political parties Flashcards
(40 cards)
What are key Democratic principles?
Large government often necessary to lift the poorest out of poverty. Higher taxes on the wealthiest to fund social welfare. Expansion of affordable healthcare to all Americans. Civil rights for minorities should be embraced and extended. Pro-choice. Separation between church and state. Gun control measures must be tightened. Supreme Court judges who favor ‘living’ and judicial activist positions should be appointed. A diverse multi-cultural and multi-religious USA is positive. Humane and sensible reforms to immigration, including support for DACA and a DREAM Act. Reforms to policing regarding racial issues. USA should work with international organizations on climate change and nuclear proliferation. Environmentalism and climate change are real dangers.
What are key Republican principles?
Major government programs are wasteful and inefficient; poverty is solved by incentivizing Americans. Preference for limited government in economic decisions. Lower taxes, including for the richest (‘trickle down’ economics). Healthcare provisions should reflect personal choice and ability to pay. No further extension to civil rights. Strong antipathy to the LGBTQ+ rights agenda. Pro-life (Roe vs Wade overturned). Religion should have a place in public life. Second amendment should be upheld. Supreme Court judges who favor ‘originalist’ positions should be appointed. Immigration needs to be tightly regulated. Less disposed to international organizations. Sceptical of the science behind climate change.
What are key organizational features of political parties in the USA?
Lack of a clearly identifiable leader. Largely state-based with weak central bodies and a decentralized structure. A plethora of associated organizations and interest groups play a significant role.
What is primaried?
When an incumbent congressional legislator faces a strong primary challenge from within their own party.
What is the leadership structure in US political parties?
Due to the separation of powers, there is no clear leader in each party. Each party has its own leader in each chamber. Lack of party discipline means presidents can find their will thwarted by congressional opposition. Leadership is less visible when the party does not control the White House.
What is the state-based nature of parties and weak central structures?
State parties have a degree of autonomy. They play an important role in organizing primaries but have minimal direct role in candidate selection.
What is the role of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC)?
National party organizations’ main roles are to candidate and draw up the party’s national platform. Their role in national politics remains limited.
What are the four Hill committees?
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). They aim to get members elected to Congress, coordinate campaigns, and help direct financial donations.
What are associated groups in US political parties?
For example, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) works to secure the victory of progressive Democrats. On the Republican side, the Tea Party movement can wield influence.
What is factionalism?
Different groups within the same party that often compete for power and influence.
What were the changes in the geography of US parties over the last 50 years?
The last time a Democrat won comprehensively across the South was in 1976. The South has flipped from a Democrat ‘Solid South’ to Republican dominance.
What are the changes in the ideology of the Republican party over the last 50 years?
Republicans have become more conservative, particularly after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The party transformed under Nixon and Reagan, emphasizing law and order and the rise of the ‘religious right’.
What are the changes in the ideology of the Democrat party over the last 50 years?
The party became more liberal, picking up support from moderate Republicans as some conservative southerner Democrats switched party labels.
What are the changes in the demographics of US parties over the last 50 years?
Demographic trends are becoming more distinct as party campaigns increasingly play to the prejudices and principles of different voter groups.
What are arguments that US parties are very united today?
Key congressional votes reflect high levels of party unity. Both parties are increasingly cohesive on controversial policy issues. Trump’s victory in 2016 intensified this partisan divide.
What are arguments that US parties are very divided today?
Bipartisan votes still occur. There are areas of common ground, and some Republicans are uneasy with Trump’s unconventional policies. Candidates can be selective in their campaign pledges.
What is pork-barreling?
Term applied to elected officials using their influence to ensure some federal funding goes to their home state or district, helping re-election prospects.
Give three examples of Democrat factions.
Blue Dog Coalition, New Democrat Coalition, Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Give three examples of Republican factions.
Tuesday Group, Republican Study Committee, Freedom Caucus.
What is the Blue Dog Coalition?
Supports ‘fiscal responsibility’ and adopts a more neutral line on social issues compared to more progressive elements.
What is the New Democrat Coalition?
The largest Democrat House Caucus, committed to pro-growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policies.
What is the Congressional Progressive Caucus?
The most liberal and progressive caucus in the Democratic party, promoting economic justice and environmental protection.
What is the Tuesday Group?
A grouping of moderate/centrist Republicans committed to a solution-oriented approach and finding bipartisan approaches.
What is the Republican Study Committee?
A grouping of conservative Republicans representing the largest caucus in the House, advocating for limited government and traditional values.
