Untitled Flashcards Set
1. What Are Political Parties?
Political parties are groups that influence government policies by electing their members to office.
The Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the world.
2. The Two-Party System
The U.S. has a two-party system, meaning only two parties have a realistic chance of winning elections.
This began in the 1790s with the Federalists (alexander hamilton ) and Jeffersonian Republicans. (thomas jefferson)
3. What Is a Party System?
A party system refers to how parties are organized, their balance of power, and the major issues they focus on.
4. The First Party System (1790s): Federalists vs. Jeffersonian Republicans
Federalists (New England merchants): Supported tariffs, a national bank, and ties with Britain.
Jeffersonian Republicans (Southern agricultural interests): Favored free trade and friendship with France.
The Federalists used the Alien and Sedition Acts against Jeffersonian Republicans.
5. The Second Party System (1830s): Democrats vs. Whigs
Whigs: Based in the Northeast, represented merchants (like a new version of the Federalists).
Democrats: Opposed the Whigs.
The 1840 election campaign was called the “hard cider” campaign because food and drink were used to attract voters.
6. Modern Political Parties: Republicans vs. Democrats
Republicans: Support lower taxes, less government spending, fewer regulations, and cutting social programs.
Democrats: Focus on social issues like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, environmentalism, and other progressive causes.
7. Electoral Realignment (Shifting of Political Power)
There have been five major realignments in U.S. history when political power changed significantly:
1800 – Jeffersonian Republicans defeated the Federalists.
1828 – Jacksonian Democrats took control.
1860 – Lincoln’s Republican Party replaced the Whigs.
1896 – McKinley realigned party power.
1932-1936 – FDR’s Democratic Party took control during the Great Depression.
🔹 Realignments happen when major economic or political crises weaken the old political elite.
8. Divided Government
Happens when one party controls the presidency, while the other controls one or both Houses of Congress.
9. Third Parties
Represent interests not covered by Democrats or Republicans.
The Republican Party is the only third party that successfully became permanent, replacing the Whigs.
10. Party Organization
Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC): These groups raise campaign funds and organize elections.
11. Soft Money
Money given directly to political parties (loophole for unlimited donations).
Citizens United case ruled that political spending = free speech.
12. Party Identification
A person’s loyalty to a political party.
13. Group Affiliations and Voting Trends
Different social groups tend to vote in predictable patterns:
14. Majority & Minority Party
Majority Party: Holds most seats in the House or Senate.
Minority Party: Holds fewer seats in the House or Senate.