Gov Chap 17 Vocab

Political party

a group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy

Patronage

The practice of granting favors to reward party loyalty

Stability

remaining steady

One-party system

a system in which only one political party exists, often because the government tolerates no other opposition; usually in authoritarian governments

Two-party system

a system in which two major parties compete for power, although minor parties may exist

Coalition government

one formed by several parties who combine forces to obtain a majority

Third party

any political party other than one of the two major parties

Single-issue party

a political party that focuses exclusively on one major social, economic, or moral issue

Ideological party

a political party that has a particular set of ideas about how to change society overall rather than focusing on a single issue

Splinter party

a political party that splits away from a major party because of some disagreement

Single-member district

an electoral district in which only one candidate is elected to each office

Proportional representation

a system in which several officials are elected to represent the same area in proportion to the votes each party's candidate receives

Ideology

a set of basic beliefs about life, culture, government, and society

Liberal

the belief that the proper role of government is to actively promote health, education, and justice

Conservative

the belief that the government should play a limited role in citizens' lives; also the belief in "traditional family values" and what is viewed as a moral lifestyle

Moderate

the belief in both liberal and conservative viewpoints

Democratic party

the party more associated with liberal and moderate-liberals

Republican party

the party more associated with conservative and moderate-conservatives

Platform

a statement of a political party's principles, beliefs, and positions on vital issues

Party identification

loyalty to a political party

Independent

a voter who does not support any particular party

Polarize

to divide into opposing groups

Centrist

a person whose views tend to be moderate

Canvass

to solicit votes and determine opinions

Caucus

a private meeting of party leaders to choose candidates for office

Direct primary

an election in which party members select people to run in the general election

Closed primary

an election in which only members of a political party can vote

Open primary

an election in which all voters may participate

Plurality

the largest number of votes in an election

Ticket

a party's candidates for president and vice president