Government and politics of the USA Key Terms

Electoral College

A system in which electors chosen by each state formally elect the President and Vice‑President, often using a winner‑takes‑all approach.

Party system

The configuration of political parties within a country, including the number of parties, their relative strength, and the institutional rules governing their competition.

Two‑party dominance

A political situation in which two major parties consistently secure the majority of seats and govern, often due to electoral rules and historical factors.

First‑past‑the‑post

An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes in a single‑member district wins the seat, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority.

Spoiler Effect

The impact of a third‑party or independent candidate drawing votes from a major party, potentially changing the election result.

Ballot Access

The legal and procedural requirements that a candidate or party must meet to appear on the ballot.

Pressure group

An organisation that seeks to influence public policy through non‑electoral means such as lobbying, public campaigns, research and litigation.

Lobbying

The activity of attempting to influence legislators or government officials by presenting arguments, evidence or support for a particular policy position.

Political Pluralism

The existence of multiple, competing interest groups and political parties that represent diverse viewpoints and influence public policy.

Pressure Group

An organisation that seeks to influence public policy or opinion without seeking electoral office, typically through lobbying, public campaigns or litigation.

Interest group

An organized body that seeks to influence public policy on specific issues, often through lobbying, public education, or litigation.

Lobbying

A systematic effort by interest groups to influence legislators and public officials through meetings, information provision, and advocacy.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

An organisation that pools campaign contributions from members and donates them to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation.

Electoral Commission (UK)

An independent body that regulates campaign finance, monitors spending limits, and ensures transparency in UK elections.

Lobbying

The practice of attempting to influence the decisions of government officials, often through direct communication, research, and advocacy.

Party Discipline

The expectation that members of a political party will vote in line with the party’s official position, especially in parliamentary systems.

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence legislators or officials through direct communication, providing information, or offering support.

Interest Group

An organisation that seeks to influence public policy on specific issues without running candidates for office.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organisation that collects contributions from members or employees to donate directly to political candidates or parties, operating under contribution limits and coordination rules.

Super PAC

An independent political committee that can raise and spend unlimited sums from individuals, corporations, and unions, but is prohibited from coordinating with candidates or campaigns.

Equal Protection Clause

The part of the 14th Amendment that requires states to treat all persons equally under the law, preventing discriminatory state actions.

Civil Rights Act 1964

A landmark federal statute that outlawed discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and education, and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, establishing fundamental civil liberties and limiting government power.

Equal Protection Clause

A provision of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to treat all persons equally under the law.

Civil rights

Legal guarantees that protect individuals from discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law.

Pressure group

An organisation that seeks to influence public policy and decision‑making by lobbying, campaigning, or public education.

Preclearance

A requirement under the VRA that certain jurisdictions obtain federal approval before implementing changes to voting procedures.

Section 5 of the VRA

The provision that established the preclearance mechanism, requiring affected jurisdictions to seek federal approval for changes to voting laws.