Political Parties: 11

Political Parties

Organized groups that attempt to influence the government by electing their members to political office.

Difference between Political Parties and Interest Groups

Political parties seek to elect members to government, while interest groups attempt to influence policies without electing members.

Functions of Political Parties

Recruit candidates, get members to vote, promote party causes and issues, organize leadership in Congress.

Two-Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties, such as the United States, contrasted with multi-party systems.

First Party System

Characterized by the Federalists and the Jeffersonian Republicans, with the latter becoming the Democrats after the collapse of the Federalists.

Jeffersonian Republicans

Southern agricultural interests that opposed tariffs and wanted free trade.

Era of Good Feelings

Time period when the Jeffersonian Republicans were the only political party in the U.S. until the 1830s.

Whig Party

Political party that emerged in the 1830s opposing Jackson and united by their opposition to Democrats.

1856 Political Realignment

The collapse of the Whig Party leading to the formation of the Republican Party, which pledged to ban slavery.

Republicans in the Post Civil War South

The South became solidly Democratic following the Civil War.

New Deal Party System

The political alignment following FDR's election during the Great Depression, focusing on economic recovery.

Realignment of Parties

Shift in political party ideologies, with Republicans advocating for smaller government and Democrats aligning with unions and minorities.

Third Party Influences

Parties like the Populist, Progressives, Reform Party, and the Tea Party that impact the political landscape without being predominant.

Party Identification

A voter's ties to a political party, often categorized as Red for Republican and Blue for Democrat.

Factors Influencing Voting

Socioeconomic status, education level, income, political environment, and competitiveness of campaigns.