Posi 3 #2

Political parties

Intermediary organizations that nominate and elect their members to office.

Who has access to political parties?

Virtually everyone.

Who runs modern campaigns?

Paid campaign consultants; campaigns have become increasingly negative.

How do minor parties form?

Around specific ideologies, single issues, social movements, or by splintering off major parties.

Types of minor parties

Ideological (Libertarians), Protest (Populists), Single-Issue (Green Party), and Splinter (Progressives).

Democratic Party priorities

Environmental protections, pro-choice, social programs, and individual rights.

Republican Party priorities

Deregulation, limited federal government, and stiffer penalties for crime.

Divided government

When different political parties control different branches of government (e.g., GOP House, Dem President).

Realignment

A major shift in party allegiances or electoral support.

US Party System

A two-party system.

Proportional representation

Legislative seats are given to parties based on the percentage of the total popular vote they receive.

Winner-take-all

A system where a district elects one person based on whoever won the most votes (plurality).

Electoral College

The system used to elect the President; 538 total electors, 270 needed to win.

General election date

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

2000 Election

Gore won the popular vote, but Bush won the Electoral College after winning Florida and Texas.

Who controls the voting process?

Individual States control the timing of primary elections and registration.