ch 8 Political Party Textbook Q's

Party systems across the history of politics in the United States are most defined by

shifts in major issues and supporting groups that characterize parties and political conflicts.

There have been six party systems in America since 1789.

For a new party system to emerge in the United States, it generally involves the existence of which factors?

Crosscutting issues and a high-turnout election

A crosscutting issue is one that divides members within a party coalition.

What is the best way to describe political party organizations so that an average American would understand?

Parties are loosely connected organizations at multiple levels connected by shared ideology.

The principal body in each party organization is the national committee, which includes several constituency groups. Each party also includes groups designed to build support for and coordinate the efforts of individuals or politicians.

How do parties in government help the government function?

They develop policy priorities among members, select leadership, and seek areas of compromise.

Those who win elections serve as members of Congress or as executive officials and propose, debate, vote on, and sign the legislation that determines what government does.

Though the election rules and dates for holding primary elections or caucuses are decided by state legislatures, the allocation of delegates to presidential candidates at the nominating convention is controlled by which entity?

National political parties

Nominating conventions are held by each party every four years. There, states' delegates select the party's presidential and vice presidential nominees and approve the party platform.

Policy making, economic activities, and policy implementation are complex activities for many Americans to understand, but the presence of political parties within government

allows Americans to hold policymakers responsible for what they believe to be positive or negative effects of government.

Political parties are identifiable groups citizens can reward or punish for government action or inaction by using the ballot box.

Many Americans view the conflictual nature of parties in government as a reason to disengage from the political process, but what is a positive effect of political parties on American democracy?

Parties can provide clear policy positions that allow voters to make decisions more easily.

Citizens generally know what policy positions Democrats hold versus those Republicans hold.

Which effect of American political parties have become destructive to our form of government?

Partisans in government and in the electorate are less concerned with the success of democracy than their own careers and policy goals.

Policy outcomes depend on how individual officeholders from a party can resolve their differences. Since individuals are primarily interested in furthering their own goals, this can make disputes very difficult to settle.

Types of Primaries and Caucuses