Political Parties Study Guide

These flashcards cover the main concepts related to political parties as discussed in the lecture notes.

What did George Washington warn about regarding political parties?

He warned about the dangers of political parties.

What was the nature of the Whig Party in the context of third parties?

The Whig Party was not considered a third-party challenger.

Why were early political parties formed?

Early parties formed to win national elections via coalitions in Congress.

How did Democrats gain prominence in the political landscape?

They gained prominence by focusing on 'common people' and personal politics.

What is proportional representation?

Proportional representation means voting for a party rather than for an individual.

What factor is NOT associated with realignment?

Changes in party strategies are not a factor in realignment.

How do third parties usually affect elections?

Third parties often act as spoilers in elections.

Why do major parties restrict ballot access?

They restrict ballot access to prevent new parties from emerging.

What role does the national party play in elections?

The national party helps the nominee win the presidency.

What functions does party organization perform?

Party organization does fundraising, Get Out The Vote (GOTV), recruitment, and registration.

What are the consequences of polarization in politics?

Polarization gives clear choices and can also cause dysfunction.

What is the sorting thesis related to voter behavior?

The sorting thesis asserts that voters shift with party positions, contributing to increased polarization.

How does gerrymandering relate to political polarization?

Gerrymandering increases polarization but is not the only cause.