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

1. Describe and explain in detail the three heads of the political party in the expression “a three headed political giant.”

2. Describe and explain in detail the five tasks political parties should perform if they are to serve as effective linkage institutions.

3. Draw a diagram or graph depicting Anthony Downs’ rational choice model of political parties.

4. Describe and explain in detail the two clear patterns regarding party identification that has been evident in recent elections.

5. Draw an organizational chart of an American political party and indicate where most of the power actually exists.

6. Describe and explain in detail the differences between the following types of party primaries: closed primaries, open primaries, and blanket primaries.

7. Describe and explain in detail the function of each of the following national party organizations: National convention, National Committee, and National chairperson.

8. Describe and explain in detail the relationship between party promises and party performance.

9. Describe and explain in detail four elections that might be considered “critical” or realigning.

10.  Describe and explain in detail two ways in which third parties can have an impact on American politics.

11.  Describe and explain in detail the most important consequence of two-party governance in the U.S.

12.  Describe and explain in detail that advocates of the responsible party model believe the parties should meet.

13.  Describe and explain in detail how the American party system affects the scope of government. Here are brief explanations for some of the concepts related to political parties:

1. **Three Heads of a Political Party (a three-headed political giant)**: The three components generally refer to the party in the electorate (voters), the party as an organization (party structure and staff), and the party in government (elected officials). Each head has its own role and function in the political system, influencing policies, elections, and party identity.

2. **Five Tasks of Political Parties as Linkage Institutions**: Political parties serve as effective linkage institutions through representation, mobilization of voters, education of voters, formulation of policies, and coordinating policy agendas among officials.

3. **Anthony Downs' Rational Choice Model**: This model suggests that parties seek to maximize their chances of winning elections by choosing policies that are generally appealing to voters, thus making policy choices based on the expected preferences of the electorate.

4. **Patterns in Party Identification**: Recent elections have shown a growing number of independents (disaffiliation from major parties) and increased polarization between parties, where party loyalty is stronger, and identification is more pronounced.

5. **Organizational Chart of an American Political Party**: The party typically consists of local, state, and national levels, but most power is typically held at the national level by the national committee and leaders.

6. **Types of Party Primaries**: Closed primaries require voters to be registered with a party to vote for that party's candidates. Open primaries allow any registered voter to participate regardless of party affiliation. Blanket primaries allow voters to select candidates from any party for each office.

7. **National Party Organizations**: The National Convention is where delegates gather to nominate the party's presidential candidate. The National Committee oversees party operations between conventions. The National Chairperson is the principal spokesperson and leader of the party.

8. **Party Promises vs. Performance**: The relationship indicates that parties often make promises during election campaigns that may not resonate with their performance in office, leading to voter disappointment and potential consequences at the polls.

9. **Critical or Realigning Elections**: Notable examples include the elections of 1860 (Lincoln's election), 1932 (FDR and the New Deal), 1964 (LBJ and civil rights), and 1980 (Reagan’s election that reshaped party dynamics).

10. **Impact of Third Parties on American Politics**: Third parties can influence mainstream party policies, forcing them to address issues they may have ignored, and they can also affect election outcomes by siphoning votes from major party candidates.

11. **Consequence of Two-Party Governance**: The most important consequence is often seen as the limitation on political options for voters, as the structure can lead to polarization and fewer choices in the electoral process.

12. **Responsible Party Model**: Advocates believe that parties should present clear policy alternatives, hold their members accountable for implementing those policies, and work towards collective governance.

13. **American Party System's Effect on Scope of Government**: The two-party system can limit the government's responsiveness to a broader range of public opinions and needs, often leading to centralized governance focused on majority party agendas.

KEY TERMS:

Definitions of Key Terms Related to Political Parties

1. Party Competition: The contest between political parties for control of governmental offices or influence over policy.

2. Political Party: An organized group of people who share similar beliefs and seek to influence government policy by getting their candidates elected to office.

3. Linkage Institutions: Structures within a society that connect the government to the public, including political parties, elections, interest groups, and the media.

4. Party Image: The way a political party is perceived by the public, which can influence voter behavior and party loyalty.

5. Rational-Choice Theory: A framework for understanding social and economic behavior that assumes individuals make decisions based on rational calculations to maximize benefits and minimize costs.

6. Party Identification: An individual's psychological attachment to a political party, which often influences voting behavior.

7. Ticket-Splitting: The practice of voting for candidates of different parties on the same ballot, which can indicate voter independence.

8. Party Machines: Political organizations that rely on material inducements and patronage to maintain control over political processes.

9. Patronage: The practice of granting favors or making appointments to office in return for political support.

10. Closed Primaries: Primaries in which only registered party members can vote to select the party's candidates.

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

12. Blanket Primaries: Primaries where voters can choose candidates from any party for each office on the ballot, regardless of party affiliation.

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

14. National Committee: The principal organization of a political party that manages party affairs between national conventions.

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

16. Coalition: An alliance of political groups or parties that come together to achieve a common goal, often necessary for governance.

17. Party Eras: Distinct periods in American political history characterized by the dominance of particular political parties.

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

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

20. New Deal Coalition: A coalition of different groups, including labor unions, ethnic minorities, and the poor, that supported the Democratic Party during the New Deal era.

21. Party Dealignment: A trend where voters increasingly identify as independents rather than aligning with major political parties.

22. Party Neutrality: The stance of political parties in which they do not take a side or express a preference in political matters.

23. Third Parties: Political parties other than the two major parties (Democratic and Republican) that seek to gain representation in government.

24. Winner-Take-All System: An electoral system where the candidate receiving the most votes wins all of the electoral votes or a single office.

25. Proportional Representation: An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes received.

26. Coalition Government: A government formed by multiple political parties cooperating to achieve a majority or to establish a government.

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