Unit 2 Political Parties Flashcards
What is a Political Party?
Organized group of people with similar political ideologoies and goals. Seak political power by electing members to office and influence pulic policy.
What are Political Parties Impact on Voters?
-Mobilize and Educate Voters by engaging in outreach too mobilize and register voters and educate members on key issues.
-Creation of Party Platforms to express primary ideology on various issues.
-Candidate Recruitment to focus on congressional more than Presidential candidates. Best candidate gets financial resources.
-Campaign Management Fundraising, media strategy, debate prep, etc.
What are Political Parties Impact on National Government?
Establish Committee system and party leadership roles in Congress (based on party). Dominant party appoints judges to lifelong positions in Supreme Court
What are Political Parties Impact on State Government?
Gives majority party advantage in drawing legislative district maps which leads to remaining in power.
Why do parties change and adapt?
-Critical elections and regional realignments
-Shift to candidate-centered campaigns
-Changes in communication and technology
-Appealing to demographic coalations
What are Ideological Parties?
Advocate total change of system - social, economic, political: Socialist Party, Libertarian Party
What are Splinter Parties?
Faction (group) splits from major party: Bull Moose Party, American Independent Party
What are Economic Protest Parties?
Oppose economic policies of government in power: Greenback party, Populist party
What are Single-Issue Parties?
Formed on basis of particular issue: Prohibition Party, United States Marijuana Party
What stops third parties from succeeding?
-Single Member Districts: Candidate with most votes wins that office.
-No proportional representation: Congressional seats are not apportioned according to percentage of voters won by each part
-Winner Take All (Electoral College): All electoral votes in state awarded to candidate who wins majority of popular vote in each state.
-Ballot Requirements: Fees, petition signatures
What are informal barriers to third party success?
-Less money and resources
-Less media coverage
-Major parties incorporate third-prty agendas
-Single Issue parties can attract fewer supporters
-People can feel like they are throwing their vote away
What contributions can third parties make?
Force more popular parties to incorporate third party agendas to influence positive change. Push major political parties to include underrepresented groups to enhance participation.
