Political Parties Flashcards
What is a political party?
A group of citizens united under a commitment to common ideas and policies who want to make those policies happen by controlling government.
What is political gridlock?
When a rival party refuses to budge on a topic so no compromise or progress is made.
Which federalist paper talked about political parties/factions? Who wrote it?
Federalist No. 10 by James Madison, discussed how factions/parties are a staple of American politics.
Nowadays, do historians believe parties are good or bad for democracy?
They believe parties are essential and have provided a framework of rules and institutions for the constitution
Are political parties mentioned in the Constitution?
No
What is political linkage in terms of political parties?
Parties provide a link between voters and elected officials.
What is unification of a fragmented government in terms of political parties?
Provides connection between different parts of government like the president and congress.
How are political parties a voice for the opposition?
They provide an articulate opposition to the ideas and policies of those elected to serve in government.
What are the three components of political parties?
Party Organization, Party-In-Government, and Party-in-the-Electorate
What is party organization?
The different national, state, and local communities that make up the party. Ex: DNC for democrats.
What is Party-In-Government?
All candidates for the party who have been elected.
Party-in-the-electorate
Ordinary systems who associate with the party.
Have people become more or less attached to a party recently?
Less, voter attachment has declined
What does the responsible party propose?
that democracy is strengthened when voters are given clear alternatives and hold the parties responsible for keeping their promises.
Why fits the responsible party model better, the US or Great Britain and why?
GB because they have more focused and strong parties. US parties shift too much.
What is one reason the American system has fallen short of the idealized responsible party model?
American citizens have voted more on candidate experience and personally than party or issues.
What is negative partisanship?
When parties are held together by a dislike of the other party. (enemy of enemy )
What is hyperpartisanship? How has it recently effected congress?
Placing the party over other interests. Recently has brought congress to a standstill because less compromise can be made.
What is a party platform?
A list of policy positions a candidate runs on that aligns with the party
How often do parties usually update their platform?
Every election cycle
Who are party activists?
The main players in political parties, people who are especially devoted to the party
What pushes parties towards extremism?
Extreme party activists is one factor
What pushes parties towards moderation?
Most voters are more moderate and candidates want their votes.
What are strategies for parties to appeal to moderates without changing position?
Parties will emphasize partisan issues or reframe issues.
What is a party machine?
Tightly organized party system that kept control of voters by getting them jobs and doing other stuff
What is a party boss?
help choose candidates for the general election. Have a lot of influence inside the party.
What slowed/ended the dominance of party machines?
Reforms like the party primary which ensured the party in the electorate chose amongst party candidates.
What is a party era?
It refers to the period of stability without drastic party change.
What is a critical election?
An election in which the majority of people shift their political allegiance from one party to another.
What is a realignment?
A shift in party dominance.
What is an example of an event that caused a realignment?
The Civil War and Great Depression.
What is dealignment?
Slowly re-forming into a new and different party era, usually happens after an impactful event gradually.
What electioneering?
Recruiting and nominating candidates, defining policy agendas, and getting candidates elected.
Who usually wins elections, incumbents? or new candidates?
Incumbents because they are a known name.
What is a closed primary?
Only voters who have registered as a member of a party are allowed to vote in that party’s primary.
What is an open primary?
voters simply request one party’s ballot on the day of the primary or choose which party primary they with to participate in after tehey enter the polling both
Who gets chosen presidential primaries?
Delegates
Who are the delegates who select the president?
Party activists who support a candidate. They run for the opportunity go to to the party national nominating convention and cast a vote for the candidate.
What is soft money?
A loophole that allowed parties to collect unlimited funds from donors. This money could then be distributed to candidates.
What does it mean when a party “controls” government?
The party determines who occupies the leadership positions in the branch of government.
What is an example of a government following through with its promises?
Democrats in 1932 election passed New Deal and in 1924 they passed the Social Security Act.
Why is America stuck in a two party system?
Strong history throughout parties, and structure is setup to make it hard for a third party to succeed.
What is one example in the US system that makes it hard for 3rd parties to win?
Winner take all system, third parties need to absolutely win to gain any power. It can also be hard to get a third party on the ballot
Even if they don’t win, how can 3rd party candidates effect the election?
They can “steal” votes from a primary party. Ex: Green Party stealing fro democrats, can cause democrat to lose
What do leadership PAC’s do?
collect funds from activists.
What is party discipline?
The ability of party leaders to keep members voting together in a cohesive way.
