Chapter 8 Flashcards
Democratic Party
One of the two major American political parties evolving out of the Republican Party of Thomas Jefferson.
Dealignment
A decline in party loyalties that reduces long-term party commitment.
Divided Government
A situation in which one major political party controls the presidency and the other controls one or more chambers of Congress or in which one party controls a state governorship and the other controls part or all of the state legislature.
Electoral College
A group of persons called electors who are selected by the voters in each state and Washington, D.C. This group officially elects the president and vice president of the United States.
Era of Good Feelings
The years from 1817 to 1825, when James Monroe was president and there was, in effect, no political opposition.
Faction
faction
A group or bloc in a legislature or political party that is trying to obtain power or benefits.
Independent
independent
A voter or candidate who does not identify with a political party.
National Committee
A standing committee of a national political party established to direct and coordinate party activities between national party conventions.
National Convention
The meeting held every four years by each major party to select presidential and vice-presidential candidates, write a platform, choose a national committee, and to conduct party business.
Park Identification
Linking oneself to a particular political party.
Party Organization
The formal structure and leadership of a political party, including election committees; local, state, and national executives; and paid professional staff.
Party Platform
A document drawn up at each national convention, outlining the policies, positions, and principles of the party.
Party-in-Government
All of the elected and appointed officials who identify with a political party.
Party-in-the-electorate
Those members of the general public who identify with a political party or who express a preference for one party over another.
Patronage
Rewarding faithful party workers and followers with government employment and contracts.
Plurality
A number of votes cast for a candidate that is greater than the number of votes for any other candidate but not necessarily a majority.
Political Party
A group of political activists who organize to win elections, operate the government, and determine public policy.
Realignment
A process in which a substantial group of voters switches party allegiance, producing a long-term change in the political landscape.
Republican Party
One of the two major American political parties. It emerged in the 1850s as an antislavery party. It consisted of former northern Whigs and antislavery Democrats.
Reverse-income Effect
A tendency for wealthier states or regions to favor the Democrats and for less wealthy states or regions to favor the Republicans. The effect appears paradoxical because it reverses traditional patterns of support.
Splinter Party
A new party formed by a dissident faction within a major political party. Often, splinter parties have emerged when a particular personality was at odds with the major party.
Split Ticket Voting
Voting for candidates of two or more parties for different offices, such as voting for a Republican presidential candidate and for a Democratic congressional candidate.
Straight-Ticket Voting
straight-ticket voting
Voting exclusively for the candidates of one party.
Swing Voters
swing voters
Voters who frequently swing their support from one party to another.
Tipping
A phenomenon that occurs when a group that is becoming more numerous over time grows large enough to change the political balance in a district, state, or country.
Whig Party
Whig Party
A major party in the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century, formally established in 1836. The Whig Party was anti-Jackson and represented a variety of regional interests.
Safe Seat
A district that returns the legislator with 55 percent of the vote or more.
