Chapter 5.4 Flashcards
Why and how do political parties change and adapt?
McGovern-Fraser Commision
Rewrote the rules of the conventions.
Superdelegates
High ranking delegates not beholden by the state’s primary vote.
Party Realignment
Change in electoral forces because of party identification changes
Critical Elections
Elections that show lasting changes in loyalties to political parties.
The First Alignment / Democratic Republicans / Jeffersonians
Right after the decline of the Federalists. Lasted for about 20 years after 1800.
Jacksonian Democracy
Shift of democracy to the common person.
Whig Party
Wanted a strong central government, westward expansion, infrastructure, and national banks.
The Second Realignment / Grand Old Party (GOP) /
“Geriatric Old People”
Used to be the third party. The last third party to win the election. They used to be more liberal.
Democrats, the Depression, and the Realignment of 1896
During the Depression, American became more Democratic. First time African Americans voted more Democratic (1932).
New Deal Coalition
Democratic state/local party organizations, workers, minorities, farmers, and intellectuals.
Divided Government
One party controls Congress and the other controls the White House.
Party Dealignment
Citizens becoming independent or leaving politics.
