Parties Flashcards
Explain the two-party dominance in the US
Electoral Success
- Over the years, the two major parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, have consistently captured the majority of seats in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures.
– 2020 elections - Dems = 222 seats (House), Reps = 213 seats.
– Senate - Dems = 50 seats, Reps = 50 seats
Presidential Elections
- Only Dems or Reps candidates have won the presidency.
– Last time a third-party candidate secured an electoral vote was when George Wallace won five states (1968).
- Barriers to entry, such as ballot access requirements and the challenges of financing a competitive campaign, make it difficult for third-party candidates to gain widespread support and succeed in the electoral process
– 1912: Eugene Debs, American Socialist Party only 6% pop. vote
– 1924: Robert La Follete, Progressive Party = 16% pop vote
– 1948: Strom Thurmond, Dixiecrat Party = only 39 electoral college votes + 2.4% pop vote
– 1992: Ross Perot, Independent = 19% (most since 1912)
– 2000: Ralph Nader, Green Party = 3m votes
Fundraising and Campaign Finance
- Major parties raise more funds than third parties
– Priorities USA Action raised $192 million for Hilary Clinton’s campaign
– Restore Our Future (2012) spent $40m on Mitt Romney
– George Soros = $178m to Dems (2021-2022)
– Kenneth Griffin = $72m Reps
– 2021-2022 = incumbents raised $830m (28 candidates)
– Jill Stein (Green Party) raised $3.7m (2012)
Explain the history of the Republican party
Formation
- Founded in 1854 in opposition to the expansion of slavery, representing the interests of anti-slavery activists and northern industrialists
– Abraham Lincoln = party’s 1st successful Pres candidate, who won the 1860 election and played a crucial role in the abolition of slavery
Reconstruction Era
- Following the Civil War, Reps advocated for civil rights for African Americans and played a significant role in enacting the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution
– Shifting Coalitions = Over time, the party’s ideological makeup has shifted, with different factions exerting influence
- From late 19th C, the Rep Party became associated with business interests and economic conservatism
– Reagan (1981 to 1989) = reducing govt regulations + lowering taxes to stimulate economic growth = “Reaganomics”
– Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017
– Reagan = “Government is the problem”
– Don’t believe in govt intervention in healthcare:
– Bush vetoed the stem cell research bill
– Not a single Rep in Senate voted for Obama’s healthcare reform
Modern Era
- Has had a diverse range of members, including fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, libertarians, and neoconservatives
–Social conservatives
= opposing abortion and supporting traditional marriage
– George W. Bush (2001-2009) = advocated for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and expressed pro-life views
– Sup Court overturned Roe v Wade - Trump called it a “win”
– Ron DeSantis = “proud to be pro-life” + “proud” to sign the six-week ban
– Trump banned openly-transgender people from serving in military
– Ron DeSantis = “Don’t Say Gay” bill+ “Don’t Say Period” bill
Libertarian Republicans:
- Minimal government intervention in personal matters
- Support individual liberty
- More liberal stances on issues like drug legalization and privacy rights
– Senator Rand Paul - wants to relax some of the laws for people who possess and are smoking marijuana, and synthetic recreational drugs
– 14% Reps believe abortion should always be legal
Explain the ideologies/platform of the Republican party
Conservatism, free market economy, strong national defence, social conservatism, states rights (same as values/policies)
Strong national defence
– George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) oversaw successful military operation known as the Gulf War
– War in Iraq
– Trump and North Korea
– ‘Neo-con’ era of Bush, where Reps promoted democracy through ‘regime change’ in selected dictatorships
States rights
– Nixon (1969-1974) = “New Federalism” - shift power from federal to states
– Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, refused to comply with a request to remove floating barriers in the Rio Grande (“Texas will see you in court, Mr President” (to Biden))
– Ron DeSantis (Florida) signed a bill allowing the death penalty in child rape convictions despite the supreme court banning capital punishment in these cases
– 2021 = Merrick Garland, accused the state of interfering with the federal govt’s resp. to enforce immigration laws after Abbott empowered state troopers to stop vehicles carrying migrants on the basis that they could increase the spread of Covid-19
Conservative Social Values
= opposing abortion and supporting traditional marriage
– George W. Bush (2001-2009) = advocated for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and expressed pro-life views
– Sup Court overturned Roe v Wade - Trump called it a “win”
– Ron DeSantis = “proud to be pro-life” + “proud” to sign the six-week ban
– Trump banned openly-transgender people from serving in military
– Ron DeSantis = “Don’t Say Gay” bill+ “Don’t Say Period” bill
– Ted Cruz - trans rights - “lunacy”
Explain the values/policies of the Republican party
Strong national defence
Limited Government (+fiscal cons.) + state power
