Political Parties and Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to political parties, their definitions, historical changes, and significant theories related to party systems.

Duverger's Law states that the U.S. only has __ parties due to the single-member district electoral system.

Two viable

According to Down's Model, a third party cannot become viable because __.

It cannot win enough votes to be competitive.

E.E. Schattschneider famously said, '__.'

Parties are essential for democracy.

The Founders did not explicitly include __ in the Constitution.

Political parties.

The benefit of enduring coalitions is that they create __ for effective governance.

Stability.

An informational brand helps voters make __ about candidates and policies.

Informed decisions.

The southern strategy was used by __ to attract white southern voters.

Republicans.

During the 1960s, which group of people switched parties? __

African Americans.

The major issue that split the parties in the 1850s-1860s was __.

Slavery.

The party that dominated early American politics was __.

The Democratic-Republican Party.

In the 1920s, the focus of the parties changed to __ issues.

Economic.

The New Deal coalition was dominated by the __ Party.

Democratic.

During the New Deal era, the economically liberal party was the __ Party.

Democratic.

The major party realignment in the 1960s was caused by __.

Civil rights movements and social changes.