Term
| What is a Political Party? |
|
Definition
| Political Parties are organizations that exist to allow like-minded members of the population to unite and voice opinions and support candidates. |
|
|
Term
A brief history of the American party system
(BIG DEAL) |
|
Definition
1790s-1824: Federalists argued for strong central government, while Democratic- Republicans (Jefferson) argued for decentralized systems of states' rights.
1828-54 (1st Party System)
Andrew Jackson's Jacksonian Democrats were for states rights. They were made up of mostly urban workers, westerners, and southern non-slaveholders.
Whigs are the precursor to modern Republican party; the supported businessowner's rights and big gov't.
1854-90's (2nd)
Republican Party - combonation of progressive whites, minority parties, Whigs; abolished slavery and dominate until 1930's. Opposed by Democratic Party - weakened, but had supporters in South Midwest
1896 - 1932 (3rd)
Increased development of both parties, continued domination of Republicans. Progressives develop.
1933 - 1968 (4th)
Great Depression puts Democrats in control.
1969 - 2000 (5th)
Republicans dominate again.
2000 - ? (6th)
Increase in partisanship (black-and-white), narrow elections (Bush v. Gore) |
|
|
Term
| What are the roles (4) of Political Parties? |
|
Definition
1. Parties organize election process
2. parties represent group interests
3. parties simplify political choices
4. parties organize government and policy making |
|
|
Term
| explain the role of political parties at the grassroots level |
|
Definition
1. local party organizations provide entry for people seeking involvement in politics
2. state party organizations organize elections, provide electoral college votes needed to win presidency
3. committee leaders supervise funtions of state parties
4. State parties work with state governments to conduct primary elections.
5. Party structure varies state to state |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Trading jobs for political support |
|
|
Term
| What is a national party organization? |
|
Definition
| 1. National level groups that are mostly visible around presidential elections, either because they are raising funds, or they are distributing information. |
|
|
Term
| What are caucuses and primaries? |
|
Definition
Caucus: meeting of party adherents who gather to discuss and give supoort for a candidate for president.
Primary: Pre-election that allows members of a party to nominate a candidate to represent their party in the presidential race |
|
|
Term
| What are PACs and Super PACs, and how do they differ? |
|
Definition
PACs are committees formed as the fund-raising and financial ditribution arm of interest groups. Have limits on money.
Super PACs - Same as PAC, but with no limits. |
|
|
Term
| How has the nomination process for candidates change? |
|
Definition
McGovern-Fraser Commision - gave convention power to wide variety of party activists, thus weakening party leaders.
In 1984, Democratic leaders established "superdelegates," which are delegates not bound to vote for a specific candidate. |
|
|
Term
| Why does the US have a two-party system? |
|
Definition
Insitutional factors - single member districts inhibit 3rd parties
Cultural factors - Two-party system is very American
Party Identification - long-term tendency to support a particular party |
|
|
