Unit 5: Political Participation, Chapters 8, 9, 10 & 11

Three Heads of a Political Party

Refers to the party in the electorate (voters), party as an organization (structure and staff), and party in government (elected officials), each influencing policies and elections.

Linkage Institutions

Structures in society that connect the government to the public, which include political parties, elections, interest groups, and media.

Party Identification

An individual's psychological attachment to a political party, which often influences their voting behavior.

Closed Primaries

Primaries in which only registered party members can vote to select that party's candidates.

Open Primaries

Primaries that allow any registered voter to participate in any party's primary election, regardless of their own party affiliation.

Blanket Primaries

Primaries where voters can choose candidates from any party for each office on the ballot.

National Convention

A gathering of delegates from a political party to nominate presidential candidates and establish party platforms.

National Committee

The principal organization of a political party that manages party affairs between national conventions.

National Chairperson

The person responsible for the day-to-day operations of a political party and serves as its spokesperson.

Critical Election

An election that signals a significant and lasting shift in the political landscape, often leading to realignment.

Responsible Party Model

A theory that advocates for parties to present clear policy alternatives, hold their members accountable, and work towards collective governance.

Party Realignment

A dramatic change in the political system, often involving the displacement of the majority party by a new majority party.

Third Parties

Political parties other than the two major parties that seek to gain representation in government.

Coalition

An alliance of political groups or parties that come together to achieve a common goal.

Party Competition

The contest between political parties for control of governmental offices or influence over policy.

Rational-Choice Theory

A framework for understanding behavior, assuming individuals make decisions based on rational calculations to maximize benefits.

Winner-Take-All System

An electoral system where the candidate receiving the most votes wins all of the electoral votes or a single office.