Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of political parties?
Organizations that seek to achieve power by winning public office.
What is meant by 'party in government'?
Office holders & candidates.
What is meant by 'party in organization'?
Party workers & activists.
What is meant by 'party in the electorate'?
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What is the purpose of a primary election?
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What is the difference between an open primary election and a closed primary election?
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What is raiding?
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What functions do political parties perform?
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Which groups tend to support Democrats?
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Which groups tend to support Republicans?
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What is meant by 'blue state'?
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What is meant by 'red state'?
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What is meant by 'swing state'?
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What does the Constitution mention about political parties?
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Why do 3rd parties fail to succeed in the US?
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Study Notes
Political Party Functions
- Political parties aim to gain power by winning public offices, such as Congress and the presidency.
- They elect members to control government.
Types of Political Parties
- Party in Government: Consists of elected office holders and candidates (e.g., Barack Obama).
- Party in Organization: Made up of party workers and activists responsible for campaigning.
- Party in the Electorate: Includes voters who support or identify with the party, crucial for mobilizing votes on election day.
Primary Elections
- Primary elections are held to select which candidate represents a party in the general election.
- A majority of votes is required for a candidate to secure a nomination.
Open vs. Closed Primaries
- Open Primary: Voters can choose which party to register with on the election day (e.g., Texas), allowing potential raiding.
- Closed Primary: Voters must register with a party before election day, providing more control and preventing raiding.
Raiding
- Raiding occurs when members of one party cross over to another party's primary to nominate a weaker candidate.
Functions of Political Parties
- Political parties help increase voter turnout and facilitate informed electoral choices.
- They act as "brands," simplifying the decision-making process for voters and lowering the information costs associated with voting.
Support for Political Parties
- Democratic Party Supporters: Nationally includes organized labor, the poor, racial minorities, and liberal professionals. Advocates for civil rights, expanded social programs, and environmental protection.
- Republican Party Supporters: Comprises businesses, upper-class groups, and social conservatives. Focuses on tax cuts, increased defense spending, and reduced social spending.
Political Designations
- Blue State: Typically votes Democratic.
- Red State: Typically votes Republican.
- Swing State: Can potentially vote for either major party in elections.
Constitutional Reference
- The U.S. Constitution does not mention political parties.
Third Party Challenges
- Third parties, like Libertarian and Green, often focus on single issues or specific factions and struggle to maintain longevity.
- Mainstream parties can adopt and adapt third-party ideas, resulting in minimal long-term success for these smaller parties.
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Test your knowledge on the essential roles and structures of political parties with these flashcards. Understand the purpose of political parties, their presence in government, and organizational aspects. Perfect for students or anyone interested in political science.
