Chapter 9

Organizations that aim to influence government policy by gaining control through elections. They shape policy by proposing legislation, nominating candidates, and organizing campaigns.

Organized groups that advocate for specific policies without direct involvement in elections. They focus on influencing government, not holding office.

Political parties formed in the early years of the US as a result of differing views on federal power and economic policy. The two main parties - Federalists and Democratic-Republicans - emerged from debates surrounding the Constitution.

A collective action problem occurs when a group's individual interests clash with achieving a common goal. This is common in societies, challenging decision-making and resource distribution.

Groups of individuals with similar interests who aim to achieve a collective goal, typically involving conflict over resources or power.

Interest groups are not formal government entities. They communicate public preferences to the government indirectly through advocacy and lobbying, aiming to influence policy decisions.

A party platform is a document that outlines a political party's positions on key issues. It is adopted at the party's presidential nominating convention every four years.

The Federalists favored a strong central government with control over the economy, while the Anti-Federalists wanted a more decentralized system focused on state autonomy.

George Washington warned against the divisive nature of political parties in his farewell address. However, the formation of political parties became necessary to unite and organize supporters for elections.

Political groups formed in 1796 as the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. This marked the beginning of organized political parties in the U.S.

The 12th Amendment modified the Electoral College process, allowing voters to select president and vice president separately and established procedures for when no candidate received a majority vote.

A term used by Andrew Jackson who believed that John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay had unfairly manipulated the election of 1824, favoring Adams over Jackson.

The Second Party System emerged after the 1824 election, with the Democratic Party led by Andrew Jackson and the Whig Party advocating for economic development.

Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party, which appealed to a broader range of voters, marked a turning point in American politics. It reflected a shift from elite-driven parties to parties organized around mass participation.

A system where political support is rewarded with government jobs, often given to party loyalists and friends.

They work to get their party's candidates elected by building broad coalitions and advocating for issues that appeal to a wider range of voters.

Parties formed as alternatives to the existing major parties (Democrats and Republicans) seeking to represent different ideologies or issues.

A political movement that focused on reform and addressing issues arising from America's rapid industrialization and urbanization.

A third party that arose in the late 19th century, representing farmers and rural communities who felt marginalized by big businesses.

Where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't reach a majority.

A system where the winner of an election is determined by a majority of votes, meaning more than 50% of the total votes.

A system in which the number of seats a party wins in an election is directly proportional to the percentage of votes they receive. It allows for representation of smaller parties.

A political system where only two major parties have a realistic chance of winning elections. The winner-take-all system and other factors contribute to this structure.

Candidates compete in elections, and the person with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they get a majority. This often limits third-party success.

A voting system where a candidate needs a majority of votes (more than 50%) to win. If no candidate gets a majority, a runoff election is held between the top two candidates.

Occurs when a third party wins a significant number of votes but fails to win any seats, potentially impacting the outcome of the election by taking away votes from a preferred candidate.

An election system where voters select their preferred party and the party decides who will represent them in government. The elected officials are accountable to their party, not directly to the voters.

The electorate's preferences change over time due to factors like generational shifts, evolving social attitudes, and economic changes.

The electorate's stability can be disrupted by shifts in population demographics, such as immigration and internal migration, impacting voting patterns and electoral outcomes.

The changing economic conditions in different regions affect voters' preferences, impacting their support for parties based on their perceived economic policies.

Elected officials have to balance the preferences of their national party with the specific needs and concerns of their local constituents, creating a tension between national and local priorities.

Political parties need to adapt their positions to keep pace with evolving social and economic trends to maintain voter support and stay competitive.

A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't have a majority.

The Electoral College is a group of electors chosen by each state to formally elect the U.S. President and Vice President. Each state has a number of electors equal to its representation in Congress (House members + Senators).

A situation where a third party gains significant support, potentially impacting the outcomes of elections, but faces challenges in securing enough votes to win with a winner-take-all system like the U.S. presidential election.

A major shift in party loyalties and alliances within a political system, typically triggered by a critical election with significant changes in the political landscape.