Terms 1
Political parties
A political party is an organization that coordinates candidates to compete in a particular area's elections. It is common for the members of a party to hold similar ideas about politics, and parties may promote specific ideological or policy goals.
Two party system
The electorate gives its votes largely to only two major parties and in which one or the other party can win a majority in the legislature.
Single member districts
Electoral district or constituency having a single representative in a legislative body rather than two or more.
Electoral realignment
The movement of voters from one political party to another resulting in a major shift in the political spectrum.
Divided government
The movement of voters from one political party to another resulting in a major shift in the political spectrum.
Gridlock
In politics, gridlock or deadlock or political stalemate is a situation when there is difficulty passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people. A government is gridlocked when the ratio between bills passed and the agenda of the legislature decreases.
Party polarization
In a two-party system, a polarized legislature has two important characteristics: first, there is little-to-no ideological overlap between members of the two parties; and second, almost all conflict over legislation and policies is split across a broad ideological divide.
Third parties
Third party, or minor party, is a term used in the United States' two-party system for political parties other than the Republican and Democratic parties. The plurality voting system for presidential and Congressional elections have over time helped establish a two-party system in American politics.
Party organization
Provides the structural framework for the political party by recruiting volunteers to become party leaders.
Caucus (political)
Caucuses are meetings of members of a political party or faction to discuss and decide on policies, strategies, and candidate selections. In the context of Congressional elections, caucuses play a significant role in shaping party platforms, influencing candidate nominations, and rallying support for legislative agendas.
National convention
Gathering of delegates from a political party, held to nominate candidates for the presidency and vice presidency, as well as to establish party platforms and unify party members ahead of an election. This event is significant as it showcases the party's ideology, goals, and direction, reflecting the diverse interests within the party while also energizing supporters and establishing a unified front for the upcoming election.
Platform
Is a formal set of principal goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate, to appeal to the general public, for the ultimate purpose of garnering the general public's support and votes about complicated topics or issues.
Soft money
Refers to political contributions that are made to political parties for purposes other than supporting a specific candidate, often used for party-building activities. These funds are typically not subject to the same regulations and limits as hard money, which is directly contributed to candidates' campaigns. This distinction became a focal point in discussions about campaign finance reform, highlighting concerns over transparency and the potential for corruption.
527 committees
A 527 group is created primarily to influence the selection, nomination, election, appointment or defeat of candidates to federal, state or local public office.
Machines
Organized groups that maintained political control through a system of patronage, bribery, and manipulation, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These entities thrived on the power dynamics of urban politics, where they often exchanged services and resources for votes, creating a stronghold on local government. They were instrumental in shaping the political landscape during this period, influencing immigration policies and the integration of new voters into the political process.
Patronage
The practice of providing government jobs, contracts, or other benefits to individuals in exchange for their political support or loyalty. This system often fosters a close relationship between political leaders and their supporters, leading to a network where appointments and resources are distributed based on personal connections rather than merit. In the context of holding the bureaucracy accountable, political patronage can create challenges in ensuring that government agencies operate effectively and transparently.
Party identification
An individual's psychological attachment to a political party, often shaping their voting behavior and political beliefs. It reflects a person's sense of loyalty and affiliation with a particular party, which can influence their perceptions of candidates, policies, and the political landscape. This alignment can lead to consistent voting patterns and plays a significant role in determining voter turnout.
Party activist
Individuals who are highly involved in supporting a political party, often through volunteering, donating, or organizing events, and who prioritize the party's interests and success.
Gender gap
Observed differences in opinions, preferences, and voting behaviors between men and women. This term often highlights the disparities in political participation and electoral outcomes based on gender, showing that women tend to have different political priorities and voting patterns compared to men. These differences can significantly influence overall voter turnout and the dynamics of elections.
Nomination
Formal process of selecting individuals for specific positions, typically within government and politics. This process is crucial for filling roles such as judges, cabinet members, and other key officials, impacting how power is distributed and exercised. Nominations play a significant role in the system of checks and balances, as they are often subject to approval by the legislative branch, allowing for oversight and influence over the judicial branch's makeup and functioning.
Policy entrepreneur
An individual who actively promotes a specific policy agenda by investing resources (time, energy, reputation, etc.) to influence policy outcomes, often seeking to change the status quo rather than simply maintaining it.
Majority party
To the political party that holds more than half (or an absolute majority) seats in a legislative body. It has significant influence over decision-making processes and can shape the legislative agenda.
Minority party
A small political party that rises and falls with a charismatic candidate or, if composed of ideologies on the right or left, usually persists over time.
Straight ticket
A practice where a voter selects candidates from the same political party for all offices on the ballot. This type of voting reflects a voter's party loyalty and simplifies the decision-making process by allowing individuals to support a party's platform across various positions without having to research each candidate individually.
New deal coalition
Refers to the diverse group of voters and interest groups that came together in support of the Democratic Party during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. This coalition emerged as a response to the economic devastation of the Great Depression and included various segments of society such as labor unions, African Americans, farmers, and urban working-class voters. The coalition fundamentally reshaped the American political landscape and contributed to the long-term success of the Democratic Party.