Political parties Flashcards
What are politics?
The job of holding a position of power in the government.
What is political ideology?
Opinions or beliefs on the role of government in people’s lives.
What are the 3 views of political ideology?
- Conservatives: limited role
- Libertarians: almost no role
- Liberals: large role
What is a political party?
A group of people who seek to control government by winning.
What does it mean to be election-oriented?
The goal is to win elections and control the government.
What is the purpose of a political party?
To serve as the “vital link” between the people and the government.
What are the 5 major functions of a political party?
- Nominating function: choose candidates
- Informer/Stimulator function: inform people of the issues and stimulate them to vote
- Bonding Agent function: guarantee their candidate is worthy of the office (seal of approval)
- Governing function: ensures the cooperation between the legislative and the executive branches
- Watchdog function: the party out of power keeps an eye on the party in power
What are the 3 systems of governing in the world?
- Two party system
- Multi-party system
- One party system
What is a two party system?
There are two major parties with several minor parties.
What are the 4 reasons why the USA has a two party system?
- Historical basis: started out with two parties
- Force of tradition: Always been this way (Britain)
- Electoral system: system encourages only two parties
- American ideological consensus: share similar political/economic beliefs
What is the difference between majority and plurality?
Majority is more than 50%. Plurality is the most votes.
For example: B has plurality, but not majority.
A: 4 votes
B. 6 votes
c. 3 votes
What is a multi-party system?
There several major and minor parties based on economic class, religion, and political ideology. More choices, less stability.
What is a coalition?
Alliance of two or more parties to rule/run the government
What is a one party system?
It is really a no party system, a dictatorship.
What is a “pluralistic society”?
Different cultures and ethnicities that have similar political beliefs.
