Elections Vocabulary

What is a Political party?

• Group with common values & beliefs who try to get their candidates elected.

• A group that only organizes social events.

• An organization that enforces laws.

• A committee that manages public funds.

Answer explanation

A political party is defined as a group with common values and beliefs that work together to elect their candidates. This distinguishes them from groups focused solely on social events or managing public funds.

What is a Third Party?

• Political parties often formed due to a specific issue.

• A branch of the government responsible for law enforcement.

• A group of voters who always support the majority party.

• A committee that organizes presidential debates.

Answer explanation

A Third Party refers to political parties that emerge to address specific issues not covered by the major parties. This distinguishes them from the dominant parties and highlights their focus on particular concerns.

What is a Elector?

• Electoral college member officially votes for the president of the United States.

• A person who counts votes in an election.

• A government official who oversees polling stations.

• A candidate running for public office.

Answer explanation

An elector is a member of the Electoral College who officially votes for the president of the United States. This distinguishes them from other roles in the election process, such as vote counters or candidates.

What is a Super Tuesday?

• Presidential primary election in February or March when the greatest number of states hold primary elections & caucuses.

• A national holiday celebrated in the United States for voting rights.

• The day when the President delivers the State of the Union address.

• A special Tuesday when Congress passes major legislation.

Answer explanation

Super Tuesday refers to a significant day in the presidential primary election cycle, typically in February or March, when the most states hold their primary elections and caucuses, influencing the nomination process.

What is a Popular Vote?

• Amount of votes for presidential candidates made by the qualified citizens and not the electors.

• Votes cast by members of the Electoral College.

• Votes counted only in the Senate.

• Votes made by government officials.

Answer explanation

The Popular Vote refers to the total votes cast by qualified citizens for presidential candidates, distinguishing it from the Electoral College votes, which are made by electors.

What is a Party Platform?

• A political party’s list of goals and values used to get support from the general public.

• A government document outlining tax laws.

• A type of voting system used in elections.

• A set of rules for parliamentary procedure.

Answer explanation

A Party Platform is a political party’s list of goals and values used to gain public support, making the first answer choice correct. The other options refer to unrelated concepts.

What is a General Election?

• Presidential election where every voter participates to determine the winner between political party candidates.

• Election held only for local government positions.

• Election where only party members vote for their leader.

• Election conducted to select judges for the Supreme Court.

Answer explanation

A General Election is a presidential election where every voter participates to choose between candidates from different political parties, making it a key democratic process.

What is a Primary?

• Earlier state elections to vote to choose the nominee for a political party.

• A type of government document.

• A method of counting votes after an election.

• A special holiday for politicians.

Answer explanation

A Primary refers to earlier state elections where voters choose their party's nominee for upcoming elections, making it a crucial step in the political process.

What is a Caucus?

• State party meetings to choose a nominee on the same night.

• A type of voting machine used in elections.

• A government building where laws are made.

• A document outlining party policies.

Answer explanation

A caucus is a state party meeting where members gather to discuss and choose a nominee for elections, often occurring on the same night. This distinguishes it from other options like voting machines or government buildings.

What states hold a caucus?

• Nevada, Iowa, and Wyoming.

• California, Texas, and Florida.

• New York, Illinois, and Georgia.

• Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Answer explanation

Nevada, Iowa, and Wyoming are known for holding caucuses, which are local gatherings where party members discuss and vote on candidates. The other states listed primarily hold primaries instead.