American Political Parties: Systems, History, and Electoral Processes

What is a two-party system?

A political system where two major parties dominate, leading to moderation and stability.

How do two-party systems affect extremist views?

They tend to suppress the views of extremists in the electorate.

What is a multiparty system?

A political system where multiple parties exist, often leading to instability and coalition governments.

What happens to coalitions in multiparty systems?

Coalitions can form and collapse, leading to unstable governments.

What is the role of third parties in America?

They promote specific ideologies or respond to issues not addressed by major parties.

What are issue-based third parties?

Parties that arise in response to popular concerns, often fading away once the issue is resolved.

What are some reasons third parties form?

They may form around a particular cause, from a dissatisfied faction of a major party, or led by a strong leader who lost a nomination.

What was the purpose of the Prohibition Party?

It was formed to advocate for the prohibition of alcohol.

What is the historical significance of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

They were the first political parties in the U.S., emerging during the ratification of the Constitution.

What contributes to the persistence of the two-party system in the U.S.?

The Constitution and a belief that Americans generally agree on key matters.

What is proportional representation?

A system where parties receive legislative seats in proportion to the votes they receive.

How does the winner-take-all system function?

Only the candidate with the most votes in a district or state takes office.

What are realigning elections?

Elections that cause significant shifts in voter alignment and political agendas.

What characterized the elections of 1824 and 1828?

They were pivotal realigning elections involving Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams.

What is the impact of multiparty systems on legislative representation?

They allow legislatures to more accurately reflect the full range of views of the electorate.

What is the role of a chancellor in parliamentary systems?

The chancellor is often the leader of one of the large parties in the legislature.

What is the significance of coalition governments?

They are necessary in multiparty systems where no single party has a majority.

What is the Tea Party's origin?

It was formed by a dissatisfied faction within the Republican Party.

What is the effect of third parties on major parties?

They can influence major parties by bringing attention to specific issues.

What does it mean for a party to be ideological?

It promotes a specific set of beliefs or principles, often without the primary goal of winning elections.

What was the outcome of the 1824 presidential election?

Neither Jackson nor Adams won a majority in the Electoral College, leading the House of Representatives to decide the election.

What did John Quincy Adams promise Henry Clay in the 1824 election?

He promised to include Clay in his administration if Clay helped him win the election.

What is referred to as 'The Corrupt Bargain'?

Andrew Jackson's term for the alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay during the 1824 election.

Who was Martin Van Buren?

He was from New York and became Andrew Jackson's running mate, marking the official beginning of the Democratic Party.

What is the Grand Old Party (GOP)?

It is another name for the Republican Party, which was formed in 1860.

Who was Abraham Lincoln?

A member of the Whig Party who became the first Republican president, drawing support from various groups.

What significant event occurred in the presidential elections from 1860 to 1896?

The Republican coalition won every presidential election except for the elections of Grover Cleveland in 1884 and 1892.

What was a key factor in William McKinley's 1896 election victory?

He won the endorsement of the Populist Party.

What was Franklin D. Roosevelt's campaign promise during the Great Depression?

He promised a 'New Deal' for the American people.

What is party identification?

A psychological attachment to a political party that most people acquire in childhood from their parents.

What characterizes a realigning election?

It involves strong changes in the relationships of power within the political community and disruptions of traditional voting patterns.

What is a major cause for the persistence of the two-party system in the U.S.?

Factors include single-member election districts and the major parties becoming disciplined and issue-oriented.

What was the Democratic Party's historical coalition?

It was a grand coalition that lasted from the Civil War until 1932.

What is the significance of the Iowa presidential caucuses?

They are highly publicized as the first important test of potential presidential nominees.

What is the difference between open and closed primaries?

In open primaries, any voter can participate regardless of party affiliation; in closed primaries, only registered party members can vote.

What is a blanket primary?

A type of primary where all voters can vote for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation.

What is a multi-party system?

A political system where multiple parties exist, often leading to coalition governments and potential instability.

What is the 'wasted vote' syndrome?

A phenomenon in a two-party system where votes for minor parties are seen as ineffective, discouraging voters from supporting them.