Week One - Introduction to the Election Sim Vocabulary

The three main levels of U.S. government—federal, state, and local. Different levels have power over different issues. For example, the federal government has major responsibility for immigration and foreign policy, while state and local governments make many decisions about education.

The national government. It has major responsibility for issues such as immigration, foreign policy, national defense, taxes, trade, and the economy. It also makes laws and provides funding that affect healthcare and education.

The government of an individual state. States make important decisions about issues such as education, healthcare programs, taxes, transportation, housing, and the state budget.

The branch of government that makes laws and decides how government money is spent. The U.S. Congress makes federal laws; New York’s State Senate and State Assembly make New York state laws.

The branch of government that carries out and enforces laws. The president leads the federal executive branch and plays a major role in foreign policy and immigration enforcement. Governors lead state executive branches and oversee state programs and agencies.

A federal election held halfway through a president’s four-year term. All U.S. House seats and about one-third of U.S. Senate seats are up for election. State elections are also held in many places during midterm years.

An election viewed as a judgment on a current leader or administration. Midterm elections are often described as a referendum on the sitting president and the president’s party, including how voters feel about the economy and other major issues.

A person who currently holds an elected office and is running for reelection. Voters may consider an incumbent’s record on issues such as the economy, healthcare, education, or immigration.

A person who lives in the area represented by an elected official. Elected officials are expected to consider the needs and concerns of their constituents when making decisions.

Drawing voting district boundaries to give a political party or group an advantage. Gerrymandering has contributed to fewer competitive congressional districts, meaning many districts strongly favor one party.

An organization that works to elect candidates who generally share its political beliefs and policy goals. Parties often have different approaches to issues such as immigration, healthcare, education, the economy, and foreign policy.

An organization that tries to influence government policies or decisions on issues important to a particular group, cause, profession, or industry. For example, an interest group might focus on teachers, healthcare, workers, businesses, or the environment.

A political committee that raises and spends money to influence elections. Traditional PACs can give money directly to federal candidates, but there are limits on how much they can give.

A political committee that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose federal candidates but cannot give money directly to candidates. Its spending must generally be separate from the candidate’s campaign.

Attempting to persuade lawmakers or other government officials to support or oppose particular laws or policies, such as changes to healthcare, education, taxes, immigration, or other issues.