Competency 3.3 - identify the effects of voter behavior, political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and mass media on the electoral process in the United States Flashcards
political party
an organization comprised of people who hold similar ideas about government and seek to influence government by electing its members to public office
federalist party
led by Alexander Hamilton, this political party favored a “loose construction” approach to the interpretation of the constitution, advocating a strong federal government with the power to assume any duties not prohibited or clarified in the constitution
democratic-republican party
led by Thomas Jefferson, this political party took a “strict constructionist” approach, interpreting the constitution as it is, or in a narrow, limited sense; sympathetic to the needs of the “common man,” this party was mistrustful of powerful centralized government
whig party
organized from remnants of the failed Federalist party and National Republicans party, this political party opposed the Jacksonian Democrats
third parties
political parties that fall outside the two main parties
prohibition party
this political party successfully advocated for the prohibition of alcohol in the 18th amendment (later repealed)
populist party
third party that championed the causes of the farmers and workers, impacting mainstream parties with its reform agenda
initiative petition
a mechanism that allows voters to put proposed legislation on the ballot; a populist party innovation
splinter party
a political party that breaks away from an established party, such as the Bull Moose party from the Republican party
green party
third party that champions environmental causes
republicans (modern)
modern-day political party divided from the Whigs due to slavery issues; these supporters were pro-slavery
democrats (modern)
modern-day political party that came together to halt the spread of slavery
primary elections
allows voters ro express their preference for candidates to a major election
precinct
the fundamental unit of organization of a political party, usually has a captain or commitee handle routine chores such as voter registration and organizing party meetings
national party committee
the largest and most visible political precinct, this group writes party platforms, raise money to finance political activity, amd carry out the election campaign