Political Party Systems and Ideologies Overview

Political party system & function

Organized groups that influence government policy and provide a framework for political participation

Functions of political parties

Nominate Candidates: Primary function to select candidates for public office

Functions of political parties

Rally Support: Engage and activate voters to participate in political affairs

Functions of political parties

Bonding Agent Function: Ensures good performance of candidates in office by selecting qualified candidates

Functions of political parties

Governance Role: Organizes government during election cycles, making part affiliation significant for appointments

Functions of political parties

Watchdog role: Out of power party scrutinizes the actions of in power party, enhancing governmental accountability

Two-party system

The U.S. functions under a two-party system due to historical, electoral, and ideological factors.

Historical Basis

First parties formed during constitutional ratification debates

Electoral System

Winner-takes-all system discourages minor parties from gaining tractions

Ideological Consensus

The general agreement among Americans favors moderate positions of the two major parties

Minor parties

Exists as ideological, single-issue, economic protest, or splinter groups but often serve as critics and innovators.

Republican Party

During 1860 to 1932, the Republican party was the dominant political force in the U.S., often associated with the preservation of the union and anti-slavery positions during its formation.

Democratic Party

Prominent force in 1800s to 1860s, party experienced resurgence in 1932 with significant influence over American policy and governance during the New Deal era and beyond.

Independent Party

The Independent Party represents voters who choose not to affiliate with the major political parties, such as the Democrats and Republicans.

The Electoral College

A body that elects the President and Vice President of the United States, consisting of representatives from each state.

Ideological party

A party that is based on a set of principles or ideology (e.g., Green Party).

Splinter party

A party that breaks away from a major party due to ideological differences (e.g., Bull Moose Party).

Single Issue party

Focuses exclusively on one major social, economic, or political issue (e.g., Prohibition Party).

Economic protest party

Arises in response to economic discontent, often advocating for more favorable economic policies.

Party structure

Consists of national, state, and local levels, including organizations like committees and conventions.

Decentralized Structure

Due to federalism and the nominating process; involves national, state, and local levels.

National Level

Organized around conventions, committees, chairpersons, and campaign committees.

State and Local Level

Varies widely; local party organizations can lack coordination.

Trends in Party Identification

Declining ties to major parties; increasing independent voters and split-ticket voting.

Nominating process

The method by which political parties select candidates for election.

General election

The election in which voters choose among candidates from different parties.

Primary election

Election held to determine a party's candidate for the general election.

Self-announcement

A method of nomination where a candidate declares their intention to run.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to select candidates, often involving discussion and debate.

Convention

A large gathering of party members to formally nominate candidates and establish party platforms.

Direct Primary

General term for primaries where voters select candidates directly.

Closed Primary

Only registered party members can vote in their party's primary.

Open Primary

Any voter can vote in any party's primary, but only in one party's primary.

Blanket Primary

All candidates from all parties are on the same ballot, and the top two candidates, regardless of party, go to the general election.

Plurality Partisan

The plurality system, often called first-past-the-post, is a voting method where the candidate who gets the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority (over 50% of the votes).

Bi-partisan

Involving members of two different political parties.

Absentee ballot

A ballot submitted by mail by a voter who is unable to attend the polling place.

National Elections

Involves selecting officials for federal positions through a systematic process, primarily focusing on the presidency and Congress.

Presidential Elections

Occur every four years, involving a series of steps.

Primaries and Caucuses

Candidates from the major parties compete to gain delegates, which are crucial for securing the party nomination.

National Conventions

Parties finalize their presidential candidates and adopt their platforms.

General Election

Voters across the nation cast their ballots, which determine the Electoral College votes for each candidate.

Congressional Elections

Occur every two years for all 435 House members and about one-third of the 100 Senate seats.

Electoral College

A key element of presidential elections, wherein each state has a designated number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress.

Voter Participation Factors

Includes registration processes, outreach efforts, and the significance of state laws in shaping participation rates, which can affect election outcomes significantly.

Polling place

The location where voters go to cast their ballots on election day.

Precinct

A geographic area that contains a specific number of voters; the smallest voting district.

Australian ballot

A voting method that provides secrecy and is typically standardized across jurisdictions.

Soft money

Campaign contributions that are not regulated by federal law.

Hard money

Contributions that are subject to federal regulations and limits.

Federal campaign laws

Regulations that govern campaign financing and political advertising.

Federal election committee

A regulatory agency that administers campaign finance laws and oversees the financing of federal elections.

Liberal

Favors change in society and supports regulations on economic activity on business.

Conservatives

Favors traditional institutions and the status quo, and believes in a limited role for government in society.

Trickle-down theory

Suggests that benefits given to the wealthy, like tax cuts and business incentives, will eventually help everyone by boosting investment, job creation, and economic growth.

Pro-Choice

Supports the right to choose abortion.

Pro-Life

Opposes abortion.

Anti-Affirmative Action

Opposes policies that favor historically marginalized groups in education and employment.