Chapter 9- Political Parties Flashcards
Political party
Voluntary association of people who seek to control the government through common principles, based on peaceful and legal actions such as the winning of elections.
Two-party system
Several political parties exist, but only two major political parties compete for power and dominate election.
Single-member districts
Only one representative is chosen from each district.
New Deal coalition
Alliance of southern conservatives, religious, and ethnic minorities who supported the Democratic Party for 40 years.
Divided government
One party controls the executive, and the other party controls one or both houses of Congress.
Gridlock
When opposing parties and interests often block each other’s proposals, creating a political stalemate or inaction between the executive and legislative branches.
Dealignment
When a significant number of voters choose to no longer support a particular political party.
Realignment
A shift of voting patterns to form new coalitions of party support.
National chairperson
Appointed by a committee as head of the party.
Soft money
Money distributed from a national political party organization that was not regulated by law; restricted by the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002.
Straight-ticket voting
Voting for candidates all of the same party.
