CHAPTER 7 SLIDES_ POLITICAL PARTIES - 2024 Flashcards
What are linkage institutions?
Channels that allow individuals to communicate their preferences to policymakers, including political parties, interest groups, elections, and media.
What is the primary purpose of political parties?
To gain power by winning elections.
What are the secondary purposes of political parties?
To influence public policy.
How do political parties organize the competition?
They serve as an organizing mechanism to win elections and control government.
What role do political parties play in unifying the electorate?
They help unify the electorate and moderate conflict by working out internal differences.
What is meant by ‘loyal opposition’?
The party not in power monitors the party in power, criticizes it, and offers alternatives.
What is the role of political parties in mobilization?
They ensure that supporters make it to the polls and vote.
What is a party platform?
A written list of political beliefs and policy goals established by a party.
What is party identification?
Affiliation with a political party.
What is a critical election?
An election that precedes a party realignment and polarizes voters around new or major issues.
What is party realignment?
Dramatic, long-lasting shifts in party affiliation where many people change parties.
What is party dealignment?
A decline in party identification and loyalty.
What is candidate-centered politics?
A focus on candidates as individuals rather than on party identification.
What impact has campaign finance law had on candidates?
It has allowed candidates to be more independent of the party due to increased private campaign contributions.
What is the Pendleton Act?
The creation of the Civil Service in the 19th Century.
What does the Hatch Act limit?
It limits certain political activities of most executive branch employees.
What is a caucus?
A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office.
What are open primaries?
Primaries in which any voter can participate in whichever primary they choose.
What are closed primaries?
Primaries in which voters can only vote in the primary for the party of their registration.
What is the primary season?
The period from January to May when primaries and caucuses occur.
What is the role of the National Convention?
To nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates and pass the party platform.
What are superdelegates?
Officials who are automatic delegates to the convention and are not pledged to any state.
What is the two-party system?
A political system dominated by two major parties, resulting from tradition and election policies.
What are structural barriers to third-party success?
Plurality system, winner-take-all voting districts, and single-member districts.
