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Political Parties/Elections test

Terms in this set (29)

What is a political party?
its a group of people who seek to control government by winning elections and holding public office.
how are the american parties different than parties in most other nations?
American parties are different because they are election-oriented, rather than principle or issue-oriented. much broader ideas
How do our political parties provide a link between the people ask their government?
Political parties help make the will of the people known to the government. (tell the government what the people want.) Political parties help hold the government accountable to the people.
what are the two major functions parties play a role in American system?
- Political parties nominate candidates for public office.
- Political parties work to help their candidates win elections.
What two objectives do parties have when they shape their positions on issues?
- Attract as many voters as possible.
- Try to offend as few voters as possible.
Explain 4 ways partisanship plays a significant role in the governing of our nation.
people often vote on the basis of party, so that often determines who gets elected. Congress and state legislatures are organized along party lines. Heads of committees in Congress here chosen by the party in power. Most appointees are chosen along party lines. Parties in control of state legislatures are responsible for redistricting of house districts, and gerrymandering favors their party.
what is the party in power?
its the party that controls the executive branch the presidents branch.
how is the party out of power so important?
it serves as a watch dog of the party in power. they critics the party in power. and try to convince people to vote them out. this encourages the party in power to act properly and please the people in order to get re-elected.
what is the single biggest reason why we have two party system?
America has single member districts and "winner takes all" elections. because most offices have only one winner, votes for a minor candidate are consider "wasted votes".
what are other reason why we have a two party system?
The US is ideologically homogenous-they shared many of the same beliefs. the two parties are fairly moderate. and agree on many issues. they are very broad so they attract as many voters as possible.
what is a party platform?
this is the ideas and stances on issues that a party promotes. Each issue is known as a plank. all of the issues together form the platform on which the philosophy and priories of the party are based.
what stances does democrat do on major issues?
tend to favor liberal ideals and actions.
what stances does republicans do on major issues?
tend to favor more conservative ideas and less government spending.
what are Caucuses?
are party meetings held to choose delegates to nominating conventions
what are Primaries?
Are party elections held to select delegates to nominating conventions and pick other candidates.
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