Political Parties Flashcards
one party system
only one party exists or has a chance of winning the election. results in dictatorial government
two party system
can consist of several parties but only two have a real shot at winning the election. minority parties have little to no effect on anything
single member districts
only one representative is chosen from each congressional district
multi-party system
several major parties and a number of minor parties compete in elections, and each has a good chance of winning the election
responsibilities of political parties
recruit candidates, nominate and support candidates for office, educate the electorate, organize the government
Democratic domination
1800-1860, led by the Democratic-Republicans until 1828 faction split into Whig Party in opposition to Andrew Jackson. promised expansion of suffrage to all white males
Republican domination
1860-1932, developed by a dissolution of the Whig Party. Reign started with Lincoln and continued into the start of the Great Depression.
New Deal Coalition
FDR’s loyal party base of African-Americans, urbanites, blue-collar workers, Catholics, Jews, and women
divided government
occurs when one political party controls the WH, and the other controls one or both houses of Congress
gridlock
occurs when one party controls the WH and the other controls one or both houses of Congress, results in slow or nonexistent lawmaking process
dealignment
when a significant number of voters no longer support a party
realignment
occurs as voting patterns shift and new voter blocs are formed. (1860, 1932)
ideological third party
based on a particular set of social political or economic beliefs
splinter/factional third party
those that have separated from one of the major parties
single issue third party
concentrates on a single public policy matter
