american national government ch 11

federalists

The first American political party, led by Alexander Hamilton, that supported a strong national government, industrial development, and close ties with Britain.

jeffersonian democrats

Led by Thomas Jefferson, this party favored states’ rights, limited federal power, and support for farmers and common citizens.

jacksonian democrats

Formed in the 1820s under Andrew Jackson, they championed expanded voting rights for white men, opposition to elitism, and support for the “common man.”

whigs

A political party active in the mid-1800s that opposed Jacksonian Democrats; supported Congress over the presidency, modernization, and economic development.

republicans

Founded in the 1850s by anti-slavery activists, the Republican Party supported free labor, national unity, and later became associated with conservative and pro-business policies.

progressives

Reformers of the early 1900s who sought to reduce corruption, expand democracy, and make government more responsive through reforms like primaries, initiatives, referenda, and recalls.

party primaries

Elections in which party members vote to choose their candidates for general elections, reducing control by party elites

Party in the Electorate

refers to all citizens who identify with or regularly support a political party through voting, volunteering, or advocacy.

party organizations

The formal structure of a political party that includes local, state, and national levels. There are nearly 200,000 local precincts in the U.S., each helping organize elections, recruit candidates, and coordinate party activities.

state party organizations

Coordinate statewide campaigns, manage fundraising, and help shape the party’s message and platform at the state level.

national party organizations

The top level of party structure, which includes national committees like the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC). They plan conventions, support candidates nationwide, and set overall party strategy.

party in government

Refers to elected officials and political appointees who represent the party in government positions. These members promote the party’s policies, pass legislation, and shape public agendas while in office.

republican party conferences and democratic party caucuses

Groups within Congress made up of members of the same party who meet to choose leaders, set policy goals, and coordinate legislative strategy. Republicans call theirs “conferences,” while Democrats call theirs “caucuses.”

majority party

The political party that holds the most seats in a legislative body, such as the U.S. House or Senate. It typically controls leadership positions and sets the legislative agenda.

minority party

The political party with fewer seats in a legislative chamber. It plays an important role by challenging, negotiating, and influencing legislation proposed by the majority.

plurality/ first past the post system

An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not receive a majority. This system tends to favor a two-party system like that of the U.S.

proportional representation

An electoral system (used in many other countries) in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive. This system allows for greater representation of minor or third parties.

party platforms

The official statements of a party’s beliefs, values, and policy goals. Platforms outline where the party stands on major issues such as the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy, and are updated during national conventions.

impact of minor or third parties

While they rarely win major elections in the U.S., minor parties can influence politics by drawing attention to specific issues, shaping the platforms of major parties, and affecting election outcomes by splitting votes.