Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to political parties, candidates, and campaigns as outlined in the lecture notes.

Political Parties

Ongoing coalitions of interests joined under a common label to get candidates elected to public office.

Voter Choice

The opportunity for voters to choose between different policies and leaders, influencing government.

Party-Centered Campaigns

Campaign strategies where parties compete across the country, providing support for their candidates.

Candidate-Centered Campaigns

Campaign strategies where individual candidates use their own strategies and organizational choices to run their campaigns.

Single-Member District System

An electoral system where only one candidate is elected per district, central to U.S. political competition.

Majority Appeal

The necessity for candidates to attract the support of the majority of voters to win elections.

Primary Elections

Elections that shift control of nominations toward candidates rather than parties.

Televised Campaigns

Election campaigns largely influenced by money, media, and professional consultants.

Shared Partisanship

The connection among House and Senate members who belong to the same party.

George Washington's Warning

His caution against the divisive nature of political parties.

James Madison's View

His belief that parties were essential for like-minded individuals to pursue shared goals.

Federalist Party

Founded by Alexander Hamilton, emphasizing a strong central government and commerce.

Democratic-Republican Party

Founded by Thomas Jefferson, advocating for states' rights and supported by farmers.

Andrew Jackson

A leader who embraced the commitment to common people and established the Democratic Party.

Grassroots Party

A political party that relies on the support of its voters at the local level.

The Whigs

A political party that emerged to challenge the Democrats but disbanded over the issue of slavery.

Realignment

A major change in party coalitions and policies due to strong societal issues.

Civil War Impact

Led to the formation of the Union party and shifting party dominance between Republicans and Democrats.

1896 Election

A key election where Republicans gained dominance following a banking crisis.

Great Depression Impact

Led to the Democrats becoming the dominant party under Franklin D. Roosevelt.

1960's Realignment

Shift in party support as white conservatives left the Democratic Party over civil rights issues.

Social Issues

Controversies regarding crime, abortion, drugs, and changing social norms impacting party alignment.

Median Voter Theorem

The theory that parties maximize votes by positioning themselves at the median voter's preference.

Republican Coalition

A coalition primarily supported by non-Hispanic white Americans, older adults, and higher-income individuals.

Democratic Coalition

A coalition including minority groups, younger voters, and those with lower incomes.

Minor Third Parties

Political parties that usually have minimal success but can influence major parties.

Barriers to Minor Parties

Obstacles such as signature requirements for ballot access that major parties do not face.

Reform Party

A political party founded by Ross Perot focusing on fiscal responsibility.

Ideological Parties

Parties formed around specific beliefs, such as the Populists and Libertarians.

Direct Primary Elections

Elections where voters select their party's nominee directly.

Closed Primaries

Primaries limited to registered party members.

Open Primaries

Primaries that allow participation from independents or members of other parties.

Top-Two Primary

A system where the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

Party Organizations

Structures that support party candidates and influence election outcomes.

Fundraising Challenges

Candidates must often raise significant funds to compete effectively.

Political Consultants

Specialists that advise campaigns on strategy, fundraising, and media use.

Campaign Effectiveness

Despite high spending, campaigns may not significantly influence voter decisions.

Prospective Voting

Voter behavior defined by what candidates promise to do if elected.

Retrospective Voting

Voter behavior based on candidates' past performance.

Accountability Issues

Candidate-centered systems may weaken accountability and promote self-interest over responsible governance.

Straight-Ticket Voting

Voting for all candidates from one party.

Split-Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot.