Chapter 5- Political Parties Flashcards
What are political ideologies?
Opinions or beliefs on the role of the government in people’s lives
What are the 3 views (political ideologies)
- Conservatives: limited role
- Libertarians: almost no rule
- Liberals: large role
What is a Political Party?
A group of people who seek to control government by winning elections and holding office
What are the USA’s political parties oriented towards
Election oriented
What is the goal of a party?
To control government
What is the purpose of the political party?
Serve as a vital link between the people and the government
What are the 5 major duties of the political party?
- Nominating function:choose candidates
- Informer/stimulator function: inform people of the issues and stimulate to vote (social media, and special interest groups)
- Bonding agent function: guarantee their candidate is worthy of the office “seal of approval”
- Governing function: ensures the cooperation between the legislative and executive branches
- Watchdog function: the party out of power keeps an eye pn the party in power
What are the 3 systems of governing?
Two party
Multi party
One party
What is a two party system?
2 m@jor parties and several minor parties
What are the 4 reasons the usa has a two party system?
- historical basis: started out w/two parties (federalists and antifederalistsj
- force of tradition: always been that way
- electoral system: single member districts- our system encourages only two parties and plurality (the most) vs majority (over 50%)
- american ideological consensus: we share similar political beliefs (rule of the people)
What does it mean that the USA is a pluralistic society?
Different cultures and ethnic groups but has similar political beliefs.
What is a multiparty system?
Several major and several minor parties.
What are the parties of the multiparty system based on?
Religion, economic cost, and political ideology
What is the advantage and disadvantage of a multiparty system? What are they forced to form?
Advantage: more choices
Disadvantage: less stability
Forced to form a coalition alliance of two or more parties to rule and run the government
What is a one party system?
Communists/nazis etc dictatorship no choice
What stance do both parties take?
A middle of the road stance in major controversial issues because they don’t want to alienate people—NEED VOTES
What is bipartisan?
Both parties support
What is a consensus?
General agreement among groups
What are the 7 major factors that cause people to identify with a party?
Family (MAIN ONE) Major events Gender Education Age Type of work (blue or white collar) Economic status
Three components and parts of the party?
- Party organization- leaders
- Party electorate- constituency/members
- Party government- office leaders
What is partisanship?
Allegiance to a particular party
What is the history of the two party system?
Nations first two parties resulted from ratification of the constitution.
George Washington opposed political parties
Federalists vs anti federalists led by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson
History of the American Party- 4 periods?
- 1800-1860: democrats ruled 13/15 presidents- civil war
2.1860-1932: republicans ruled 14/18 presidents- great depression - 1932-1968: democrats ruled 7/9 presidents-vietnam
- 1968-2008: republicans ruled 5/7 presidents- iraq war and economic recession
2008-? Divided government
What are minor parties (third parties)
A less widely supported party
