Political Parties, Elections, and Voting

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the history, structure, functions, and key concepts of political parties, party systems, and elections.

Political Party

A group of people who share similar beliefs about how the government should work, helping choose candidates and influence government decisions (not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution).

Federalists

An early political party led by Alexander Hamilton that supported a strong national government and a powerful economy.

Democratic-Republicans

An early political party led by Thomas Jefferson that supported stronger state governments and more power for the people.

Democratic Party

A major political party formed in 1828 with Andrew Jackson as an important leader; generally supports a more active government role in the economy, more government programs and regulations, and government action to address social and economic issues.

Republican Party

A major political party formed in 1854 with Abraham Lincoln as a member; generally favors a smaller government role in the economy, lower taxes, and less government regulation of businesses.

Third Parties

Smaller political parties outside the two major parties that introduce new ideas, give voters more choices, and bring attention to issues, but typically face difficulty winning elections due to having less money and support.

Party Platform

A statement explaining a political party's beliefs and goals that informs voters what the party plans to do if it wins.

National Convention

A meeting where political parties choose their presidential candidates and delegates represent their states to vote.

Campaigns

Organized efforts where candidates try to convince people to vote for them using speeches, advertisements, debates, and social media.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that raise and spend money to support political candidates or causes.

The 50 State Committees

Party organizations that help organize party activities within their respective states, support candidates, and organize local campaigns.

Primary Election

An election in which voters choose which candidate will represent their political party.

Closed Primary

A primary election where only registered members of a specific political party can vote in that party's primary.

Open Primary

A primary election in which voters can choose which party's primary to participate in, subject to state rules.

General Election

An election in which voters make the final choice of who will hold public office.

Runoff Election

An additional election held between top candidates when no candidate secures the required majority.

Midterm Elections

Elections that occur halfway through a president's term, happening every 2 years.

Ballot

The official form used by citizens to cast their vote.

Candidate

A person running for public office.

Delegate

A person chosen to represent a group or state at a political convention.

Grassroots Movement

A political movement that begins with ordinary people rather than political leaders.

One-Party System

A political system where a single political party controls the government with limited political competition, such as in China.

Multiparty System

A political system where several parties compete for power, offering voters more political choices, such as in France.