Chapter 4 Flashcards
(49 cards)
Functions of a political party
1) Nominating
2) Informer/stimulator
3) Bonding agent
4) Government
5) Watchdog
Political party
A group of people who seek to control government by winning elections and holding public office
Nominating function
They select people to run for office
Informer/stimulator function
Informs the public and tries to stimulate interest to increase participation
Bonding agent function
They insure the good performance of office holders and candidates
Government function
Running the government
Watchdog function
Responsible for the minority party and watches over the conduct of the publics business
Why does the U.S. have two parties?
History and tradition
Electoral system
Ideological consensus
What is the reasoning behind the “history and tradition” argument?
It started with federalists and anti-federalists
What is the reasoning behind the “electoral system” argument?
We use single district pattern; winner takes all of the electoral votes
What is the reasoning behind the “ideological consensus” argument?
We share the same political values; both believe in democracy
Why do people choose a political party?
Family Major events Economic status Age Residence Education
Who is most likely to be a democrat?
Urban Labor union Jews Catholic Black Poor Upper class
Who is most likely to be a republican?
Rural
Small business owners
Evangelicals
Middle class
Why do people not vote?
Apathy The limitations on voting They think it won't make a difference People are uninformed The weather It's against their principles
Organization of National Party
President National chairman National committee National convention Congressional campaign committee
National chairman
Runs the day to day affairs of the party
National committee
Made up of people from different states
National convention
Meets every 4 years to:
Select a presidential and vice presidential candidate
Write the party platform
Congressional campaign committee
Re-elect incumbents (someone running for re-election)
Elect challengers
4 purposes of state and local parties:
Build an effective organization
Promote unity
Find candidates
Provide campaign funds
Minor party purpose
To force the major parties to address controversial issues
Minor party goal
Play the spoiler role
Spoiler role
Take the majority vote away from major parties
