Political Parties Flashcards

Political Parties Overview

• Political parties play a crucial role in the US Congress by influencing debates and controlling the legislative agenda.
• Their primary goal in debates is to inform voters about public policy matters.

Definitions and Characteristics

• A political party is defined as a group that shares similar beliefs regarding government.
• The leader within the legislative branch of a party possesses the authority to dictate the party's strategic direction.

Organizational Structure

• The most powerful members of a political party are typically situated within the national party.
• At the top of the political party hierarchy is the National party, which oversees the entire organization.
• Volunteers are positioned at the base of the organizational pyramid due to their essential role in executing key tasks.

Historical Context

• The two-party political system emerged shortly after the foundation of the nation, shaping the American political landscape historically.
• Third parties play a significant role in elections by siphoning votes from major parties, impacting overall election outcomes.

Formation of Political Parties

• The Republican Party was founded due to a significant disagreement over government roles, illustrating the dynamic nature of political affiliations and ideologies.