Unit 5.4 - How and Why Political Parties Change and Adapt (Perusall Readings)

Why was there a shift in the 1960s for voting for a political party rather than an individual candidate?

It was beacuse of the person’s own personalities rather than on a party affiiliation. Also, during the 1960s, society started to question public institutionas like the Vietnam War’s continuation by a political party.

What did individual candidates do that brought voters AWAY from voting strictly toward a political party?

These candidates started speaking directly toward the people.

Why are demographic groups critical to win over for a political party?

It’s because they generally contain tons of individuals like hispanics, LGBTQ members, and blue-collar workers. These numbers could determine the election.

What is the McGovern-Fraser Commission? Why was it created?

It was created in response to the turmoil of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which had people rioting in the streets because of Hubert Humphrey’s nomination as Democratic Candidate. It aimed to reform the nomination process and make it more democratic by increasing participation and representation of diverse groups.

What are superdelegates?

They are high-ranking delegates that are not beholden to any state primary vote. They include Democratic members of Congress, governors, mayors of large cities.

Why were superdelegates created?

They were created to ensure that elected officials have a significant role in the nomination process, allowing them to exert influence and provide guidance in choosing a candidate.

What is party realignment?

It’s a change in the political system in which the balance of power between political parties shifts.

How do party realignments happen?

They happen through critical elections, where they reveal sharp, lasting changes in loyalties to political parties.

What are critical elections?

They are elections that generally reveal a sharp shift in how a political party’s ideology changes.

What causes party realignment? hint: 2 causes

1. One cause is when a party is very badly defeated in an election. This will make it fade into obscurity and a new party emerges

2. Large blocs of voters shift the allegiance from one party to another as a result to social/economic/political changes.

What caused party realignment to occur in the Democratic-Republican/Jeffersonian party?

It was the contributions by Andrew Jackson, who expanded suffrage to all white males, instead of just white-males that owned land.

This shift in politics created the Jacksonian Democracy and the Whig Party.

What is a divided government?

It’s when one party controls Congress and the other controls the White House.

What is party dealignment? What does this lead to in terms of the major political parties?

It’s when individuals turn away from politics altogether or become independents. This leads to a decrease in support for the major political parties and often results in increased polarization in the electorate.