AP Gov Chapter 8 Vocabulary

What is party polarization?

The growing gap between the stands of the parties on policy issues.

How does Anthony Downs define a political party?

A team of men [and women] seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election.

What are linkage institutions?

The channels through which people’s concerns become political issues on the government’s policy agenda.

What is Rational Choice Theory?

A popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well as politicians.

What is ticket splitting in voting?

Voting with one party for office and with another party for other offices.

What characterizes party machines?

A type of political party organization that relies heavily on material inducements, such as patronage, to win votes and to govern.

What is patronage?

One of the key inducements used by party machines.

What is a closed primary?

Elections to select party nominees in which only people who have registered in advance with the party’s candidates, thus encouraging greater party loyalty.

What is an open primary?

Elections to select party nominees in which voters can decide on election day whether they want to participate in the Democratic or Republican contests.

What is the purpose of a national convention?

The meeting of party delegates every four years to choose a presidential ticket and write the party’s platform.

What does the national committee do?

It keeps the party operating between conventions.

Who is the national chairperson?

The person responsible for running the ongoing activities of the national party organization.

What is a coalition in political terms?

A group of individuals with a common interest on which every political party depends.

What is party realignment?

The displacement of the majority party by the minority party, usually during a critical election period.

What does party dealignment refer to?

The gradual disengagement of people from the parties, as seen in part of shrinking party identification.

What are third parties?

Electoral contenders other than the two major parties (Democratic & Republican).

What is a winner-take-all system?

An electoral system in which legislative seats are awarded only to the candidates who come in first in their constituencies.

What is proportional representation?

An electoral system used throughout most of Europe that awards legislative seats to political parties in proportion to the number of votes won in an election.