term1 Definition1term2 Definition2term3 Definition3
Please sign in to your Google account to access your documents:
Concept
1. What coalitions make up the two main political parties in the United States
2. Why do third parties so often fail in us politics
3. What effect has dealignment had on political parties
4. Are there serious policy differences between Democrats and republicans
5. Who support the two parties and why
6. How does the constitution control special interests?
7. How have interest groups helped to democratize the us political system
8. Why are interest groups a threat to democracy
9. What role do interest groups play in setting the political agenda?
10. What techniques do PACs use to get their messages across?
11. How do interest groups achieve and exert their influence?
Four types of political groups
1. Political parties
2. Interest groups
3. Political action committees (PACs)
4. 527 groups
No partying
The framers of the constitution disliked political parties and hoped to prevent them
Political parties
A person joins with other like-minded individuals to form organizations that try to influence the outcomes of elections and legislative struggles. Political parties play formal role in both of the process.
A mainstay of US election.
A means of uniting those who shared political ideals, enable them to elect like-minded representatives and pursue similar legislative goals. They help election, and in return, candidates must be loyal to their party
- not hierarchical, largely autonomous and serve different functions; one does not take order from the other
Two-party/bipartisan system
The us has two major political parties: democrats and republicans.
This is reinforced by the electoral system.
Us election rules also make it hard for all but the two major parties to win a place on the ballot
Political characteristics
1. Parties serve as intermediaries between the people and the government
2. Parties are made up of grassroots members, activist members, and leadership
3. Parties are organized to raise money, present positions on policy, and get their candidates elected to office
4. Parties were created outside the Constitution - they are not even mentioned in the document but we developed in the 1790s
Main purpose of political parties
Get candidate elected to office.
In the past, candidates are determined by the party hierarchy, with little or no public input.
However, since 1960, most states have passed laws requiring parties to select candidates through state-run primary elections.
primary elections
Used to elect candidates. These primaries have reduced the power of political parties. Candidates must raise their own money for primaries, campaigning for their party's nomination with little to no support from the party itself.
Levels the playing field, but multiple candidates for the nomination can splinter the party membership
Third Parties
New parties that do not reach the level of a majority party.
- represent constituencies that fell disenfranchised from both the major parties.
- represent an ideology conidered to radical by the mainstream parties
Splinter/bolter parties
usually unite around a feeling that the major parties are not responding to the demands of some segment of the electorate.
EX: the Reform Party, under whose banner Ross Perot ran for president in 1996: feel that politics as usual
Need help typing ? See our FAQ (opens in new window)
Please sign in to create this set. We'll bring you back here when you are done.
Discard Changes Sign in
Please sign in to add to folders.
Sign in
Don't have an account? Sign Up »
You have created 2 folders. Please upgrade to Cram Premium to create hundreds of folders!