Political Parties Chapter 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a minor party?

A party with a clear ideological base

One of the political parties not widely supported (correct)

The main political party

A party with widespread support

What is a splinter party?

Those who have split away from one of the major parties.

What is a single issue party?

Parties that concentrate on only one public policy matter.

What defines an ideological party?

Parties based on a particular set of beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is an economic protest party?

Parties rooted in poor economic times, lacking a clear ideological base. Signup and view all the answers

Which parties are considered major parties in American politics?

Republican and Democratic parties. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Free Soil Party known for?

Opposing the spread of slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Bull Moose Party?

A former political party founded by Theodore Roosevelt. Signup and view all the answers

What is a political party?

A group of persons who seek to control government through elections. Signup and view all the answers

What is a bonding agent in politics?

A political party acts as a bonding agent to ensure good performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the watch dog function of political parties?

Parties out of power monitor the party in power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nominating function of political parties?

Recruit, choose, and present candidates for public office. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a one party system?

Only one political party exists. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a two party system?

A political system dominated by two major parties. Signup and view all the answers

What is a multi party system?

A system where multiple political parties run for elections. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Federalist Party?

The first American political party supporting large taxation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Democratic-Republican Party known for?

Favoring a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the spoil system?

The practice of giving government favors to political supporters. Signup and view all the answers

What is a precinct?

The smallest unit of election administration. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ward in political terms?

A unit for the election of city council members. Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered an incumbent?

The current officeholder. Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenger in politics?

A competitor against an incumbent in an election. Signup and view all the answers

What is partisanship?

Government action based on allegiance to a political party. Signup and view all the answers

What does bipartisan mean?

Supported by two parties. Signup and view all the answers

What is a coalition?

A temporary alliance of several groups. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Parties Overview

Minor parties lack widespread support but can influence elections and major parties.
Major parties in the U.S. are the Republican and Democratic parties.

Types of Minor Parties

Splinter Party: Breaks away from a major party; example includes the Bull Moose Progressive Party.
Single Issue Party: Focuses on one specific public policy; example includes the Free Soil Party.
Ideological Party: Based on a comprehensive set of beliefs regarding social, economic, and political issues; example includes the Libertarian Party.
Economic Protest Party: Emerges in response to poor economic conditions without a clear ideological base; example includes the Greenback Party.

Significant Minor Parties and Concepts

Free Soil Party: Opposed the spread of slavery during the 1840s and 1850s.
Bull Moose Party: Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912, also known as the Progressive Party.
Political Party Definition: A group seeking to control government through elections and public office.

Functions of Political Parties

Nominating Function: Responsible for recruiting, choosing, and presenting candidates for public office.
Bonding Agent: Ensures good performance of candidates and elected officials.
Watchdog Function: Parties not in power monitor the actions of the ruling party for accountability.

Political Systems

One Party System: Only one political party exists, with no allowed opposition.
Two Party System: Dominated by two major political parties.
Multi Party System: Multiple parties have an equal chance of gaining control, often seen in coalition governments.

Historical Political Parties

Federalist Party: The first American political party, supportive of high taxation.
Democratic-Republican Party: Supported a strict interpretation of the Constitution and emphasized states' rights.

Election and Voting Terminology

Incumbent: The current officeholder in a political position.
Challenger: A candidate running against an incumbent; Thomas E. Dewey is a notable example.
Precinct: The smallest unit of election administration or a voting district.
Ward: A division of cities for the election of city council members.

Political Bias and Alliances

Partisanship: Government actions that show strong loyalty to a political party.
Bipartisan: Supported by two political parties.
Coalition: A temporary alliance of various groups to form a working majority in government.

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Description

Test your knowledge on political parties with these flashcards from Chapter 5. Learn key terms like 'minor party', 'splinter party', and 'single issue party' to understand their roles in the political system. Perfect for students exploring political science concepts.