Unit 8 Political parties

Political Party

An organization or persons who join together in order to win elections, control government, and determine public policy.

6 functions of a Political Party

Provide a choice, Simply the ballot, Stimulate interest, Provide a rallying point, Organize government, Fix responsibilities

Function 2 of a Political Party

Simplify the ballot.

Function 3 of a Political Party

Stimulate interest.

Function 4 of a Political Party

Provide a rallying point.

Function 5 of a Political Party

Organize government.

Function 6 of a Political Party

Fix responsibilities.

Two-Party System Reasons

Historical roots, Party identification, U.S. election system

Two-Party System Reason 2

Party identification.

Two-Party System Reason 3

U.S. election system.

Single-Member District

The candidate with the most votes represents the entire district or state (winner takes all).

3rd Party

A party that is neither democratic nor republican.

Reasons for No Single Party Domination

Moderation and cross cutting interests

Reason 2 for No Single Party Domination

Cross-cutting interests.

Party Regular

A person who is committed to and votes strictly for a party.

Party Pursuit

Their votes are centered around a candidate or an issue; they can stray from the party.

Empower of the Two Political Parties Diminished Reasons

Single party domination.

Empower of the Two Political Parties Diminished Reason 2

Primary system.

Empower of the Two Political Parties Diminished Reason 3

Split-ticket voting.

Conservative vs Liberal - Gun Control (Conservative)

Exercising of the 2nd Amendment and self-defense.

Conservative vs Liberal - Gun Control (Liberal)

Stricter gun control laws.

Conservative vs Liberal - Abortion (Conservative)

Government should ban abortion (pro-life) and prioritize the right to be born.

Conservative vs Liberal - Abortion (Liberal)

Government should not interfere (pro-choice) and prioritize women’s rights and their autonomy.