Party basics
What is a political party?
An organization that seeks to influence government by electing its members to office
What are the two main political parties in the United States?
Democratic and Republican
What is a “third party”?
Any party other than the two main ones
Which party is generally considered more conservative?
Republican Party
What is a political platform?
A set of policies and beliefs a party stands for
What is the main goal of a political party?
To win elections and gain power
Which party is symbolized by the donkey?
Democratic
Which third party did Theodore Roosevelt form in 1912?
Progressive (Bull Moose) Party
Which party generally supports higher taxes on the wealthy?
Democratic Party
What is a primary election?
An election to choose a party’s nominee
What is “party identification”?
A person’s loyalty or attachment to a party
Which party is symbolized by the elephant?
Republican
Which third party focuses on environmental issues?
Green Party
What is a “libertarian” ideology?
Belief in minimal government involvement
How do political parties help organize government?
Helps organize Congress and leadership
What is a “party platform plank”?
An individual policy statement within a platform
In general, which regions of the U.S. tend to vote Republican?
Southern and rural areas
Why do third parties often struggle to win national elections?
They lack funding and media attention
Which ideology supports government intervention in the economy but not in personal lives?
Liberal ideology
What is the purpose of a national party convention?
To nominate a presidential candidate
What is “partisan polarization”?
Growing ideological distance between parties
What issue caused the Democratic Party to lose support in the South after the 1960s?
Civil rights movement
Give one historical example of a successful third-party influence on U.S. policy.
Populist Party pushing for direct election of senators
How has party ideology shifted from the 1800s to today?
Parties shifted positions (e.g., Democrats became more liberal post–New Deal)
How does media coverage and campaign finance influence political parties today?
They shape voter perception and campaign strategy