factionalism Flashcards
(9 cards)
what are factions?
different groups within the same party that often compete for power/influence
what are the general splits in the republican party?
fiscal conservatives vs social conservatives vs moderates
what are the general splits in the democrat party?
liberal activists vs centrists vs moderates
moderate/’right wing’ faction of democrats:
-blue dog coalition
-supports fiscal responsibility
-takes a neutral line on social issues
-more willing to seek common cause with republicans
-fiscally conservative and socially moderate
-often represent republican leaning districts
centrist faction of democrats:
-new democrats
-largest caucus -110 members
-fiscally moderate and socially liberal
-represents broad middle/centrist wing of party
-committed to pro economic growth, pro innovation and fiscally responsible policies
left faction of democrats:
-congressional progressive caucus
-98 members
-think federal gov. should address economic and social issues
-think federal gov. should protect civil rights, alleviate poverty and expand healthcare
-prominent member = nancy pelosi - she was rated 100% by planned parenthood pro abortion PG
moderate/centrist faction in republicans:
-republican governance group
-stand for a pragmatic approach to gov.
-committed to solution-oriented approach
-want bipartisan approaches
-members often represent swing districts
largest faction in republicans:
-republican study committee
-158 members - largest caucus in the house in 2020
-stands for limited gov., high defence spending, preserving traditonal values amd the second amendment, and balancing the federal budget
-fiscally conservative
-used to be one wing of the party but now they represent the main bulk of it
most right wing faction in republicans:
-freedom caucus
-around 30 members
-social conservatism e.g. around abortion
-promotes small gov. and libertarianism
-e.g. one of the members voted against an $8bn emergency covid-19 measure
