0005 Issues Regarding Campaigns for National, State, and Local Elective Offices (SMR 4.5) Flashcards
What was George Washington’s ideas about political parties?
George Washington was against political parties and believed they would fracture the govt., believed instead that parties should be present only to settle a dispute as evidenced by Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist over the ratification of the Constitution and then to dissipate
When was the first instance of political parties?
During the election of 1796 between Federalists and Democratic Republicans; Adams (Federalist) wins over Jefferson (Dem-Rep) who is appointed as VP
What shift occurred with political parties during Andrew Jackson’s presidency?
Democratic Republicans became “Jacksonian” Democrats, opposed by the Whigs who disapproved of ‘King’ Andrew’s loose policies
When did the Federalist party disappear?
After the War of 1812, the federalist party essentially disappeared. The Democratic Republicans were the only part in the US from 1816 - 1830’s, a period of time known as the “era of good feelings”
What made the Democratic Republicans split and form the Democratic party?
The Democratic-Republican party split over the choice of a successor to President James Monroe. Jackson & Martin Van Buren led the Democratic party while Henry Clay helped form the Whig Party. The Whigs would later split over the issue of slavery
What would cause the Whig party to fall apart?
The Kansas Nebraska Act in 1854 would cause anti-slavery Democrats to leave and join Northern Whigs to form the Republican Party
Which political party advocated for a strong central govt, was pro business and against slavery in the late 1800s?
Republicans
Which political party advocated for a weak central govt, states rights and were pro-slavery?
Democrats
The Democratic and Republican parties have controlled the political landscape since when? Why is this?
The 1860’s
They have been able to control the political landscape because they are able to build coalitions that address minority issues and because third parties are limited by cost and the structure of elections
How has the Democratic Party changed between the 1800’s and now?
1800’s: Supported by the South and rural areas, focused on states’ rights
Currently: supported by urban areas, Northeast and West Coast, focus on national government
What could be attribute with the biggest change in the Democratic Party?
Changed with the New Deal coalition and the “New Left”
How has the Republican party changed between the 1800’s and now?
1800’s: Supported by the Northeastern and West Coast states, focused on national leadership
Currently: supported by Midwest and South, focus on states’ rights
What two groups are typically found in the Republican party today?
Economic libertarians and social conservatives
Political parties are ____ organizations with ______ membership and operated by _____.
Free
Non-binding
Private donations
What are the four roles of political parties?
- Create candidates and support “leaders”
- Influence voters (through ads, grassroot campaigning, etc.)
- Gather funds to support candidates and campaigns
- Oppose ruling party
What type of involvement can the public have in political parties? (3)
- Active membership by voting in primaries, etc.
- Become a political candidate
- Finance and contribute to political parties
How frequently do US elections take place?
Presidents elected every four years but house/senate elected every 2 (as a way to check in on the president and let him know how he is doing)
How can a third party influence elections?
very few independent elections have been successful especially at the nat’l level but a third party can influence the dominant party platforms by making a certain issue a larger issue causing other parties to take a side and through the Spoiler Effect
What is the Spoiler effect?
Voters might split the vote towards a third party candidate if they take a specific side on an issue.
What is an example of the Spoiler effect?
in the 2000 election between George Bush & Al Gore the Nader Effect comes into play. Ralph Nader created a voter split in the state of Florida. Bush barely won in Florida. If Al Gore had received the votes given to Nader, Gore would have won the election, 45% of Nader voters said they would have voted for Gore
What part of the Constitution gives state legislatures the authority to regulate elections? How might this become controversial?
Article I, Sec 4 of the Constitution gives state legislatures the authority to regulate elections – to make sure that everything is fair in the counting
Controversy with this b/c in 2000, the gov of Florida was George Bush’ brother
What act occurred in 1971 that forced candidates to reveal their sources of financing?
Federal Election Campaign Act (1971),
In the US, we hold ____ elections for most State and Federal positions
direct
How do elections work for the President, representatives and senators
- President is elected by an electoral college
- Representatives are directly elected and the # depends on population
- Senators are directly elected as a result of the 17th amendment which changed the voting of senators from being voted on by state legislators to the people
