Political Parties - Chapter 8

Political Party

An organization that seeks to gain power by electing

candidates who support its ideas

Nomination

The official selection of a candidate to run for office

Political System

The set of institutions, laws, and practices that

structure how power is distributed and exercised in a society

Electoral College

The body of representatives that formally elects the

U.S. president and vice president

Caucus

A meeting of party members to choose candidates or decide

party policy

National Convention

A large meeting where political parties formally

nominate their presidential candidates and adopt party platforms

Party Platform

A written statement of a party’s goals, beliefs, and

policy positions

Critical Election

An election that marks a lasting shift in party support

and voter alignment

Electoral Realignment

A long-term change in party loyalty or voter coalitions following a critical election

Two-Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties

Majority Representation

The system where the candidate with the most

votes wins all the power/seats (winner-takes-all)

Proportional Representation

A system where parties gain seats based

on the percentage of votes they receive

Party Identification

A voter’s long-term loyalty or psychological

attachment to a political party

National Committee

The central governing body of a political party

that organizes campaigns and national strategy

Party Machine

A strong, disciplined party organization that controls

politics through patronage and loyalty

Responsible Party Government

The idea that parties should present clear choices to voters and carry out their promises once elected