21.2 - Parties Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the broad assumption that can be made about Democrats?
- Generally liberal.
- ‘Out of many, we are one’ - a responsibility of society to ensure gov. works for everyone.
- Constitutional belief in liberty and equality for all.
- Gov. intervention to ensure equality for all.
- Strong enough to defend the nation while seeking peace.
Supports:
* Women’s rights in abortion
* Same-sex marriage
* A level of social welfare
* Reform of immigration
* Pro-environment
* Gun control
* Larger government
* Access to free (or debt-free) education
* Abolishment of the death penalty
What is the broad assumption that can be made about the Republicans?
- Generally conservative.
- The USA is uniquely ‘free’.
- Rights of the individual.
- Originalist interpretation of the Constitution.
- Limited government.
- Political freedom and economic freedom are indivisible.
Support
* Restrictions on abortion.
* Opposition to same-sex marriage.
* Stricter immigration policy.
* Pro-business.
* Gun rights.
* Smaller government.
* State-/parent-run education.
* Tax cuts.
* Death penalty.
Why may some candidates not agree with national party principles?
Senators / Congressmen may be running for election in a state where gun control is unpopular or abortion is popular and may adjust their views to match their state/district.
What factors can limit the significance of parties in Congress?
- Constituents
- Congressional caucuses
- Interest groups
Why can constituents limit the significance of parties in Congress?
Members of Congress must be mindful of the views of their constituents as well as their party if they wish to be re-elected.
Why can congressional caucuses limit the significance of parties in Congress?
Some caucuses go over party lines, and may reduce the powers of parties if they all agree to vote together.
Why can interest groups limit the significance of parties in Congress?
The role of interest groups can highly influence voting behaviour in Congress.
What are factions?
Groups within a political party that share an ideological agreement that might be different to other groups in the same party.
Broadly, how can Democrats be divided?
In terms of factions.
Liberals, moderates, conservatives.
Broadly, how can Republicans be divided?
In terms of factions.
Moderates, social conservatives, fiscal conservatives.
Who are the most famous liberals in the Democratic party?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren.
AOC - self described socialist.
Warren - Vehement opposal to the TPP.
Who are the most famous moderates in the Democratic party?
Dianne Feinstein, Charles Schumer.
Feinstein - opposed single-payer healthcare, used to support the death penalty. She was a Senator for California (a notoriously left-leaning state) making her position as a moderate interesting.
She is now dead, and been replaced by the first openly LGBT African-American who was previously a labour organiser, demonstrating the shift to a very liberal candidate.
Who are the most famous conservatives in the Democratic party?
Becoming more and more rare, but the most famous would be Joe Manchin.
Manchin - Socially and morally conservative, but agrees with Democrats on economic policy.
Who are the most famous moderates in the Republican party?
Lisa Murkowski.
Murkowski - rejected ACA repeal in the Senate.
Who are the most famous fiscal conservatives in the Republican party?
Mitch McConnell.
McConnell - Main character behind the repeal of ACA, opposed stricter campaign finance laws.
Who are the most famous social conservatives in the Republican party?
Ted Cruz.
Cruz - strong opposition to abortion, strong support of gun rights, opposition to DACA and ACA (21 hour faux-filibuster)
What is the religious right?
A faction usually associated with the Republican party which advances conservative views on social issues such as abortion or same-sex marriage.
What are the general voter trends for Democrats?
- Women
- Minorities
- Younger (< 44)
- Jewish or other religion
- Lower incomes
What are the general voter trends for Republicans?
- Men
- White
- Older (> 44)
- Protestant / Catholic
- Over $50k
Why do women tend to lean a tad more democratically?
The Democratic sympathy towards women’s issues.
(The difference is not extreme at all.)
Why did Trump have weak support amongst women?
Only 41% of women voted for Trump.
His more conservative stances (abortion argument with Clinton in the final debate) may have swung women away.
How does race affect voter turnout?
Turnout of the two biggest minority groups (Hispanics and African Americans) is typically far lower than that of white Americans.
(Kanye West’s support of Trump in the 2016 election may have led some African Americans to turn out in support of Trump)
How does education affect voter trends?
Those with a higher level of education were more likely to vote for Clinton, while those without a college-level degree were more likely to vote for Trump.
