Political Parties
Party Systems
Two-Party System
Levels of Political Parties
Elements of Political Parties
100
What role do the Minor Parties play in the political process?
Minor parties usually organize and mobilize around a single issue or position, putting pressure on candidates from major political parties to address these issues
100
What are the three types of party systems?
One-Party, Two-Party, and Multi-Party.
100
What are the four reasons the United States has a two-party system?
Historical Basis, Electoral System, Tradition, American Ideological Consensus.
100
What are the three levels of political parties?
National, State, and Local.
100
What are the three elements of a political party?
"Party in the Government", "Party Organization", and "Party in the Electorate"
200
What are the four types of Minor Parties in the United States?
Enduring, single-issue, candidate-centered, and fusion parties
200
List two advantages of a one-party system.
Useful in times of emergency, Politically stable government, Ensures national integration and Ensures continuous economic development.
200
Define "Historical Basis" in terms of the United States two-party system.
The Republic began with two parties; the Federalists, and the Anti-Federalists.
200
What level is closest to the voter?
Local
200
What is "Party in the Government?"
Those who hold office in government.
300
Give an example of each type of Minor Parties in the United States.
Enduring- Libertarian Single-Issue- Green Party Candidate-Centered- Independence Party Fusion- Tea Party
300
List two advantages of a two-party system.
Allows the people to have a choice, Allows for change within the government, Checks and balances, and Leaders are accountable to the people.
300
Define "Electoral System" in terms of the United States two-party system.
Single-member districts discourage voters from "wasting" votes on minor parties candidates. Election laws are designed to discourage minor parties
300
What level is the farthest from the voter?
National
300
What is "Party Organization?"
Those who run the party.
400
Give a brief description of each type of Minor Parties in the United States.
Enduring - a type of minor party that has existed for a long time and regularly fields candidates for president and state legislatures. Single-Issue - exist to promote a particular policy agenda. Candidate-centered - form around candidates who are able to rally support based on their own charisma or message. Fusion - also known as alliance parties, are enduring or single-issue minor parties that engage in the practice of cross-endorsement, backing candidates who appear on a ballot under more than one party label.
400
List two advantages of a multi-party system.
It is democratic, Ensures a peaceful change of power, Caters for the minority, and it permits mass political participation.
400
Define "Tradition" in terms of the United States two-party system.
Once established the two-party system continues because of tradition and a reluctance to support minor parties
400
What level is the middle distance from the voter?
State
400
What is "Party in the Electorate?"
Those who vote for the party.
500
What are the five functions of political parties and how do they operate?
Nominating Function - To nominate, to name, candidates for public office. The Informer-Stimulator Function - Parties inform the people and stimulate their interest and participation in public affairs. The "Seal of Approval" Function - Parties grant seals of approval, meaning they make sure candidates are both qualified and have a good character before electing them. The Governmental Function - United States government is run by parties. The Watchdog Function - Parties act as watchdogs over the conduct of the public's business.
500
List two disadvantages for all three party systems.
Multi-Party System - Expensive to Operate, and Provides Too Many Choices Two-Party System - It Promotes Corruption, and It Brings Government to a Standstill. One-Party System - Encourages Subversive Elements, and Tends to be Corrupt
500
Define "American Ideological Consensus" in terms of the United States two-party system.
Because Americans agree on fundamental issues, the conditions that could produce several strong rival parties do not exist
500
Name the three levels of a political party in order from closest to farthest to the voter.
Local, State, National
500
List all three elements of a party and describe what each of them are.
The three main components of a party are the organization (those who run the party), the party in the electorate (those who vote for the party), and the party in the government (those who hold office in government).
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