Example:

1. Realignment: a major change in the political system, usually due to change in party leaders, basis of party power, issues, etc… Example: The 1992 (Clinton) Presidential election is an example of realignment because there was a three-way contest due to an independent candidate but there was also an example of dealignment because there were states that switched alliances from Republican to Democratic or vis versa as is common in Election years. Dealignment: when the majority of electorates abandon it previous affiliations and voters move to be more nonpartisan.

2. Straight Ticket: when candidates of the same party are elected to several positions, Example: When a Political Party votes for the candidate (for President, Governor, etc…) who is a member of the same Party. This is almost always the case in every election or primary.

3. Soft Money: came into affect after the 1974 Election Campaign Act, allows for any amount of money to be used donated to a party, rather than a candidate where as “hard money” is contributed in support of a particular candidate and is usually restricted. Example:Most funding for campaigns during Election years come from soft money because that can be spent more easily on general advertizing and it often is not limited. It is often spent on ads to educate voters on current political issues.

4. Open Primary: a primary election where affiliation with a political party is not required to vote for a partisan candidate. Example: Open primaries allow voters to vote for candidates who don’t represent their party OR voters do not have to declare party affiliation. This allows voters more freedom within the voting field and it narrows down candidates.

5. Caucus: a meeting of members representing one party to select candidates or decide on policies. Example: Caucus’ are held primarily to select candidates to run for office and choose the delegates that they want to send to their party’s National Convention.