POLS Ch. 12 - Political Parties & Interest Groups

Political Party

An organization that seeks to influence government by electing its members to office and shaping public policy.

Party in the Electorate

Citizens who identify with a political party, support its candidates, and vote for them.

Party Organization

The formal structure of a political party at national, state, and local levels that recruits candidates, raises money, and coordinates strategy.

Party in Government

Elected public officials who belong to a party and work to implement its policy goals.

Duverger’s Law

The principle that single-member, winner-take-all electoral systems tend to result in only two major political parties.

Third Party

A minor political party that challenges the two major parties; rarely wins major offices but can push major parties to adopt new issues.

Political Machine

A powerful party organization that maintains control using patronage and loyalty, often trading government favors for support.

Patronage

Rewarding political supporters with government jobs, contracts, or favors.

Party Platform

An official statement of a party’s policy goals and issue positions, adopted at the national convention.

Polarization

Growing ideological distance between political parties, resulting in fewer moderates and more partisan conflict.

Critical Election

An election that triggers a long-term shift in party coalitions or dominance, typically due to major political or social change.

Open Primary

A primary election in which any registered voter may vote, regardless of party affiliation.

Closed Primary

A primary election in which only registered party members may vote for their party’s nominee.

Initiative

A procedure that allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments for a public vote.

Referendum

A direct vote by citizens to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.

Recall

A process that allows voters to remove elected officials from office before the end of their term.

Interest Group

An organization that seeks to influence public policy without running candidates for office.

Lobbyist

A person who attempts to influence policymakers on behalf of an interest group.

Lobbying

Efforts by individuals or organizations to influence public officials and policy decisions.

Insider Lobbying Tactics

Direct engagement with policymakers, including private meetings, providing research, and testifying at hearings.

Outsider Lobbying Tactics

Mobilizing public opinion through protests, media campaigns, or grassroots organizing.

Public Interest Group

An interest group that advocates for policies benefiting society as a whole rather than just its members.

Free Rider Problem

When individuals benefit from an interest group’s efforts without contributing, reducing motivation to participate.

What is a political party and how do they influence government?

A political party is an organization that seeks to control government by winning elections. They influence government by recruiting candidates, coordinating campaigns, shaping policy agendas, and organizing legislative cooperation once in office.

What three components make up a political party? Explain each.

Party in the Electorate: citizens who identify with a party and support it. Party Organization: the national, state, and local networks that run campaigns and strategy. Party in Government: elected officials who belong to the party and implement its policies.

Which parties are dominant in the United States and what are their origins?

The Democratic and Republican parties dominate. The oldest precursor was the Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans; modern parties formed in the mid-1800s and evolved through major realignments such as the New Deal coalition.

How and why have U.S. political parties changed over time?

Party coalitions shift due to demographic changes, evolving issues, regional shifts, major historical events, and strategic repositioning to win voters.

Advantages of a two-party system?

Simplifies choices for voters, encourages moderate coalitions, and provides government stability.

Disadvantages of a two-party system?

Limits ideological diversity, breeds polarization, discourages third-party participation, and may ignore minority viewpoints.

Know how and why third parties function in the U.S. system.

Third parties rarely win major office because of winner-take-all rules, ballot access restrictions, and limited funding; however, they introduce new issues and force major parties to adopt or address them.

What is polarization? Has it been increasing?

Polarization refers to ideological separation between Democrats and Republicans. According to the textbook, polarization has significantly increased over the last several decades, especially among elected officials.

What are critical elections?

Elections that cause long-lasting political shifts in support across demographic groups or regions (e.g., 1932 New Deal, 1968 Southern realignment).

Differences and similarities between initiative, referendum, and recall.

Initiative: citizens propose laws or amendments. Referendum: citizens vote to approve or reject laws. Recall: citizens vote to remove officials from office.

Are U.S. political parties centralized or decentralized?

Decentralized. Local and state party organizations have significant autonomy, unlike most parliamentary democracies with strong national control.

How did the founding fathers feel about parties? What does the Constitution say about them?

The Founders disliked parties, viewing them as divisive factions. The Constitution never mentions political parties.

What role do issue publics play in party coalitions?

Subgroups that care strongly about specific issues push parties to adopt policies and campaign priorities that reflect their interests.

What is an intra-party faction? Are they normal?

Subgroups within a party that share different policy goals (e.g., progressive wing vs. moderate wing). They are common and reflect ideological diversity inside parties.

What is a lobbyist and what is lobbying?

A lobbyist is someone who tries to influence policymakers. Lobbying involves direct persuasion, expertise, campaign assistance, or public mobilization to shape policy outcomes.

Differences between political parties and interest groups?

Parties seek to win elections and control government; interest groups seek to influence policy and do not run candidates for office.

What is the free rider problem interest groups face?

People benefit from group efforts even if they don’t contribute, making individuals less motivated to join or pay dues.