POLS 230 Parties and Prez (MN 4)

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the national government is elected at once in parliamentary elections and the ruling party or coalition picks an executive.

Prime Minister

The head of government in a parliamentary system whose governing agenda comes from the ruling party.

Linked Electoral Fate

The concept that legislators want to keep the president popular and project unity, even if they disagree.

Mandate

The idea that the winning candidate has the authority to implement policies based on the platform they campaigned on.

Honeymoon Period

The initial phase of a presidency where the public is generally positive towards the president, usually within the first year.

Presidential Success Rates

The tendency for a president's ability to accomplish agendas to decline over their time in office.

Unified Government

A condition where Congress is fully controlled by the president's party, increasing chances of legislative success.

Polarization

The growing ideological distance between political parties, affecting party cohesion in Congress.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political issues, impacting congressional support for the president.

Agenda Size

Refers to the number of goals or objectives a president aims to achieve; fewer goals increase the likelihood of success.

Direct Federal Spending

Funding allocated by the government to support marginal co-partisans, aiding political allies.

Coalition Management

The strategy employed by presidents to engage interest groups in their governing coalition.

Social Movement Leaders

Influential figures within social movements with whom presidents negotiate to strengthen support.

Coattails Effect

The impact a popular president has on the electoral success of other candidates from the same party.

Political Time

The concept that significant political realignments alter which party holds dominance and affects the presidency.

Reconstruction Presidency

A presidency during a major transition point when the dominant party is redefining its approach (e.g., Reagan).

Disjunction Presidency

A presidency that occurs when the dominant party is in a period of decline between major transitions (e.g., Carter).

Articulation Presidency

A presidency of a weak party at a transition point, typically involved in significant social changes (e.g., LBJ).

Preemption Presidency

A weak party presidency that operates between major transitions, often struggling to maintain power (e.g., Clinton).

Presidents as Agenda-Setters

The role of the president in highlighting issues to influence public debate and legislative focus.

Salience

The importance or prominence of an issue, especially as raised by the president.

Double-edged Sword

The concept that increased attention to presidential actions comes from both supporters and opponents.

Congressional Co-Partisans

Members of Congress that share the same political party as the president.

Coalition

A partnership formed between different political groups or organizations to achieve a common goal.

Interest Groups

Organizations with shared interests that seek to influence public policy.

Legislators

Members of a legislative body responsible for making laws.

Executive

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws and conducting government operations.

Fates of Legislators and Executive

The interconnected outcomes of members of Congress and the president, influencing each other's success.

Presidents' Popularity

The degree to which the public views the president favorably, which can impact midterm elections.

Midterm Elections

Elections that occur midway through a president's term, often reflecting the president's popularity.

Party Leaders

Individuals who lead political parties and make strategic decisions to support the party's agenda.

Marginal Co-Partisans

Politicians who are closely aligned with the president and may be more vulnerable in elections.

Political Realignments

Significant shifts in voter allegiance that can change the political landscape.

Transition Points

Critical moments in history when political parties undergo significant changes.

Presidential Campaigns

Efforts and strategies employed by candidates to win the presidency.

Electoral Support

The backing given by voters to candidates during elections.

Unity within Party

The cohesion and alignment of a political party's members in support of shared goals.