Are americas political parties really in a state of decline? Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the two main political parties in the United States?
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
True or False: Political parties in the U.S. have seen a consistent increase in membership over the past few decades.
False.
Fill in the blank: The decline in party identification among voters is often referred to as ________.
partisan decline.
What is one reason cited for the perceived decline of political parties in the U.S.?
The rise of independent voters.
Multiple Choice: What is a significant effect of the decline of political parties?
Increased polarization among voters.
What term describes the phenomenon where voters increasingly identify as independents rather than with a political party?
Partisan dealignment.
True or False: The decline of political parties has led to a decrease in voter turnout.
True.
What role do political parties play in the American political system?
They organize elections, mobilize voters, and facilitate governance.
Fill in the blank: The ________ is a primary election system that allows voters to choose candidates regardless of party affiliation.
open primary.
What impact has social media had on political parties in the U.S.?
It has allowed for direct communication between candidates and voters, bypassing traditional party structures.
Multiple Choice: Which demographic has shown a significant increase in identifying as independents?
Younger voters.
What is the term for the process by which political parties lose their influence over time?
Party decline.
True or False: Political parties have become less important in candidate selection due to the rise of primary elections.
True.
What is one argument in favor of the idea that political parties are not in decline?
Political parties still play a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing voters during elections.
Fill in the blank: The ________ effect refers to how voters may be influenced by the party identification of others around them.
socialization.
What has been a key factor in the resurgence of political party activity in recent elections?
Increased political polarization.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a criticism of the decline of political parties?
It leads to fragmented political representation.
True or False: Political parties have completely lost their ability to shape public policy.
False.
What are ‘third parties’ in the context of American politics?
Political parties other than the two main parties (Democratic and Republican).
What is one challenge faced by third parties in the U.S. political system?
The winner-takes-all electoral system.
