AP Government Chapter 10

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government

legitimacy

A characterization of elections by political scientists meaning that they are almost universally accepted as a fair and free method of selec

referendum

A state-level method of direct legisaltion that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation or a proposed constituti

initiative petition

A process permitted in some states whereby voters may put proposed changes in the state constitution to a vote if sufficient signatures are

suffrage

The legal right to vote

political efficacy

The belief that one's political participation really matters- that one's vote can actually make a difference. (example: one person's vote co

civic duty

The belief that in order to support democratic government

voter registration

A system adopted by the states that requires voters to register well in advance of Election Day. A few states permit Election Day registrati

Motor Voter Act

Passed in 1993

mandate theory of elections

The idea that the winning candidate has a mandate from the people to carry out his or her platforms and politics. Politicians like the theor

policy voting

Electoral choices that are made on the basis of the voters' policy preferences and on the basis of where the candidates stand on policy issu

electoral college

A unique American institution, created by the constitution providing for the selections chosen by the state parties

retrospective voting

A theory of voting in which voters essentially ask this simple question: "What have you done for me lately?" Or to put it in a much clearer