Political Parties Flashcards
political parties formed over the issue of
interpretation of the constitution
political parties
run government
select candidates
multiple issues (party platform)
the key components of political parties
- recruit candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government
- mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections
- bear the responsibility of operating governments at all levels
- provide organized opposition to the party in power
multi-party systems are the norm throughout western europe in the US we have
two-party system
explanation
electoral system (12th amendment)
Conservatives
-favor small government
-fiscally conservative
-support low taxes
-oppose abortion
liberals
-believe/support in big government
-support abortion
-support same-sex marriage
-social justice
traditionally have done well only when the country has forced
economic or social challenges
national committee
appointed by the president, or for the opposition party, by its national committee
founders dreaded the prospect of American parties
fear:
rival parties, seeking to win favors for themselves rather than working for the common good, would undermine the new nation
introduced the idea of a political party with a large following among rank-and-file voters
andrew jackson
powerful organizations, could deliver votes
political machines
machines primary function
get their candidates elected
boss, precinct captain, ward heelers, and their jobs were to
provide services for their constituents: welfare, jobs
when party leaders (the machine) award supporters with government jobs and other benefits this is called
political patronage
golden age
late nineteenth early twentieth centuries
most influential third party in american history
progressive party
factors contributing to party decline
progressive reforms
welfare programs established by federal government
independent media
diminution of campaign roles
progressive reforms (election reforms)
voter registration
the secret ballot
primary elections
merit system
american parties focused efforts on
informing
nominating and campaigning
governing
party realignments
process by which one party loses many supporters to the other party
republicans
-free labor
-soldiers and veterans of the union army
9
national party chair
