Elections Vocab Review

Which of the following is an organization that collects and can spend unlimited amounts of money on behalf of candidate, party, ballot initiative, or legislation?

• Political Party

• Political Action Committee (PAC)

• Interest Group

• Super PAC

Answer explanation

Super PACs are often within corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals (such as Steven Colbert).

While Super PACs can raise unlimited funds, they CANNOT directly fund candidates or political parties.

A _____ state is a state where both Democratic and Republican candidates receive strong support without an overwhelming majority of support for either party

Answer explanation

For example, Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania were considered swing states in the 2020 presidential election.

These states are key to determining the outcome of an election.

Hard money is:

• a contribution to a political party that is limited and regulated

• a contribution to a political party that is not accounted for and unregulated

Answer explanation

Campaign funds must be documented - if they are not (soft money), that is illegal.

An incumbent is:

• a persuader of legislators

• a person currently holding the public office

• a person eligible to vote

• a person who is seeking office for the first time

Answer explanation

An incumbent is someone running for reelection (seeking another term).

Incumbents have an advantage in elections, as the people have approved of them before.

______________ is a practice where legislators manipulate the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one party or class.

Answer explanation

While the census determines whether electoral districts need to be redrawn, creating districts that will favor one party is illegal.

Which of the following is the use of insults and accusations with the aim of damaging the reputation of an opponent?

• Gerrymandering

• Offensive Campaigning

• Mudslinging

• Propaganda

Answer explanation

Mudslinging is seen in both political debates and campaign ads that are focused on discrediting the opponent.

In Iowa, voters meet in a small group to debate candidates for political office. Each voter then casts their vote publicly in the group. This is an example of a:

• Caucus

• Presidential Election

• Primary

• Midterm Election

Answer explanation

Iowa is well known for their caucus system, which is different than primaries.

Unlike primaries, secret ballots are not used. Those in a caucus will gather by those who prefer the same candidate. The groups will then debate to sway any undecided voters.

Representative Bill Foster was elected to represent his district's ____________, also known as voters.

Answer explanation

As an eligible voter, you are the constituent of your elected officials. These officials have a job because of your vote - they care what you think!

To see who your representatives are, check out this website: https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/addr/

The Republican or Democratic National Convention is a formal gathering to:

• celebrate the presidential election results.

• request campaign funding from donors.

• announce the candidates who are running for president prior to the primaries.

• select the party's nominee for president.

Answer explanation

The national conventions are more of a formality, as the primary and caucus results have already been shared.

Describe how presidential elections are run in Illinois:

-Does Illinois have primaries or caucuses?

- Are Illinois voters allowed to vote early? Use mail in ballots?

Use outside research if needed.

Answer explanation

In Illinois, voters ARE allowed to vote by mail or in early voting locations. Election day is the last day to cast your ballot.

For presidential elections, Illinois uses primaries to elect who the candidates are for each party. These votes are included in a national count, where the candidates are elected.