Political Parties
Define what a political party is.
An organized group of people who share similar political views and work to influence the govt in support of those views
What is a political continuum?
A range of political values that help us determine where we might fit politically
Two types of fundraising methods
Grassroots and private fundraising
What do you call political parties with the most elected members and what do you call political parties with the least elected members?
Most - Majority Party
Least - Minority Party
Two major factors shape political views
1.) The first is how much change a person is willing to have within their society and government
2.) The second deals with how much government involvement in the economy a person calls for.
Define a Political Action Committee
Organizations who spend and raise money in support of their candidates
The United States has what type of party system? Define it.
Multi-party system - Political system in which multiple political parties across the political spectrum run for national elections
Label the political spectrum from left to right. There are five labels!
Radical
Liberal
Moderate
Conservative
Reactionary
Define a SuperPAC.
Can spend unlimited amounts of money in support or opposition of a candidate
Identify four parties that are currently active in the U.S.
Republican
Democrat
Green Party
Libertarian
If someone’s political viewpoints are on the left of the political spectrum, then what can you generalize about their beliefs?
Liberals believe that the government should be actively involved in the promotion of the well-being of a nation’s citizens.
They usually call for peaceful, and relatively fast change within the existing political system.
They reject violent revolution as a way of changing the way things are, often called the status quo.
What is the difference between a PAC and SuperPAC?
PAC - Limited by how much they can raise and give to candidates
SuperPAC - can spend unlimited amounts of money in support or opposition of a candidate
Emerged in 2010
Cannot give to the candidate’s campaign directly
Usually spend money to pay for media messages
40% of Americans identify as this politically
Politically independent
If someone’s political viewpoints are on the right of the political spectrum, then what can you generalize about their beliefs?
People who hold conservative ideals favor keeping things the way they are or maintaining the status quo
Conservatives are usually hesitant or cautious about adopting new policies, especially if they involve government activism in some way.
They desire change to occur slowly.
They feel that the less government there is, the better.
They agree with Jefferson’s view that “the best government governs least.”
What is the Supreme Court case that gave rise to SuperPACs?
Citizens United v. FEC