Political Participation

The system established by the Constitution for electing the president. Each state receives electors equal to its total congressional representation. A candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win. Most states use winner-take-all allocation.

The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast ballots in an election. U.S. turnout is lower than most democracies, typically 55-65% in presidential elections and 35-45% in midterms.

An organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates. Traditional PACs can contribute directly to candidates with limits ($5,000 per candidate per election). Super PACs can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with candidates.

An organized group that seeks to influence public policy without running candidates for office. Interest groups lobby, litigate, mobilize members, and fund campaigns to advance their goals.

A citizen's belief that their political participation can make a difference. Internal efficacy is confidence in one's own ability to understand and engage in politics. External efficacy is belief that the government responds to citizens.

A political system dominated by two major parties. In the U.S., the winner-take-all electoral structure and single-member districts create strong incentives for two dominant parties rather than multiple competitive parties.

Supreme Court ruling that political spending by corporations and unions is protected speech under the First Amendment. This decision led to the creation of Super PACs, which can raise unlimited funds for independent expenditures.

An election in which party members select their nominees for the general election. Open primaries allow any registered voter to participate; closed primaries restrict voting to registered party members.