Key Concepts in U.S. Political Parties and Ideologies

Political parties

Organizations that try to win control of government and influence policy by nominating candidates and mobilizing voters

Political ideology

A set of beliefs about the role of government in society and the economy

Liberal

Believes government should actively address social and economic inequality and protect civil rights

Conservative

Believes in limited government, free markets, and traditional social values

Partisanship

Loyalty to a political party, often leading to voting along party lines

Dealignment

A decline in partisan identification, where voters become more independent

Decentralization

Distribution of party power to local and state levels rather than centralized control

Tea Party

Conservative movement within the Republican Party advocating lower taxes and limited government, started in Texas by Dick Armey

Partisan identification

Long-term attachment a person feels toward a political party

Party platform

A document of principles and issue positions adopted at a party's convention, guiding candidates and voters

Party realignment

A major, lasting shift in party loyalty, such as Texas shifting from Democratic to Republican dominance

Polarization

The growing ideological distance between Democrats and Republicans

Position issues

Issues that divide voters along partisan lines, like abortion or gun control

Pragmatism

A practical approach to politics where parties aim to win elections, sometimes moderating positions to attract voters

Precinct convention

Lowest level of temporary party organization where local voters meet, propose resolutions, and select delegates

Swing voters

Voters who are not firmly committed to one party and can decide close elections

Two-party system

A political system dominated by two major parties that compete for power

Valence issues

Issues where most voters agree on the desired outcome, like economic growth or fighting crime

Third parties

Smaller parties such as the Green Party or Libertarian Party that rarely win offices but influence debate

Libertarian

Ideology favoring minimal government involvement in both economic and social issues, emphasizing individual autonomy

One-party state

A state where only one political party has any realistic chance of winning elections

Yellow dog Democrats

Texans who historically would vote Democrat regardless of the candidate

Blue dog Democrat

Conservative Democrats in Texas who often shifted to support Republicans

Permanent party organization

The ongoing structure of a party that conducts daily business, such as party chairs and committees

Temporary party organization

Party organization activated during elections, including precinct, county, and state conventions