Unit 4: Political Parties and Ideology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the functions of political parties, the two-party system, historical party eras, third-party roles, and political ideologies.

Political Party

A group of people who seek to control the government by winning elections and holding public office.

Nominating Candidates

The major function of a political party to recruit, select, and present candidates for public office.

Informing Supporters

The party function of defining and taking a stance on important issues, campaigning for candidates, and criticizing opposing candidates' positions.

Bonding Agent

The role of a political party in vouching that a chosen candidate is worthy of office, trustworthy, of good character, and capable of the job.

Partisanship

Firm allegiance to a political party that can lead to governmental gridlock.

Bipartisan

Characterized by cooperation or agreement between two major political parties on governmental actions and policies.

Watchdog Function

The responsibility of the party out of power to police the conduct and policies of the party in power while attempting to sway public opinion in its own favor.

Loyal Opposition

The role played by the party out of power indicating that, while they may disagree with the policies of the governing party, they remain loyal to the country as a whole.

Single-Member Districts

An electoral feature of the American government designed to favor the continuation of a two-party system.

Multi-Party System

A political arrangement that offers broader representation and more voter choices, but risks instability because governing coalitions can easily dissolve.

Federalists

One of America's first political parties, led by John Adams, which represented cities and upper-class interests, favored a strong executive, and supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Democratic-Republicans

One of America's first political parties, led by Thomas Jefferson, which represented farmers and the "common man" and favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

The Democrat Era (1800–1860)

A historical era in which Democrats won all but two presidential elections, the Whig party briefly emerged and declined, and the Republican Party was founded in 1854.

The Republican Era (1860–1932)

A historical era in which Republicans dominated all but four presidential elections, while Democrats retained control primarily in state and local governments across the South.

Return of the Democrats (1932–1968)

A political era kicked off during the Great Depression in which Democrats won all but two presidential elections and Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president four times.

Spoiler Rule

The role of a minor political party pulling divisive votes away from one of the major party candidates, potentially deciding the election outcome.

Minor Parties as Critics

The tendency of third parties to take clear stances on and bring public attention to controversial issues that major parties prefer to ignore.

Minor Parties as Innovators

The ability of third parties to draw attention to pressing societal concerns and formulate innovative policy solutions.

Liberal

An ideological stance favoring active government support for social and political change, openness to non-traditional ideas, and progressive policies.

Conservative

An ideological stance favoring traditional views and values in government and society, caution toward change, limited government intervention, and the protection of private property.