1. Unit 1 Vocabulary

2. Government

3. Democracy

4. Civics

5. Political Party Group of voters with common interests
who want to influence
or control government
decisions

6. Two-Party System Our political system
2 major political parties throughout our history
The Constitution
says nothing about
political parties

7. Third Parties Challenge the 2 major parties
Can affect the outcome of the election or issues discussed
Rarely win elections (Lincoln only one)

8. Platform

9. Plank
Each individual part of the party’s platform

10. Primary Elections
Voters choose candidates to run in the general election (in November)
Primary elections occur in each state, from January through
Summer

11. Nomination
Political parties select candidates to run for public office (through primary elections and caucuses)
The person selected is the nominee, or candidate

12. Polling Place

13. Ballot

14. Absentee Ballot

15. Electorate

16. Incumbent

17. Lobbyist
Representative of an interest group who contacts lawmakers or other government officials to influence their decisions and policy making

18. Special-interest-group

19. Political Action Committee (PAC)
Political organization established by a corporation, labor union, or other special-interest group designed to support candidates by contributing money
Often create political advertisements that support a candidate, but they cannot coordinate with a particular candidate’s campaign

20. Propaganda

21. Electoral College

22. Electors

23. Winner-take-all system

24. Referendum A way for citizens to vote on state or local laws
For example, a referendum might be required for a community to vote to provide funding for a new school