Glossary
Campaign Finance Law
Legal regulations that govern the funding of political campaigns, including limits on contributions and requirements for transparency. These laws aim to balance free speech with preventing corruption in elections. [1, 20, 23, 31, 32, 34]
Example:
After a major scandal involving undisclosed donations, Congress passed stricter campaign finance laws to require Super PACs to regularly report their donors and expenditures. [23]
Candidate-Centered Campaigns
Electoral campaigns that primarily focus on the individual candidate's personality, image, and qualifications rather than relying heavily on the political party's platform or support. This shift allows candidates to communicate directly with voters and build personal connections. [1, 18, 19, 27]
Example:
In the 2008 election, Barack Obama's campaign heavily emphasized his personal story and vision for change, making it a prime example of a candidate-centered campaign that resonated directly with voters. [27]
Critical Election
An election that reveals major, long-term changes in party loyalty and voter allegiance, often leading to a party realignment. These elections typically occur during times of national crisis or significant social upheaval. [1, 4, 7, 9, 14, 19, 21, 30, 33]
Example:
The 1860 election, which saw the rise of the Republican Party and the fracturing of the Democratic Party over slavery, is considered a critical election that reshaped the American political landscape. [12]
Demographic Coalitions
Groups of voters with shared characteristics, such as age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status, that political parties aim to attract and retain to expand their electoral base. Parties use research and tailored messaging to appeal to these groups. [2, 13, 15, 24, 36]
Example:
The Democratic Party often seeks to build a broad demographic coalition by appealing to urban voters, young people, and minority groups with policies on social justice and healthcare. [24]
Divided Government
A situation in which one political party controls the presidency while another party controls one or both houses of Congress. This can lead to legislative gridlock and challenges in policymaking. [4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 36]
Example:
When a Democratic president faces a Republican-controlled House of Representatives, the U.S. experiences divided government, often making it difficult to pass major legislation without bipartisan compromise. [5]
New Deal Coalition
A diverse group of voters and interest groups that supported the Democratic Party from the 1930s to the 1960s, forged under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its elements included blue-collar workers, minorities, farmers, and white southerners. [3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 35]
Example:
The New Deal Coalition was instrumental in passing landmark legislation like Social Security, demonstrating the power of a broad alliance of voters united by economic concerns during the Great Depression. [6]
Party Realignment
A significant and lasting shift in the electoral support and ideological orientation of political parties, often resulting in new coalitions and a restructuring of the party system. This typically occurs after a critical election. [1, 7, 13, 14, 21, 28]
Example:
The shift of many Southern white voters from the Democratic to the Republican Party in the mid-20th century represents a major party realignment in American politics. [1, 7]
Targeted Advertising
A campaign strategy that uses voter data and analytics to deliver personalized political messages to specific demographic groups or individuals. This allows campaigns to tailor their outreach for maximum impact. [1, 2, 25, 29, 39]
Example:
A campaign might use targeted advertising on social media to show ads about student loan debt to young voters, while showing ads about tax cuts to small business owners. [25]
Voter Data Management
The systematic collection, analysis, and use of information about voters, including demographics, voting history, and preferences. Political parties use this data to enhance outreach, tailor messages, and mobilize supporters. [13, 15, 16, 26, 39]
Example:
A campaign's field team uses a sophisticated voter data management system to identify undecided voters in key precincts and prioritize door-to-door canvassing efforts. [26, 38]