AP Government Chapter 8 - Political Parties

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Questions and Answers

Define what the term Political Party means?

A political party is a team of men and women seeking to control the government by gaining office in a duly constituted election.

Give an example of a political party?

Democrat

Republican

Libertarian

All of the above (correct)

Explain the three heads of the political party in the expression 'a three-headed political giant'.

a. The party in the electorate. b. The party as an organization. c. The party in government.

What are the five tasks political parties should perform if they are to serve as effective linkage institutions?

a. Parties pick candidates. b. Parties run campaigns. c. Parties give cues to voters. d. Parties articulate policies. e. Parties coordinate policymaking. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what Anthony Down's rational-choice model of political parties is.

The rational choice theory seeks to explain political behavior and outcomes focusing on the relationship between parties, citizens, and policies. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what party images and party identification mean?

Party images are the perceptions voters have about certain parties, while party identification is a citizen's self-proclaimed preference for one party. Signup and view all the answers

What two clear patterns regarding party identification have been evident in recent elections?

a. The edge between Democrats and Republicans has become more modest. b. More people identify as independent. Signup and view all the answers

What is ticket-splitting?

Ticket splitting is voting with one party for one office and the other party for another office. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the power of a political party actually exist?

The power exists in the members of the party, as they have the power to elect their representatives. Signup and view all the answers

Draw an organizational chart of an American political party.

At the top is the national committee and convention, followed by state conventions and organizers, with local party organizers at the bottom. Signup and view all the answers

What is a party machine?

A party machine is a type of political organization that relies heavily on material inducements, such as patronage, to win votes. Signup and view all the answers

Please give two examples of a party machine in American history.

a. Patronage and buying votes, such as Boss Tweed of New York. b. Using racial machines to gain ethnic support in cities like Albany and Chicago. Signup and view all the answers

Please compare and contrast what open primaries and closed primaries are.

Open primaries allow voters to choose on election day, while closed primaries require registration with a party, increasing party loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

Please explain what blanket primaries are.

Blanket primaries are primary elections where voters can select nominees from any party. Signup and view all the answers

Please explain the function of each of the following national party organizations: National Convention, National Committee, National Chairperson.

a. National Convention: Meeting of party delegates every four years to select a presidential candidate. b. National Committee: An institution that operates between conventions. c. National Chairperson: Responsible for day-to-day activities and often handpicked by the nominee. Signup and view all the answers

Please explain the relationship between party promises and party performance.

Party promises are commitments made to voters, while performance measures how well the party fulfills those promises. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Party Definition

A political party seeks to control government by winning elections, primarily through obtaining office positions.
Main competition lies in securing presidency and other government roles.

Examples of Political Parties

Various political parties exist, such as Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Greens.

Three Heads of a Political Party

Party in the Electorate: Refers to the voters and supporters of a party.
Party as an Organization: Encompasses the structure and strategy of the party itself.
Party in Government: Comprises the elected officials who represent the party.

Tasks of Political Parties as Linkage Institutions

Pick candidates: Selecting individuals to run for offices.
Run campaigns: Organizing and managing electoral campaigns.
Give cues to voters: Providing information that helps voters make informed choices.
Articulate policies: Clearly expressing the party's platform and positions.
Coordinate policymaking: Collaborating with various branches of government to implement policies.

Anthony Downs' Rational-Choice Model

Rational-choice theory explains political behavior, suggesting voters act in their self-interest when making decisions.
Downs developed a model illustrating the interaction between political parties, citizens, and policies.

Party Images vs. Party Identification

Party Images: Voter perceptions of a party's stance on issues (e.g., Democrats seen as pro-choice).
Party Identification: An individual's self-identified allegiance to a party, impacting voting behavior.

Trends in Party Identification

Declining dominance of Democrats, resulting in a more modest advantage over Republicans.
Increased identification as independents among voters.

Ticket Splitting

Voting for candidates from different parties for different offices during an election.

Power of Political Parties

Political power is derived from party members who elect representatives and influence outcomes.

Organizational Structure of American Political Parties

Top: National committee and national convention.
Middle: State conventions and party organizers.
Bottom: Local party organizers.

Party Machine

A political organization that heavily utilizes patronage and material incentives to secure votes.

Historical Examples of Party Machines

Patronage and vote-buying tactics exemplified by figures like Boss Tweed.
Ethnic support strategies used in cities like Albany and Chicago.

Open vs. Closed Primaries

Open Primaries: Voters can choose which party to vote for on election day.
Closed Primaries: Only registered party members can vote for their party's candidates, fostering greater loyalty.

Blanket Primaries

Elections providing voters a list of nominees from all parties to select candidates freely.

National Party Organizations Functions

National Convention: Meeting every four years where delegates select presidential candidates.
National Committee: Operates the party between conventions, comprising state and territory representatives.
National Chairperson: Manages daily party activities, typically appointed by the presidential nominee.

Party Promises vs. Party Performance

Party Promises: Commitments made by political parties to attract support and membership.
Party Performance: Evaluation of how effectively parties deliver on their promises during their term in office.

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Description

Test your knowledge on political parties with this set of flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 8 of AP Government and Politics. You'll learn definitions and examples that illustrate the role of political parties in the government and electoral process.