- Importance of limited government intervention in the economy and individual lives, favouring free markets and individual liberty
– Reagan (1981 to 1989) = reducing govt regulations + lowering taxes to stimulate economic growth = “Reaganomics”
– Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017
– Reagan = “Government is the problem”
– Don’t believe in govt intervention in healthcare:
– Bush vetoed the stem cell research bill
– Not a single Rep in Senate voted for Obama’s healthcare reform
– Ron DeSantis
– Greg Abbott
– Nixon’s New Federalism
– Mitch McConnel joined other Reps in refusing to vote to raise debt ceiling unless cuts in govt programmes like medicare
– Don’t like big intervention - not a single Rep voted for Obamacare
Conservative Social Values
= opposing abortion and supporting traditional marriage
– George W. Bush (2001-2009) = advocated for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and expressed pro-life views
– Sup Court overturned Roe v Wade - Trump called it a “win”
– Ron DeSantis = “proud to be pro-life” + “proud” to sign the six-week ban
– Trump banned openly-transgender people from serving in military
– Ron DeSantis = “Don’t Say Gay” bill
– Not a single Rep voted for Women’s Health Protection Act (2012)
Explain the history of the Democratic Party
Origins-slavery
[I] Origins: Democratic-Republican Party founded by Jefferson and Madison in the 1790s
- Liked agrarianism, states’ rights, and strict interpretation of the Constitution.
[II] Split and Name Change
- 1820s, Democratic-Republican Party had split into factions
- One faction, led by Andrew Jackson, became known as the Democratic Party, while the other faction formed the Whig Party
- The Democratic Party under Jackson embraced the idea of expanding suffrage to all white males and championed the interests of the common people, as opposed to the elite
[III] Expansion of Democracy
- Jacksonian Democracy advocated for greater political participation, including the elimination of property ownership requirements for voting and the use of nominating conventions to select candidates
Slavery and civil war-reconstructionism
[I] Slavery and Civil War Era
- Southern Democrats (“Slave Power” faction) defended slavery and sought to protect Southern interests, while Northern Democrats were divided on the issue
- This division eventually contributed to the party’s split during the 1860 presidential election, with Northern Democrats nominating Stephen A. Douglas and Southern Democrats nominating John C. Breckinridge
[II] Reconstruction and Populism
- Post-Civil War era, underwent a transformation - became associated with white supremacy in the South and opposed the Reconstruction policies that sought to guarantee civil rights for freed slaves
- During late 19th C, they also embraced Populism (advocated for the rights of farmers and workers, which aimed to counter the growing influence of corporations and banks)
Progressive era-modern-era
[I] Progressivism
- Early 20th C, rise in progressivism, which aimed to address social and economic inequalities
– Under Woodrow Wilson, Dems supported progressive policies –> Federal Reserve Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the establishment of the League of Nations. Also advocated for women’s suffrage
[II] New Deal and Civil Rights
- Experienced a shift during FDR
-New Deal in response to Great Depression, aimed to stimulate economic recovery and provide relief to Americans
- Dem Party became associated with the expansion of the federal government’s role in the economy and the creation of social safety net programs
[III] Civil Rights Movement
- Played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights in the mid-20th C
– Under Truman, they desegregated armed forces
– Civil Rights Act (1964)
– Voting Rights Act (1965)
- Contributed to a realignment of party support, with African Americans shifting their allegiance to the Dems
[IV] Modern Era
- Continued to evolve and address various social and economic issues
- Championed causes such as healthcare reform, environmental protection, LGBTQ+ rights, and income inequality
- Party’s nominees for the presidency have included figures like Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and most recently, Joe Biden.
Explain the platform/ideologies of the Democratic Party
Healthcare access (Obamacare), environment, worker’s rights (FDR’s New Deal), social justice, immigration, gun control, education
Explain the values/policies of the Democratic Party
Civil rights + social issues
– LBJ = Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965)
– Brown v Board of Education = Earl Warren = Eisenhower
– Obama issued an executive order to prevent North Carolina’s bathroom law
– Obamacare seeking to cover contraceptives
– Biden described Roe v. Wade as “a fundamental right” that had been “ripped away”
– Equality Act in the House of Representatives (2019)
Environment
– Bill Clinton protected natural resources and wildlife by designating several national monuments
– Obama = Clean Power Plan + Paris Agreement
– Biden (2022) = inflation Reduction Act = $369bn
Diplomacy + international cooperation
– Jimmy Carter = the Camp David Accords ( peace agreement between Israel and Egypt)
– Obama = Iran nuclear deal + restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba
–LBJ didn’t want to fight Vietnam war, but did because it would “give a big fat reward to aggression.”
