American Gov. Chap. 7 Vocab.

party Organization

a specific political party's leaders and workers at the national state and local levels

party in Government

the government of office holders who belong to a specific political party and were elected as candidates of that party.

party in the electorate

the group of citizens who identify with a specific political party.

party System

periods in which the names of major political parties, their supporters, and the issues dividing them have remained relatively stable.

Party principal

the idea that a political party exists as an organization distinct from its elected officials or party leaders.

Spoil system

the practice of rewarding party supporters with benefits like federal government positions

Realignment

a change in the size or composition of the party coalitions or in the nature of the issues that divide the parties. Realignments typically occur within an election cycle or two, but they can also occur gradually over the course of a decade or longer.

National Committee

an American political party's principal organization comprising party representatives from each state.

Political action committee (PAC)

an interest group or a division of an interest group that can raise money to contribute to campaigns or to spend on ads in support of candidates. the amount a PAC can receive from each of its donors and the amount it can spend on federal electioneering are strictly Limited.

527 organization

a tax-exempt group formed primarily to influence elections through voter mobilization efforts and to issue ads that do not directly endorse or oppose a candidate. Unlike PACs they are not subject to contribution limits and spending caps.

Caucus (Congressional)

the organization of Democrats within the House and Senate that meets to discuss and debate the party's positions on various issues in order to reach a consensus and to assign leadership positions.

Conference

the organization of Republicans within the House and Senate that meet to discuss and debate the party's positions on various issues in order to reach a consensus and to assign leadership positions.

Unified Government

a situation in which one party holds a majority of seats in the House and Senate and the president is a member of that same party.

Divided government

a situation in which the house senate and the presidency are not controlled by the same party; for example, when Democrats hold the majority of House and Senate seats and the president is a Republican.

Party identification (party ID)

a Citizens loyalty to a specific political party.

Party coalitions

the groups that identify with a political party usually described in demographic terms, such as black Democrats or Evangelical Republicans.

Issue ownership

the theory that voters associate certain issues or issue positions with certain parties like Democrats and support for government provided health insurance.

Primary election

a ballot vote in which the citizens Select A party's nominee for the general election.

Caucus (electoral)

a local meeting in which party members select the party's nominee for the general election.

Nominating convention

a meeting held by each party every 4 years at which states delegates select the party's presidential and vice-presidential nominees and approve the party platform.

Party platform

a set of objectives outlining the party's issue positions and priorities. candidates are not required to support their party's platform.