American Government Chapter 7 Vocabulary

Nomination – the naming of those who will seek office General elections – regularly scheduled elections at which voters make the final selection of officeholders Caucus – a group of like-minded people who meet to select candidates they will support in an upcoming election Closed primary – a party nominating election in which only declared party members can vote

Open primary – a party nominating election in which any qualified voter can take part Absentee voting – voting for those unable to get to their regular polling places on the day of the election: those too ill or disabled, those serving in the armed forces, those who expect to be away from home on election day (college, business trip, vacation) PAC – Political Action Committee – the political extension of special interest groups which have a major stake in public policy

Coattail Effect – occurs when a strong candidate running for office at the top of a ballot helps attract voters to other candidates on the party’s ticket Precinct – voting district Ballot – the device by which the voter registers a choice in an election Soft Money – money given to state and local party organizations for voting-related activities