Political Parties Flashcards
Examples of factions
Tea Party Republicans, freedom Caucus
5 functions of political parties
1) recruit candidates for public office
2) organize and run elections (attract/educate voters)
3) present alternative policies to the electorate, reduce conflict within party
4) accept responsibility for operating the government - appointments based on party lines; develop links b/w elected officials to gain support for policies
5) act as the organized opposition to the party in power - criticize the policies and behavior of the other party by articulating own policies forcing debates on the issues
The era of the democrats
1800-1860
Dominate all but two presidential elections
The era of the republicans
1860-1932
Republicans dominate all but four presidential elections
Return of the democrats
1932-1968
For states divided by_____……
Congressional districts divided by wards divided by precincts
Types of One-Party Systems
One party system - where only one party is allowed
Modified One Party -
Systems where one party regularly wins most elections
Multi Party Systems Advantage
Provides border representation of the people, more responsive to the will of the people, give voters more choices
Multi Party Systems Disadvantages
Cause parties to form coalitions, which can dissolve easily, can cause instability in government, no clear majority only plurality
Single Member districts
Only one candidate will win an election in each district
Why don’t Americans vote for minor parties?
They don’t represent the majority
Why a 2 party system?
Historical Basis and Tradition - we’ve always had one
Values - most Americans have a general agreement on fundamental issues
Minor parties lack widespread political support
Minor parties formed due to issues of concern to certain individuals
Ideological parties
Minor party breaking off from a major party
Splinter Party
Ideological Party
Based on social, economic and political ideas
- Libertarian Party
- Constitution Party
Economic protest
Formed during economic depressions
- populist Party
- socialist party
Single issue party
Single public policy that’s emphasized
- prohibition party
- Green Party
Why are minor parties important?
Spoiler: pull decisive votes away from one of the major parties’ candidates, esp. If the minor party candidate is from a splinter party
Critic
Take stands in and draw attention to controversial issues that the major parties would prefer ignore
Innovator
Draw attention to important issues and propose innovative solutions to problems. If these proposals gain popular support, they are often integrated into the platforms of the two major parties.
13th amendment
Bans slavery
14th amendment
Equal protection, due process, privileges and immunities regardless of race
15th amendment
Black men can vote
16th amendment
Graduated income tax
17th amendment
Direct election of Senators
19th amendment
Women can vote
