Political Parties Flashcards
How is a political party defined?
An organization that offers candidates to voters at election time. They recruit/select candidates, raise money, develop policy platforms, and try to persuade voters.
What is the ultimate goal of any political party?
To get their candidate elected.
Why do some parties bother to run, even though they likely will never win? E.g., Marijuana party
The run to get visibility for their ideas, to get out on the public stage.
What are the seven important functions that political parties serve?
- Integrating citizens into the political system
- Developing policy
- Elite recruitment
- Structuring the vote
- Organizing public opinion
- Interest aggregation
- Organization of government
What is a ‘third party’?
The group besides the two primarily involved in a situation, especially a dispute. E.g., the NDP group between the Liberals and the Conservatives.
What is a catch-all-party?
A main political party that try to appeal to everyone. They cross class, ethnic and regional lines.
Why are third parties important even if they never have a real chance of winning?
They are important in shaping policy.
What traditions is Canadian Conservatism from?
Red Tory and Blue Tory. Red Tory is dead now.
What is the sponsorship scandal?
A scandal that was about the Liberals spending millions of dollars to line their own pockets, and pockets of their supporters.
What is one of the permanent campaign strategies?
Attack ads