– 1972 nom.- George McGovern “Come Home America” speech - reduce military spending
Explain examples of unity in the Republican party
Limited Government (+fiscal cons. then do strong national defence or smthng)
- Importance of limited government intervention in the economy and individual lives, favouring free markets and individual liberty
– Reagan (1981 to 1989) = reducing govt regulations + lowering taxes to stimulate economic growth = “Reaganomics”
– Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017
– Reagan = “Government is the problem”
– Don’t believe in govt intervention in healthcare:
– Bush vetoed the stem cell research bill
– Not a single Rep in Senate voted for Obama’s healthcare reform
Fiscal Conservatism
- Balanced budgets + reduced government spending. President
– Eisenhower (1953-1961) implemented fiscal restraint = reduced military spending after Korean War and maintaining a balanced budget throughout his presidency
Conservative Social Values
= opposing abortion and supporting traditional marriage
– George W. Bush (2001-2009) = advocated for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and expressed pro-life views
– Sup Court overturned Roe v Wade - Trump called it a “win”
– Ron DeSantis = “proud to be pro-life” + “proud” to sign the six-week ban
– Trump banned openly-transgender people from serving in military
– Ron DeSantis = “Don’t Say Gay” bill
– Senator Ted Cruz described transgender rights as “lunacy”
Explain examples of division in the Republican party
Economic Policy
Fiscal Conservatives:
- Limited government intervention in the economy, lower taxes + reduced govt spending
- Free-market principles and deregulation
– Ronald Reagan
– Tea Party
Moderate Republicans:
- More balanced approach = market forces + targeted govt intervention.
- More willing to compromise with Dems
– Senator Olympia Snowe - voted against Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (2003), backed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
– Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Social Issues
Social Conservatives:
- Traditional values + religious beliefs
- Abortion, same-sex marriage + religious freedom
– Former Governor Mike Huckabee
– Senator Ted Cruz (called transgender rights “lunacy”)
– George W. Bush (2001-2009) = advocated for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and expressed pro-life views
– Sup Court overturned Roe v Wade - Trump called it a “win”
– Ron DeSantis = “proud to be pro-life” + “proud” to sign the six-week ban
– Trump banned openly-transgender people from serving in military
– Ron DeSantis = “Don’t Say Gay” bill
Libertarian Republicans:
- Minimal government intervention in personal matters
- Support individual liberty
- More liberal stances on issues like drug legalization and privacy rights
– Senator Rand Paul - wants to relax some of the laws for people who possess and are smoking marijuana, and synthetic recreational drugs
– 14% Reps believe abortion should always be legal
Foreign Policy
Interventionists
- Robust foreign policy
– Neoconservatives = former Vice President Dick Cheney
– Senator John McCain
– George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) oversaw successful military operation known as the Gulf War
– War in Iraq
– Trump and North Korea
– ‘Neo-con’ era of Bush, where Reps promoted democracy through ‘regime change’ in selected dictatorships
Non-Interventionists:
- More restrained
- non-intervention
– Former Congressman Ron Paul = wrote a manifesto titled ‘A Foreign Policy of Freedom’
– Wrote “War, and the threat of war, are big government’s best friend”
– Senator Rand Paul = said didn’t want to put “boots on the ground and weapons in the hands of freedom fighters everywhere”
Explain examples of unity in the Democratic Party
Civil rights + social issues
– LBJ = Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965)
– Brown v Board of Education = Earl Warren = Eisenhower
– Obama issued an executive order to prevent North Carolina’s bathroom law
– Obamacare seeking to cover contraceptives
– Biden described Roe v. Wade as “a fundamental right” that had been “ripped away”
– Equality Act in the House of Representatives (2019)
Environment
– Bill Clinton protected natural resources and wildlife by designating several national monuments
– Obama = Clean Power Plan + Paris Agreement
– Biden (2022) = inflation Reduction Act = $369bn
Diplomacy + international cooperation
– Jimmy Carter = the Camp David Accords ( peace agreement between Israel and Egypt)
– Obama = Iran nuclear deal + restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba
–LBJ didn’t want to fight Vietnam war, but did because it would “give a big fat reward to aggression.”
