Political Parties Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a political party?

An organization of citizens who wish to influence government by getting their members elected to office.

What is a platform?

A statement of its official stand on major public issues.

What does philosophy refer to in the context of political parties?

An orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation.

How do your views on issues influence which political party you support?

Your views on issues may influence your support for a political party. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

The Democratic party and the Republican party. Signup and view all the answers

What are some similarities between political parties?

They keep an eye on each other, select candidates for public offices, set goals for the government, and provide leadership to reach those goals. Signup and view all the answers

What are some differences between political parties?

They have different stances on social issues, platforms or visions for the country, and views and beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Democratic party's platform?

Generally believes that the federal government should take responsibility for many social programs, such as aid to the poor. Signup and view all the answers

What are some issues that the Democratic party platform supports?

Support for tax increases to fund social programs and support for labor unions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Republican party's platform?

Generally supports reducing the power of the federal government and believes that state and local governments should abolish social programs. Signup and view all the answers

What are some issues that the Republican party platform supports?

Support for a strong military to defend the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What are some similarities between the Democratic and Republican party regarding support?

Both parties hold national conventions every four years to re-energize their supporters and nominate candidates for President and Vice President. Signup and view all the answers

What are some similarities between the Democratic party and the Republican party?

Both support the American belief in equal respect and values of freedom, justice, and equality for all. Signup and view all the answers

How do Republicans and Democrats influence their platforms in Congress?

They influence legislators of their party and party views in Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three characteristics that political parties have in common?

Philosophy, platform, and support. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Political Party

An organization composed of citizens aiming to influence government by electing members to office.

Understanding Political Platforms

A political platform is a formal declaration summarizing a party's stance on key public issues.

Significance of Philosophy

Represents the ideological framework guiding the beliefs and actions of a political group or nation.

Influence of Support on Party Affiliation

Individual viewpoints on various issues can determine which political party a person chooses to support.

Major Political Parties in the U.S.

The two predominant political parties are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

Similarities Between Political Parties

Political parties monitor each other, select candidates for public office, establish governmental goals, and provide leadership to achieve those objectives.

Differences Between Political Parties

Parties vary in their positions on social issues, overall platforms, and philosophical beliefs.

Democratic Party's Platform

Advocates for federal government involvement in social programs, including aid for the poor.

Additional Democratic Party Issues

Generally supports tax increases to fund social programs and is more favorable towards labor unions compared to Republicans.

Republican Party's Platform

Emphasizes minimizing federal government power while favoring state and local governance for social programs.

Additional Republican Party Issues

Strongly endorses maintaining a robust military for national defense.

Similarities in Support Structures

Both parties conduct national conventions every four years to energize supporters and nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

Core Values Shared by Both Parties

Both Democrats and Republicans uphold the principles of equal respect, freedom, justice, and equality for all Americans.

Influence in Congress

Both parties exert influence on their respective platforms by swaying legislators, demonstrating significant power in the legislative process.

Common Characteristics of Political Parties

Political parties universally share three foundational characteristics: philosophy, platform, and support.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts related to political parties with these flashcards. Each card defines key terms such as 'Political Party', 'Platform', and 'Philosophy', providing a helpful resource for understanding the role of political parties in government. Perfect for students and anyone interested in political science.