| Party platform | Extensive statement of the beliefs and goals of a political party |
Planks
| Explanation of the party’s positions on particular issues of concern |
Caucus
| Meeting of party members which chooses the candidates for the next election |
Slates
| Lists of the candidates for office from the same political party |
Closed primary
| Only a particular party’s registered voters can participate |
Open primary
| All voters may participate in choosing a political party’s candidate for office |
Federal Election Commission
| Oversees the election process for federal offices |
Electoral college
| Individuals chosen by the voters who actually elect the president |
Midterm elections
| Legislative election in the ‘middle’ of the President’s term with low voter turnout |
Voter Registration
| Required at age 18 and when a voter moves to a new location |