– 1972 nom.- George McGovern “Come Home America” speech - reduce military spending
(could also have healthcare reform - Obamacare, economic policies)
Explain examples of division in the Democratic Party
Economic Policy:
- Progressive v moderate factions
- Progressives (Bernie Sanders & Elizabeth Warren) advocate =
– Medicare for All
– $15 minimum wage
– higher taxes on the wealthy
- Moderate Democrats (Biden) support a more centrist approach
– Biden = expanding access to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act
– Increasing infrastructure investment
– Maintaining a market-driven economy
Social Policy:
- Differing views on social issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and criminal justice reform
- Pro-choice Democrats argue for the protection of reproductive rights:
– Organizations like Planned Parenthood
- But Democrats for Life of America = seeks to elect anti-abortion Dems
– 18% Dems believes abortion should be always/mostly illegal
- Some Dems advocate for broader protections against discrimination (LGBTQ+ rights) and others more cautious
Foreign Policy:
- Historically had interventionist and non-interventionist wings
- Dems like Obama, have supported diplomacy + cooperation
– Bernie Sanders = scepticism of military interventions and advocated for reducing the U.S. military’s global footprint
Explain factions of the Democratic Party
Progressive Wing
- Advocates for bold and transformative policies, focusing on issues of income inequality, social justice, and climate change
– Senator Bernie Sanders + Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez =
–> Medicare for All
–> Green New Deal
–> free college education
Moderate Wing
- Prioritize centrist policies, seeking compromise.
- Importance of finding common ground with Reps – President Joe Biden
– Senator Joe Manchin
– Senator Kyrsten Sinema
Centrist Democrats
- Strong emphasis on bipartisanship + fiscal responsibility
- Support business-friendly policies - cautious about expansive government programs
– Bill Clinton = “New Democrat” (combine progressive ideals with pragmatic governance)
Social Justice Advocates
- Focuses on issues of racial, gender, and social equality.
- Policies that address discrimination, promote diversity + advance civil rights
– Obama
– Vice President Kamala Harris
– Senator Cory Booker
Labour and Workers’ Rights
- Support policies that strengthen unions, increase the minimum wage, and protect workers’ rights
– Senator Sherrod Brown + Senator Elizabeth Warren
National Security and Foreign Policy Hawks
- Emphasis on national security, defence, and assertive foreign policy
– Senator Dianne Feinstein – Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Explain factions of the Republican party
Establishment Republicans
- Traditional, moderate wing of the party
- Limited government
- Compromise with Dems
– Mitt Romney
– John Kasich
Tea Party Conservatives
- ‘Taxed Enough Already’
- Reduced govt spending, lower taxes, and a strict adherence to const
- Oppose policies like Obamacare
– Rand Paul
Social Conservatives
- Oppose abortion rights
- support traditional marriage
- Limit LGBTQ+ rights
- Limit immigration
– Mike Huckabee
– Rick Santorum
– Ted Cruz (described transgender rights as “lunacy”)
–other examples from prev slides
Libertarian Republicans
- Personal freedom, limited govt + free markets
- Oppose foreign military intervention
– Ron Paul
– Justin Amash
Populist Republicans
- Economic nationalism
- Protectionist trade policies
- Immigration restriction
–Trump = “America First” agenda
spec - Reasons for two-party dominance; the
significance of third parties and independent
candidates
Explain the significance of third party candidates within US politics
‘Spoilers’
– People say Ross Perot spoiled the election for Bush (1992)
– Ralph Nader been accused of costing Al Gore the election in key swing states like Florida
Choice
– 1912: Eugene Debs, American Socialist Party only 6% pop. vote
– 1924: Robert La Follete, Progressive Party = 16% pop vote
– 1948: Strom Thurmond, Dixiecrat Party = only 39 electoral college votes + 2.4% pop vote
– 1992: Ross Perot, Independent = 19% (most since 1912)
– 2000: Ralph Nader, Green Party = 3m votes
Funding
– New Leaders ‘24 (new SuperPAC) aims to raise $300m to defeat Trump + Biden, and support a 3rd party candidate backed by the group No Labels
– Independent Brock Pierce donated $1.5m of his own money + raised $50k
– Jill Stein (2012) - Green - $3.7m
