AP Gov: Topic 5.3 - Political Parties Study Guide

Democratic/Republic National Committee (DNC/RNC)

comprise a hierarchy of hundreds of employees and a complex network dedicated to furthering party goals

Democratic Party

supports a liberal doctrine

linkage institutions

channels that connect people with the government

national chairperson

chief strategist and spokesperson

national convention

gathering of party leaders

platform

a written list of beliefs and political goals

Republican Party

supports a conservative doctrine

robocalls

prerecorded phone messages delivered automatically to large numbers of people to remind people to vote for their candidates and to discourage voting for opposing candidates

social media

social networks, video posting, etc.

war chest

funds to spend

What are linkage institutions?

Channels or intermediaries that connect average citizens with government policymakers (e.g., political parties, interest groups, elections, media).

What is the primary role of linkage institutions in a democracy?

To act as intermediaries between average people and policymakers, ensuring public input reaches government officials.

What are the four major linkage institutions in the U.S.?

1. Political Parties 2. Interest Groups 3. Elections 4. Media

What is a political party?

An organization at least partially defined by a certain ideological belief that puts forward candidates for election.

What is the Democratic Party?

A major U.S. political party that supports a liberal political doctrine.

What is the Republican Party?

A major U.S. political party that supports a conservative political doctrine.

What are the DNC and RNC?

The Democratic/Republican National Committees; complex hierarchical organizations with hundreds of employees dedicated to furthering party goals.

What is the role of a political party's national chairperson?

To act as the chief strategist and spokesperson for the party.

What occurs at a political party's national convention?

A gathering of party leaders to officially select presidential candidates and outline party goals.

What is a political party platform?

A formal written document outlining a party's core beliefs, policy positions, and political goals.

What are robocalls and how are they used by political parties?

Prerecorded automated phone messages sent to large numbers of people to remind supporters to vote or to discourage voting for opponents.

How do political parties utilize social media?

They use platforms like social networks and video sharing to communicate directly with voters and mobilize support.

What does the term 'war chest' refer to in political campaigns?

Funds raised and saved by a party or candidate to spend on political campaigns.

What are the four primary functions of political parties?

1. Mobilization and education of voters 2. Writing and publishing party platforms 3. Recruiting quality candidates 4. Managing and supporting campaigns

How do political parties mobilize and educate voters?

By organizing activities such as door-to-door canvassing campaigns and providing information on key issues.

How do political parties impact the electorate during election cycles?

By simplifying candidate choices through party labels, educating voters, and encouraging higher voter turnout.

How do political parties support campaign management?

By providing funding, strategists, research, advertising support, and organizational infrastructure to their candidates.