding to achieve some of their campaign goals.

What is propaganda? Propaganda is an attempt to promote a particular person or idea

What is the purpose of election propaganda? Election propaganda is used to try to persuade or influence voters to choose one candidate over another candidate.

What are the private sources of campaign funding? Some private sources of campaign funding are individual citizens, party organizations, corporations, and special-interest groups.

What is soft money? Soft money includes donations given to political parties and not designated for a particular candidate’s election campaign. This money must be used for general purposes such as voter registration drives and direct mailings about political issues.

Who are incumbents? Incumbents are politicians who have already been elected to office.