Questions and Answers
A ______ party system is characterized by only one political party controlling the government.
one
A ______ party focuses on a major social, economical, or moral issue.
single-issue
A ______ party system contains two major parties competing for power.
two
Coalition governments are often formed in a ______ party system.
Signup and view all the answers
In the USA, the two major political parties are the Democratic Party and the ______ Party.
Signup and view all the answers
The ______ Party, which allowed Woodrow Wilson to win, was an example of a third party that shifted election outcomes.
Signup and view all the answers
The Libertarian Party is an example of an ______ party that seeks an overall change in society.
Signup and view all the answers
In places like Cuba and North Korea, a ______ party system prevails.
Signup and view all the answers
Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party allowed ______ Wilson to win.
Signup and view all the answers
______ based parties usually have their issue adopted by major parties.
Signup and view all the answers
Getting on the ballot for all ______ states is a major obstacle for third parties.
Signup and view all the answers
In ______ member districts, only one person can win a district.
Signup and view all the answers
A ______ captain organizes the distribution of information on the party, candidates, and voting.
Signup and view all the answers
The ______ Central Committee helps elect the party’s candidates for state government offices.
Signup and view all the answers
The National ______ meets every 4 years to nominate the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Signup and view all the answers
Dispensing ______ involves giving favors to reward party loyalty.
Signup and view all the answers
A ______ is a private meeting of party leaders or party members.
Signup and view all the answers
An official public meeting of a party to choose candidates for office is called a ______.
Signup and view all the answers
In a ______ primary, only party members can vote.
Signup and view all the answers
A ______ primary allows anyone to vote, regardless of party affiliation.
Signup and view all the answers
The second election for the top two candidates after a primary is known as a ______ primary.
Signup and view all the answers
Candidates can get on the ballot by collecting a specified number of ______.
Signup and view all the answers
The process where Republicans mainly use a 'winner take all' strategy is known as ______.
Signup and view all the answers
A statement of principles and objectives supported by a political party is referred to as a ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Development of Political Parties
- Political parties are organized groups sharing common interests to win elections and influence government policies.
Parties & Party Systems
- One Party System: Dominated by a single political party; examples include Cuba, North Korea, and China. Theocratic systems, like Iran, are also controlled by religious leadership, exemplified by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Multiparty System: Features three or more major political parties; parties often form coalitions to achieve a majority. Major parties in France include UMP (Union for a Popular Movement), PS (Socialist Party), and MoDem (Democratic Movement).
- Two Party System: Characterized by two major parties competing for power, as seen in the United States.
Role of Minor Parties
- Third Party: Any political party outside of the two major parties, e.g., the Green Party and Libertarian Party.
-
Types of Third Parties:
- Single-Issue Party: Focuses on a specific social or economic issue, such as the Free-Soil Party opposing slavery in the 1840s.
- Ideological Party: Seeks broad societal change; the Libertarian Party emphasizes limited government and personal freedoms.
- Splinter Party: Breaks away from a major party due to internal disagreements, illustrated by Teddy Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party splitting from the Republican Party.
-
Impact of Third Parties:
- They can shift election outcomes, e.g., the Bull Moose Party contributing to Woodrow Wilson's victory.
- Issue-based parties often influence major parties to adopt their platforms, such as minimum wage initiatives.
- Obstacles for Third Parties: Challenges include limited ballot access across all states, single-member districts, and financial constraints.
Party Organization
- Membership: Individuals join parties upon registering to vote; one can also register as an independent.
- Local Party Organization: Involves precincts (voting districts) and precinct captains who distribute information on party matters.
- State Party Organization: Managed by State Central Committees responsible for candidate funding and election.
-
National Party Organization:
- National Convention: Held every four years to nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
- National Committee: Includes representatives from each state, responsible for fundraising and electoral support.
Party Functions
- Key functions include recruiting candidates, educating the public on issues, operating government effectively, dispensing patronage, providing loyal opposition, and reducing conflict through compromise.
Nominating Candidates
-
Methods of Candidate Selection:
- Caucuses: Private meetings of party leaders.
- Nominating Conventions: Public events where candidates are officially chosen.
- Primary Elections: Direct voting for party representatives; includes closed (only party members) and open (any voter) types, as well as runoff primaries for top candidates.
- Petitions: Candidates gather signatures to qualify for the ballot.
-
Presidential Nominations:
- Candidates run on a ticket (president and VP).
- Republican primaries often use "winner take all" approach; Democratic primaries use proportional representation.
- Criticisms of Presidential Primaries: Concerns that primaries are prolonged, favor candidate image over issues, and that early winners receive disproportionate media attention.
- National Convention Platform: Outlines party principles and objectives; includes individual topics called planks, addressing key issues like abortion and healthcare.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the evolution and structure of political parties, focusing on one-party and multiparty systems. Understand how these systems function and their impact on governance, including examples from different countries. This quiz offers insights into the critical role political parties play in shaping government policies.
