Chapter 8 Vocabulary Flashcards
To unterstand and memorize these vocabulary terms. (31 cards)
Dealignment
A decline in party loyalties that reduces long-term party commitment.
Democratic Party
One of the two major American political parties evolving out of the Republican Party of Thomas Jefferson.
Divided Government
A situation in which one major political party controls the presidency and the other controls the chambers of Congress, or in which one party controls a state governorship and the other controls the state legislature.
Electoral College
A group of persons, called electors, who are selected by the voters in each state. This group officially elects the president and the vice president of the United States.
Era of Good Feelings
The years from 1817 to 1825, when James Monroe was president and there was, in effect, no political opposition.
Faction
A group or bloc in a legislature or political party acting in pursuit of some special interest or position
Independent
A voter or candidate who does not identify with a political party.
National Committee
A standing committee of a national political party established to direct and coordinate party activities between national party conventions.
National Convention
The meeting held every four years by each major party to select presidential and vice presidential candidates, to write a platform, to choose a national committee, and to conduct party business.
Party Identification
Linking oneself to a particular political party.
Party Organization
The formal structure and leadership of a political party, including election committees; local, state, and national executives; and paid professional staff.
Party Platform
A document drawn up at each national convention, outlining the policies, positions, and principles of the party.
Party-in-the-Government
All of the elected and appointed officials who identify with a political party.
Party-in-the-Electorate
Those members of the general public who identify with a political party or who express a preference for one party over another.
Patronage
Rewarding faithful party workers and followers with government employment and contracts.
Political Party
A group of political activists who organize to win elections, operate the government, and determine public policy.
Realignment
A process in which a substantial group of voters switches party allegiance, producing a long-term change in the political landscape.
Republican Party
One of the two major American political parties. It emerged in the 1850s as an antislavery party and consisted of former northern Whigs and antislavery Democrats.
Reverse-Income Effect
A tendency for wealthier states or regions to favor the Democrats and for less wealthy states or regions to favor the Republicans. The effect appears paradoxical because it reverses traditional patterns of support.
Safe Seat
A district that returns the legislator with 55 percent of the vote or more.
Splinter Party
A new party formed by a dissident faction within a major political party. Often, splinter parties have emerged when a particular personality was at odds with the major party.
State Central Committee
The principal organized structure of each political party within each state. This committee is responsible for carrying out policy decisions of the party’s state convention.
Straight-Ticket Voting
Voting exclusively for the candidates of one party.
Swing Voters
Voters who frequently swing their support from one party to another.
