Political Parties Study Guide

Foundations of the American Two-Party System

  • Definition of the Two-Party System: A political system in the United States dominated by two major parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, which hold significant power and influence over government.

  • Historical Origins: Early political divisions and disagreements originated between the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists.

  • Historical Party Positions on Slavery:

    • Republican Party: Established to fight against slavery.

    • Democrats: Supported slavery.

    • Demographic Shift/Focus: African Americans.

  • Strategic Positioning: Both Republicans and Democrats appeal to the political center by taking a middle stance on issues to avoid pushing voters away.

Typology of Political Parties

  • Single-Issue Party: A political party that focuses on one major social, economic, or moral issue.

  • Ideological Party: A political party organized around a set of ideas about how to change society.

  • Splinter Party: A political party that splits away from a major political party.

Functions, Campaigns, and Financial Influence of Political Parties

  • Core Objectives of Political Parties:

    • Nominate candidates for office.

    • Win the election.

    • Influence the issues that their constituents support.

  • Step-by-Step Candidate Support Process:

    1. Select a candidate.

    2. Create a campaign.

    3. Raise money.

    4. Have their candidate participate in primaries and elections.

  • Financial Influence: A political party can raise millions of dollars for its candidate, which directly influences their chance of winning an election.

Role, Impact, and Examples of Minor and Third Parties

  • Spoiler Role: The Green Party spoils elections by taking votes away from major party candidates.

  • Historical Example: Ralph Nader spoiled the election by taking votes away from Al Gore, thereby causing George Bush to win the election.

  • Voter Participation: Third parties can inspire new voters to participate in elections.

  • Platform Influence: Minor party candidates draw attention to lesser-known issues, forcing major party candidates to address those problems.

Campaign Strategies, Advertisements, and Nominations

  • Campaign Outreach Methods:

    • Speeches

    • Television and Radio Advertisements

    • Political Campaign Signs

    • Public Appearances

  • Primary Advertising Medium: Television and Radio Advertisements.

  • National Nominating Conventions: Organized to officially nominate the Republican and Democratic candidates who will represent their party in the presidential election.

Role and Purpose of Debates and Party Platforms

  • Presidential Debates:

    • Showcase competing views between candidates to the American public.

    • Connect citizens directly to candidates.

    • Help citizens decide which candidates to nominate for office.

    • Serve as entertaining events that give Americans a better understanding of the candidates and where they stand on important issues.

  • Party Platform Purpose: Designed to inform voters of the goals of the political party.

  • Issue Proposals: Intended to inform the public how a problem will be solved and encourage voters to support their proposed solution.

Voter Demographics and Ideological Influences

  • Factors Influencing Political Ideology: Family, friends, media, education, age, and income.

  • Key Primary Determinants: Education and Income.

  • Non-Affiliated Voters: Individuals who do not align with a major political party are identified as independents.

Functions of Mass Media and the Press Corps

  • Humanizing Candidates: Mass media brings voters closer to candidates so they can see them as ordinary people.

  • Media Analytical Role: Works to analyze and interpret the actions of the government and government officials.

  • Press Corps Role: Reports stories to the American public regarding the conduct, whether good or bad, of government officials.

Citizen Participation, Petitioning, and Corruption Concerns

  • Purpose of Citizen Petitioning: Citizens petition the government to influence or change government decisions.

  • Methods of Petitioning the Government:

    • Letter-writing

    • E-mail Campaigns

    • Filing Lawsuits

    • Registering People to Vote

  • Unethical and Illegal Political Influences:

    • Bribes

    • Gift Giving

    • Illegal Campaign Contributions