Political Party Notes & Voting Behavior - Unit 5

Political Party Notes (DEC 6TH) 1. What is a political party, and what is its primary goal? 2. Name the two major political parties in American politics. How are they characterized in terms of orientation? 3. What symbols represent the Democratic and Republican parties, and who was res...

Political Party Notes (DEC 6TH) 1. What is a political party, and what is its primary goal? 2. Name the two major political parties in American politics. How are they characterized in terms of orientation? 3. What symbols represent the Democratic and Republican parties, and who was responsible for these associations? 4. Describe the historical origin of the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic Party. What event contributed to its adoption? 5. How did the elephant become a symbol for the Republican Party? Discuss its first appearance in political cartoons. 6. What are the main functions of political parties as outlined in the text? Provide at least three examples. 7. Why has America maintained a two-party system according to the document? Discuss at least two factors that contribute to this system. 8. What roles do minor parties play in the political landscape, and how can they impact major parties? 9. Identify the leaders of the first two political parties mentioned in the text and describe their main political beliefs. 10. What warning did Federalist \#10 provide regarding political factions, and how does this relate to the nature of political parties? Democrats vs. Republicans Reading (DEC 4TH) =========================================== 1. What is the primary belief of Democrats regarding the role of the Federal Government?\ Refer to the section \"Democrats - a short summary.\" 2. How do Republicans view individual responsibility in society?\ Use evidence from the \"Republicans - a short summary\" section. 3. According to Democrats, what are some policies that can strengthen the economy?\ Identify specific policies mentioned in the \"The Economy\" section. 4. What economic approach do Republicans prefer when stimulating the economy, and how do they justify it?\ Summarize their viewpoint from the \"The Economy\" section. 5. How do Democrats and Republicans differ in their taxation policies for large corporations?\ Examine the \"Taxes\" section for comparisons. 6. What is the stance of Democrats on social issues and individual choice?\ Refer to the \"Social Issues - Liberals vs. Conservatives\" section. 7. What are the key differences in foreign policy perspectives between Democrats and Republicans?\ Discuss insights from the \"Foreign Policy and National Security\" section. 8. How do Democrats propose to handle entitlement programs compared to Republicans?\ Summarize their positions from the \"Entitlements - Social Security, etc.\" section. 9. In terms of environmental policy, what are the contrasting views of Democrats and Republicans?\ Analyze the \"Environment\" section for these differences. 10. What conclusion does the text draw about the principles and philosophies of both parties?\ Use the \"Conclusion\" section to formulate your answer. Interest Groups (DEC 6TH) ========================= 1. What is the primary purpose of interest groups as described in the text? 2. How do interest groups differ from political parties in terms of their focus and goals? 3. Identify and explain two valuable functions that interest groups serve in society. 4. What are some reasons that individuals might form or join interest groups? Provide at least three examples. 5. Discuss how interest groups attempt to influence public opinion according to the text. 6. What role do Political Action Committees (PACs) play in the context of interest groups? 7. How does lobbying extend beyond the legislative process, as mentioned in the presentation? 8. What techniques do lobbyists use to influence legislators, and why are these techniques important? 9. Define propaganda as described in the text and explain its role in the activities of interest groups. 10. Provide examples of three different types of interest groups mentioned in the text and their specific focus areas. Voting Behavior: The History of Voting Rights (ADDED POWERPOINT TODAY) (12/10) ============================================================================== 1. What is the definition of \"suffrage,\" and how does it relate to the concept of \"franchise\" as mentioned in the text? 2. According to the text, what are the general eligibility requirements for voters today? 3. How do the current voting eligibility requirements differ from those in the early years of the nation? 4. What role do states play in determining voting qualifications, according to the text? 5. Explain the significance of the Motor Voter Law as described in the text. How does it facilitate voter registration? 6. Identify and explain three reasons why some Americans choose not to vote as outlined in the text. 7. Discuss the characteristics of voters mentioned in the text. What factors appear to influence higher voter turnout? 8. What does the text suggest about the relationship between two-party competition and voter turnout? 9. How does party identification influence voting behavior, based on the information provided in the text? 10. Why is there a noted decline in people identifying with one political party, and what implications might this have for future elections?