civics unit 6 Flashcards
What are present day examples of countries that have a one party political system
China, North Korea
What type of political system do most countries have today
Multi-Party System
What is a coalition government? What are three examples of present day coalition governments
alliance made between two or more parties to achieve a majority of the vote, Canada, Germany, Israel
Historically, the U.S. has had what type of political system
TWO PARTY SYSTEM
What were the two original political parties in the U.S.
Democratic-Republican and federalists
What are the two current major political parties in the U.S.? How long has it been this way
Democrat and republican, 1860
What are two important things that a third political party can do
They sometimes act as spoilers and take votes away from the major parties, They sometimes influence the major parties with ideas
How did a third party affect the Election of 1912
The Republicans ended up splitting their votes and as a result the Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson won the Presidency
What issues that later became laws were originally brought up by third parties
Populist Party 1890s made up of farmers and laborers wanted direct election of Senators and an 8 hour work day, Progressive Party aka Bull Moose Party 1912 led by T. Roosevelt
What three things are third parties usually based on or around
Single Issue, Political Beliefs, Single Candidates
What does “grassroots movement” mean
idea that starts with a local or regional group of people and moves to the national scene
What is the difference between a plank and a platform
Plank – a party’s stance on one issue
Platform – the goals of the party or stance on all issues
What is the main purpose of a political party
to get candidates elected to office
What are the two jobs of the National Party Committee
each party has one made up of representatives from all 50 states and headed by a National Party Chairperson, raise money for Presidential elections and organize the party’s national convention
.How did political machines help their community? In return for what
provided needy citizens with jobs, food and other services in return for votes, Businesses would pay employees “bonuses” to vote for certain politicians
What is the difference between a closed primary and an open primary
Closed Primary – only registered party members can vote, most states use this
Open Primary – party declaration not required to vote, but you can only vote in one party’s primary
What is the purpose of a primary
registered voters in each state choose the candidate to represent the party in the general election
What are the 3 requirements people must meet to be eligible to vote
18 years old
Resident of the state at least 30 days prior to election day
U.S. citizen
What is the difference between straight ticket and split ticket
Straight ticket – voted for all candidates in one political party
Split ticket – chose candidates from both parties
How can you still vote in an election if you are away at school or serving in the military
Absentee Ballot
List 4 characteristics of people who usually vote
Have positive attitudes toward government and citizenship
Higher education
Middle-aged
Higher incomes
What is the number one reason people who don’t vote give as their reason
apathy
What percentage of the electorate typically votes in a Presidential election? In a midterm election
50%, between 7% and 20%
What is the original meaning of the word idiot
from Ancient Greece, it was used to describe someone that didn’t vote
