AP US Government Chapter 8

What two clear patterns regarding party identification have been evident in recent elections?

-democrats and republicans are now on an even slate compared to the previous years where democrats used to greatly out number republicans -since 2012, 42% of the population identified themselves as independent

What are the five tasks political parties should perform if they are to serve as an effective linkage institution?

-pick candidates -run campaigns -give cues to voters -articulate policies -coordinate policy making

List four elections that might be considered "critical" or "realigning". Explain why

1. Andrew Jackson founded the Modern American Political Party (Democratic Party) 2. Abraham Lincoln started the civil war, leading to a 60 year strive for republicans in government 3. Franklin Roosevelt created the New Deal coalition. Democratic Party gained support from people that were involved with the New Deal plan 4. Nixon created republican dominance. House of Representatives has a republican majority now

What are two ways in which third parties can have an impact on American politics?

1. Brought new groups to the electorate 2. Have served as safety valves for popular discontent

List four conditions that advocates of the responsible party model believe the parties should meet

1. Parties must present distinct, comprehensive programs for governing the nation 2. Each party's candidates must be committed to its program and have the discipline to carry out program 3. The majority party must implement its programs, and the minority party must state what it would do if it were in power 4. The majority party must accept responsibility for the performance of the government

What are the three basic varieties of third parties?

1. Parties that promote certain causes or take an extreme ideological position such as socialism or libertarian 2. Splinter parties, off shoots of a major party 3. Parties that are merely an extension of a popular individual with presidential aspirations

What are the differences between closed and open primaries?

Closed: elections to select party nominees. Only people who have registered with the party can vote for the party's candidates. Encourages party loyalty Open: elections to select party nominees. Voters can decide on Election Day whether they want to participate in democratic or republican contests

What is the function of each of the following national party organizations?

National convention: write party's platform and nominate it's candidates for president and vice-president National committee: keep party operating between conventions National chairperson: day to day activities of the national party. Hires staff, raised money, pays bills, and attends daily activities of the party

Explain the three heads of the political party in the expression"a three-headed political giant"

The party: In the electorate As an organization In government

What is the relationship between party promises and party performance?

The promises influence who joins the party's coalition. Nearly 3/4 of the promises result in policy actilns

What is the most important consequence of two-party governance on the United States?

They're too decentralized to take a single national position and then enforce. Most candidates are self selected, gaining their nomination by their own efforts rather than their party's