Chapter 5 SG Lists Flashcards
What are the 5 functions of the political parties?
1) Nominating Function- Choose candidates- most important.
2) Informer/Stimulator Function- informs people of the issues and stimulates the to vote- 2nd
3) Bonding Agent Function- Guarantee that their candidate is worthy of the office”seal of approval”-3rd
4) Governing Function- Ensures the cooperation between the legislative and executive branches
5) Watchdog Function- The party out of power keeps an eye on the party in power
What are the 3 types of political systems in the world
1) two party system- USA
2) Multi-Party system-most countries
3) One party system
List the four reasons why the USA uses a 2 party system
1) Historical Basis- started out with a 2 party system(federalists and anti federalist
2) Force of tradition- always been that way.
3) Electoral system- our system encourages only two parties and its Plurality VS majority
4) American ideological consensus- We share similar beliefs (rule of the ppl)
What is the major advantage and disadvantage of a multi party system
Advantage- Have more choices
Disadvantage- Less stability
List the factors that cause people to identify with a particular party
1) family
2) Major events
3) Gender
4) Education
5) Age
6) Type of work you do
7) Economic status
Know the difference between Democrats and Republicans (issues)
DEMOCRATS
1) Favor a big federal Government
2) Government control social programs
3) Higher Taxes
4) Anti-gun Rights (restrictions)
5) Increase minimum wage
6) Alternative Family (pro gay marriage)
7) pro choice/ pro abortion
8) small military
9) Open borders- expand immigration
Know the differences between the Democrats and Republicans (issues)
REPUBLICANS
1) Favor a Small Federal Government
2) Favor businesses
3) Lower taxes
4) Pro individual rights (pro guns)
5) Keep minimum wage low
6) Anti gay marriage
7) Pro life/anti abortion
8) large military
9) Closed borders- limited immigration
Know which groups tend to align themselves with a particular party
DEMOCRATS
Minority
1) African American
2) hispanics
3) Blue collar workers
4) catholics and Jews
5) over 60 years
6) less educated/ lower income
7) urban (city)
8) women- young/ educated
9) College students
10) homosexuals
Know which groups tend to align themselves with a particular party
REPUBLICAN
Majority
1) Caucasians
2) Protestants
3) White collar workers
4) private business workers
5) Young adults
6) higher educated/ income
7) Rural( country)
8) Asians
Know the four periods of the American party( Dates and Events)
1) 1800-1860- democrats ruled 13/15 presidents- Civil War
2) 1860-1932- republicans ruled 14/18 presidents- Great Depression
3) 1932- 1968- Democrats ruled 7/9 presidents- Vietnam War
4) 1968-2008- Republicans ruled 5/7 presidents- Iraq War/ economic recession
Know the four types of minor parties and examples of each
1) Ideological- (oldest) Based on a set of political beliefs. Example- Socialist, Communist and Libertarian.
2) Single- Based on 1 issue. Example- free soil, Anit-slavery, Anti-immigrant, Anti-Abortion and Anti-Alcohol.
3) Economic Protest-(most short lived) Based on Economic discontent. Example- anti-big business, anti-gold, pro environment, Anti-Government.
4) Splinter-(most successful) When some famous person breaks away from a main party Example- (Bull moose-Theodore Roosevelt), (Reform-Ross Perot),( Rainbow coalition- Jessie Jackson)
Reasons why the minor parties are so important
1) Bring about new/Fresh ideas
2) Bring important issues to the people
3) serve as critics to the major parties
4) Play the spoiler role in some elections
Know the three components(parts) or make-up of the party
1) Party organization- Leaders
2) Party Electorate- Constituency/members
3) Party Government- Office holders
