Glossary
Electoral College
A body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution, formed every four years for the sole purpose of electing the president and vice president.
Example:
A presidential candidate can win the national popular vote but lose the election if they don't secure enough states' Electoral College votes, as seen in 2000 and 2016.
Incorporation of Third-Party Agendas
The process by which major political parties adopt policy ideas or issues originally championed by third parties into their own platforms.
Example:
After a third party gained traction advocating for universal healthcare, a major party might include aspects of that policy in their platform to attract those voters, demonstrating the incorporation of third-party agendas.
Plurality
The condition of having more votes than any other candidate, but not necessarily a majority (more than 50%) of the total votes cast.
Example:
A mayoral candidate wins with 35% of the vote because the other candidates split the remaining votes, securing a plurality without a majority.
Proportional Representation
An electoral system in which legislative seats are awarded to political parties in proportion to the percentage of votes they receive in an election.
Example:
If a party wins 20% of the national vote in a country using proportional representation, they would receive roughly 20% of the seats in the legislature.
Third Parties
Political parties other than the two dominant parties (currently Democratic and Republican) in a two-party system.
Example:
The Green Party often runs candidates for president, acting as a third party that advocates for environmental policies.
Winner-Take-All System
An electoral system where the candidate who wins the most votes in a district or state receives all of the representation or electoral votes for that area.
Example:
In a congressional race, if Candidate A gets 40% of the vote, Candidate B gets 35%, and Candidate C gets 25%, Candidate A wins the seat outright, demonstrating the winner-take-all system.