legitimacy
a characterization of elections by political scientists meaning that they are almost universally accepted as a fair and free method of selecting political leaders.
referendum
a state-level method of direct legislation that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation or a proposed constitutional amendment
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 obtained on petitions calling for such a referendum
suffrage
the legal right to vote, extended to African Americans by the 15th Amendment, to women by the 19th Amendment, and to to people over the age of 18 by the 26th Amendment
political efficacy
The belief that one's political participation really matters - that one's vote can actually make a difference
civic duty
the belief that in order to support democratic government, a citizen should always vote
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 registration
Motor Voter Act
passed in 1993, this act went into effect for the 1996 election. It requires states to permit people to register to vote at the same time they apply for their driver's license
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 theory better than the political scientists do.
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 issues
electoral college
a unique American institution, created by the Constitution, providing for the selection of the president by electors chose by the state parties. There is a winner-take-all system.
retrospective voting
a theory of voting n which voters essentially ask this simple question: "What have you done for me lately?