Elections are formal processes where citizens choose their representatives or leaders through voting. They provide an opportunity for people to express their preferences and have a say in shaping the government.
Imagine elections as a popularity contest at school. Candidates campaign by making promises (like giving longer lunch breaks) to win votes from students. On election day, everyone gets to cast their vote for the candidate they believe will best represent them.
Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections.
Electoral Systems: The rules and procedures used to translate votes into seats or positions of power within a government.
Voter Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their ballots during an election.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.