Political Parties Flashcards

Flashcards about Political Parties

Political Parties (Simple and Complex Form)

A single group of citizens united by common principles or two or more groups loosely held together for policy goals.

Political Parties

An organized attempt to gain power or control of the government.

Political Parties Definition

Organized groups that attempt to influence the government by electing their members to office.

Key Roles of Parties

Organize people with similar political ideas, give opportunities for political involvement, educate on candidates/issues, provide a link between politics and government.

Three Ways Parties Are Important in the U.S.

As organizations, in government, and in the electorate.

Party Goals

Office-seeking, policy-seeking, and vote-maximizing.

Internal Mobilization

Political conflicts prompt officials and competing factions within government to mobilize popular support.

External Mobilization

Groups of politicians outside of government organizes popular support to win governmental power.

Traits to Categorize a Party System

Number of parties, organizational structure, balance of power, institutional and social basis of support, issues and policies.

Median Voter Theory

In single member, first-past-the-post election, parties will converge on the median voter because they need 50% + 1 vote to win.

American Two-Party System Characteristics

Winner takes all single-member districts (first-past-the-post, plurality rules)

Proportional Representation Systems

Parties get a share of seats based on the vote share.

Realignments

Occur when issues that currently separate the two parties decline in relevance, new issues emerge, dramatic shifts occur, and shifts on positions the parties support.

First Party System

Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans.

Second Party System

Democrats and Whigs.

Civil War and Post War System

Republicans and Democrats.

System of 1896

Republicans and Democrats.

The New Deal Party System

Franklin Delano Roosevelt elected in 1932, expanded reach of government, created a social safety net and a broad coalition of voters.

The Contemporary American Party System

GOP expands voter base, ideological divide increases, frustration with GOP and Democratic Party.

Party Polarization

Sharp divisions between the two parties.

Third Parties (Niche Parties)

Represent social and economic interests not voiced by the two major parties.

Party Organization: National Committees

Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC)

Hard Money vs. Soft Money

Used for campaigning; soft money for party building.

527s

Campaign for, but not coordinate with, the candidates.

Citizens United

Unlimited, anonymous donations via interest groups.

Party Organization: Congressional Committees

Recruit, raise funds for, and assist candidates.

Republicans (GOP)

Wealthier Americans, white working class, social conservatives.

Democrats

Organized labor, working class, racial minorities, liberal wealthier Americans.

Parties in Congress Function

Organizing government, making decisions based on party positions

Quality Candidate Needs

Good name recognition, previous experience, ability to raise money, understanding of issues, ability to withstand scrutiny.

Mobilization

Get supporters registered, keep online groups engaged, turn out their base, operate phone banks, put up yard signs, offer rides.

Voter Choice

Americans vote on many more officials, requiring information. Parties make obtaining this information easier.