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Questions and Answers
A ______ party system is characterized by only one political party controlling the government.
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.
A ______ party focuses on a major social, economical, or moral issue.
single-issue
A ______ party system contains two major parties competing for power.
A ______ party system contains two major parties competing for power.
two
Coalition governments are often formed in a ______ party system.
Coalition governments are often formed in a ______ party system.
In the USA, the two major political parties are the Democratic Party and the ______ Party.
In the USA, the two major political parties are the Democratic Party and the ______ Party.
The ______ Party, which allowed Woodrow Wilson to win, was an example of a third party that shifted election outcomes.
The ______ Party, which allowed Woodrow Wilson to win, was an example of a third party that shifted election outcomes.
The Libertarian Party is an example of an ______ party that seeks an overall change in society.
The Libertarian Party is an example of an ______ party that seeks an overall change in society.
In places like Cuba and North Korea, a ______ party system prevails.
In places like Cuba and North Korea, a ______ party system prevails.
Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party allowed ______ Wilson to win.
Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party allowed ______ Wilson to win.
______ based parties usually have their issue adopted by major parties.
______ based parties usually have their issue adopted by major parties.
Getting on the ballot for all ______ states is a major obstacle for third parties.
Getting on the ballot for all ______ states is a major obstacle for third parties.
In ______ member districts, only one person can win a district.
In ______ member districts, only one person can win a district.
A ______ captain organizes the distribution of information on the party, candidates, and voting.
A ______ captain organizes the distribution of information on the party, candidates, and voting.
The ______ Central Committee helps elect the party’s candidates for state government offices.
The ______ Central Committee helps elect the party’s candidates for state government offices.
The National ______ meets every 4 years to nominate the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
The National ______ meets every 4 years to nominate the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Dispensing ______ involves giving favors to reward party loyalty.
Dispensing ______ involves giving favors to reward party loyalty.
A ______ is a private meeting of party leaders or party members.
A ______ is a private meeting of party leaders or party members.
An official public meeting of a party to choose candidates for office is called a ______.
An official public meeting of a party to choose candidates for office is called a ______.
In a ______ primary, only party members can vote.
In a ______ primary, only party members can vote.
A ______ primary allows anyone to vote, regardless of party affiliation.
A ______ primary allows anyone to vote, regardless of party affiliation.
The second election for the top two candidates after a primary is known as a ______ primary.
The second election for the top two candidates after a primary is known as a ______ primary.
Candidates can get on the ballot by collecting a specified number of ______.
Candidates can get on the ballot by collecting a specified number of ______.
The process where Republicans mainly use a 'winner take all' strategy is known as ______.
The process where Republicans mainly use a 'winner take all' strategy is known as ______.
A statement of principles and objectives supported by a political party is referred to as a ______.
A statement of principles and objectives supported by a political party is referred to as a ______.
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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.
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