Political Parties and the U.S. Party System

This set of flashcards covers key concepts about political parties, their history, and the U.S. party system as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is Duverger's Law and why does it explain the U.S. two-party system?

Duverger's Law states that single-member districts favor a two-party system because voters are less likely to waste their votes on third parties.

What is the Down's Model?

The Down's Model explains that individuals vote based on expected utility; thus, a third party often fails to gain traction as it can't offer distinct advantages over the two major parties.

What group(s) of people switched parties during the 1960s?

During the 1960s, many Southern Democrats switched to the Republican Party due to civil rights legislation.

What was the southern strategy? Who used it?

The southern strategy was a Republican campaign tactic aimed at winning over disaffected Southern white voters, primarily used by Richard Nixon.

Which groups did Reagan add to the Republican Party?

Reagan added conservative Christians, blue-collar workers, and former Southern Democrats to the Republican Party.

Which groups did Obama add to the Democratic Party?

Obama added young voters, minorities, and educated professionals to the Democratic Party.

What is a political party?

A political party is an organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and work together to influence governmental policy.

What is the formal party? What is the informal party?

The formal party consists of the official organizational structure and leadership, while the informal party encompasses the broader network of supporters and activists.

What did the Founders think about political parties?

The Founders were generally wary of political parties and did not include them in the Constitution, fearing divisiveness.

What is E.E. Schattschneider's famous quote about parties?

E.E. Schattschneider famously said, 'In a democracy, the parties have to be the chief instruments of political participation.'

Why does Schattschneider think parties are necessary for democracy?

He argues that parties organize interests and provide essential structure for political participation.

What is the main argument of Aldrich in 'Why Parties'?

Aldrich argues that political parties are essential for achieving collective goals and managing electoral strategies.

Why are parties helpful for government/society?

Parties create enduring coalitions that enhance stability and governability.

What is an informational brand in the context of political parties?

An informational brand is how parties present themselves to voters, providing concise information about their values and policies.

What is the definition of primary elections?

Primary elections are electoral contests within a political party to determine its nominee for the general election.

What are the McGovern-Fraser Reforms?

The McGovern-Fraser Reforms are changes that made the primary election process more democratic by increasing the role of ordinary voters.

What is the difference between closed and open primaries?

Closed primaries restrict voting to registered party members, while open primaries allow unaffiliated voters to participate.

What is the significant ideological dividing line between the two parties that competed in the second party system?

The primary ideological dividing line was over issues such as states' rights and federal authority.

What major issue split the parties in the 1850s-1860s?

The issue of slavery was the major dividing factor that split the parties during this period.

Which party was more conservative and which was more liberal around the Civil War era?

The Democratic Party was more socially/racially conservative, while the Republican Party was seen as more progressive.

What happened in the 1920s that changed the focus of the parties?

In the 1920s, economic issues became more dominant, with a focus on business interests and economic growth.

What is the New Deal coalition? Which Party dominated in this era?

The New Deal coalition was a coalition of various groups including labor unions, minorities, and the middle class, dominated by the Democratic Party.

During the New Deal era, which party was more economically liberal and which was more economically conservative?

The Democratic Party was more economically liberal, while the Republican Party was more economically conservative.

What significant event in the 1960s caused a major realignment in the parties?

The civil rights movement and its aftermath led to a major realignment, particularly in the South.