AP Gov Unit 5 Ch. 9 Vocab

Political party

functions and impact of political parties on the electorate and government are represented by: i. Mobilization and education of voters ii. Party platforms iii. Candidate recruitment iv. Campaign management, including fundraising and media strategy v. The committee and party leadership systems in legislatures ; structure of parties has been influenced by: i. Critical elections (elections in which there is a realignment of political party support among voters) ii. Campaign finance law iii. Changes in communication and data management technology ;  use communication technology and voter data management to disseminate, control, and clarify political messages and enhance outreach and mobilization efforts

Mugwumps

the practice of a political party giving government jobs to its supporters, rather than based on merit or qualification.

Party convention

a political convention where delegates of a political party come from across the nation to nominate their party candidates and decide on a party platform

National committee

the governing body of a national political party, responsible for its day-to-day operations at the national level.

Congressional campaign Committee

a designated political committee, or an authorized committee, that manages a specific candidate’s campaign for the House of Representatives or Senate. It’s primary functions include fundraising, managing expenditures, keeping records, and handling necessary financial reporting and registration for the candidate.

National chairman

the leader of a political party’s national committee, responsible for party operations, strategy, fundraising and managing party affairs at the national level.

Superdelegates

party leaders and elected officials in the Democratic Party who are given the freedom to support any candidate for the presidential nomination, regardless of the primary election results.

Solidarity incentives

the non-material benefits, such as pleasure, companionship, or a sense of belonging that motivate people to join or participate in a political organization or interest group.

Sponsored party

a political party that has received financial sponsorship, typically a donation used to help cover the costs of party activities like events, publications, and research.

Two-party system

two major political parties dominate the government and compete for voters, often resulting in a clear choice for citizens but limited options.

Plurality system

a voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority (more than 50%).

Caucus

closed meetings of party members to select candidates or decide policy

Democratic Party

a major political party that generally aligns more closely to liberal ideological positions ; D or DEM

Republican Party

a major political party that generally aligns more closely to conservative ideological positions ; R or GOP

Electorate

the people eligible to vote in an election

Party platform

formal set of principal goals of a political party to appeal to the public / electorate

Candidate-centered campaign

where the public focus is on the characteristics of the candidate and not on the party

Critical elections / Realignments

set of sharp changes in party ideology, issues, party leadership, regional and demographic bases of power in political parties, and political system rules and structures

Third party

incorporation of third-party agendas into platforms of major political parties serves as a barrier to third-party and independent candidate success