| A | B |
|---|
| platform | a series of statements expressing the party's principles, beliefs and positions on election issues. |
| plank | each individual part of a political party's platform |
| open primary | an election in which voters need not declare their party preference to vote for the nominees |
| third party | a party that challenges the two major parties |
| political machine | a strong party organization that can control political appointments and deliver votes |
| caucus | a meeting of political party members to conduct party business |
| precint | a geographic area that contains a specific number of voters |
| national committee | representatives from the 50 state party organizations who run a political party |
| ward | several adjoining precincts making up a larger election unit |
| petition | a formel request for government action |
| political party | an association of voters with broad common interest who want to influence or control decision making in government |
| 2 party system | a system of government in which two parties compete for power |
| direct primary | an election in which voters choose candidates to represent each party in a general election |
| plurality | the most votes among all those running for a political office |
| closed primary | an election in which only the declared members of a party are allowed to vote |
| majority | a number that is more than 50% of the total |
