Civics - Unit 2 Political Parties

Liberal

Blue, government should be big and help Americans. Promote social and economic equality. Ensure fairness through the regulation of business. Diplomacy over military actions.

Fascism

a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism

Agenda

A list, plan, or outline

Third Party

Presents new issues to voters that might be overlooked. Increased choices for voters.

Primary

General elections. Closed Primary: Voter must be registered member of a party. Open Primary: Do not need to be registered.

Lobby

A group of people who conduct a campaign to influence members to vote according to the group's special interest

Democratic Party

Traditionally Liberal. Party of the working class. Heath care, pro-choice, labor rights and unions, environmentalism, welfare state.

Green Party

Liberal Platform. Protecting environment, social justice, and economic justice. Jill Stein.

National Convention

Political Party formally selecting candidates.

Bandwagon

Appeals to the desire to follow the crowd

Transfer

Connect yourself to a respected group or symbol

Incumbents

Holding an indicated position or role

ACLU

American Civil Liberties Union. Liberal group, preserves all individual rights and provides free legal advice.

Planned Parenthood

Liberal group and pro-choice. Non-profit organization that provides reproductive health.

Polls

The election

Heritage Foundation

Conservative group. Project 2025, plan for republican goals for American government.

Misinformation

No intent to deceive, exaggerated or humorous representation. Accidental false information.

Media Bias

News being reported in a way that presents one viewpoint

Conservative

Believe that the government should be small. American economy and law and order. Honor alliance and protect economic interests.

GOP

Grand Old Party. A commonly used nickname for the Republican Party in the US.

#MeToo

Raise awareness of sexual misconduct and abuse

Political Party

An organized group of people with shared political aims who seek to influence people.

Caucus

Meeting of the states political parties. Leaders of political parties select candidates.

Occupy Movement

Protest against economic inequality. We are the 99%.

Republican Party

Wealthy and big business. Grand Old Party. Support gun ownership, pro-life, support punishment and prison system, de-regulation of the economy.

Reform Party

Moderate platform. Responsible government leaders, stop excessive taxation. Robert F. Kennedy.

Electoral College

Each state has electoral votes equal to their total representatives in congress. 270 out of 538 votes required to win.

Plain Folks

Tell voters you are just like them, ordinary with similar needs and ideas

Patronage

Candidates reward political supporters with positions in government.

Radical

revolutionary, extreme left. Extreme social and economic equality. Act on behalf of worker, poor, and social groups.

PFLAG

Liberal Group. Parents, families, friends of lesbian and gays. Promotes equality.

NRA

National Rifle Association, conservative group. Right to bear arms.

Public Opinion

Collective sum of individual attitudes, beliefs, and views held by a portion of the public regarding the government.

PETA

Liberal Group. People for the ethical treatment of animals.

Disinformation

Manipulated, falsified photos, counterfeit websites, biased claims.

Confirmation Bias

People only process info that supports their beliefs.

Lib/Conservative Symbols

Liberal: Donkey. Conservative: Elephant

Plank

a position on a specific issue in the platform. Abortion is okay in the 1st 3 months.

Platform

A parties stance on an issue. Abortion - pro choice or pro life.

PAC

Donate money to candidates for their campaigns.

Precinct

A voting district.

Federalist Party

Wanted strong central governments

Libertarian Party

Modern Platform. Small government, strong civil liberties, and low taxes. Chase Oliver.

Glittering Generalities

use words or phrases that sound appealing and agreeable

Slanders (Name Calling)

Attach negative labels to your opponent

Canvass

Direct engagement with voters during an election time period.

Reactionary

Demand a return to the past. Value extreme nationalism, believe in superior groups, against free speech.

Greenpeace

Liberal groups. protects the environment, and promotes recycling and alternative energy sources.

AARP

Liberal group. American association of retired persons.

Center for American Progress

Liberal group. Environment, education, health, and economy policies.

Christian Coalition

Aimed to mobilize Christians into political action. Held traditional values.

Fake News

False news stories that appear to be real

Black Lives Matter

Protest discrimination of African Americans.