Political Party Systems - AP Comparative Government and Politics
- What is party polarization?
- Increasing ideological distance between political parties. Can reduce compromise and increase political conflict.
- What is a party caucus?
- A meeting of party members to select candidates or decide policy. Democratic internal process for party decision-making.
- What is party alignment?
- Voters' long-term attachment to a particular party. Stable preference that reduces influence of short-term factors.
- Define a political alliance.
- An agreement between parties to work together for common goals. Strategic cooperation often seen in multi-party elections.
- What defines a third party?
- A political party that is not one of the two major parties. Challenges two-party dominance but faces electoral barriers.
- Identify a key advantage of a multi-party system.
- Offers more choices and representation for voters. Prevents two-party monopoly and encourages diverse perspectives.
- What is a splinter party?
- A party that breaks away from a larger party due to disagreements. Often forms due to ideological or leadership conflicts.
- What characterizes a single-party system?
- One political party controls the government and other parties are banned. Authoritarian system with complete political monopoly.
- Define a catch-all party.
- A party that seeks to attract people with diverse political viewpoints. Maximizes electoral appeal across different voter groups.
- Define the role of party activists.
- Members who actively promote the party and its candidates. Grassroots engagement essential for party mobilization.
- Identify the key feature of a one-party system.
- Only one political party is legally allowed to hold power. Authoritarian characteristic where opposition parties are banned.
- What is a dominant-party system?
- One party dominates elections and government for a prolonged period. Like Japan's LDP or South Africa's ANC for decades.
- What is a party list system?
- A voting system where voters choose a party, and seats are allocated proportionally. Promotes proportional representation over winner-take-all systems.
- Identify a characteristic of proportional representation.
- Seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives. Ensures fair representation of minority party support.
- Identify the function of party conventions.
- To nominate candidates and establish party platforms. Democratic gatherings that formalize party positions.
- Define party patronage.
- Granting favors or rewards to supporters of the party. Reward system that builds loyalty but may encourage corruption.
- What is a party platform?
- A set of principles and policies a party supports. Foundation for campaigns and voter decision-making.
- Identify the primary aim of a political party.
- To gain political power and implement its policies. Ultimate goal that motivates all party activities.
- Define a multi-party system.
- Multiple parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices. Allows diverse representation but may require coalitions.
- What is a political party's manifesto?
- A public declaration of policies and aims, especially before an election. Key campaign document that outlines party's governing agenda.
- What is party factionalism?
- Internal divisions within a political party. Internal conflicts that can weaken party effectiveness.
- Define cross-party alliance.
- An agreement between different parties to achieve a common goal. Temporary cooperation that transcends traditional party lines.
- Define party realignment.
- A significant shift in the political landscape where new coalitions replace old ones. Fundamental changes in party support and electoral patterns.
- Define party discipline.
- The ability of a party to get its members to support policies. Essential for effective governance and party unity.
- Identify the role of a party leader.
- To represent and direct the party's activities. Provides vision, strategy, and public face of the party.
- What is a political party's electoral base?
- The core group of supporters who consistently vote for the party. Reliable voters who form the foundation of party support.
- What characterizes a two-party system?
- Two major political parties dominate the political landscape. Common in systems like the US with Democrats and Republicans.
- Identify the primary function of political parties.
- To contest elections and form government. Core democratic function that legitimizes representation.
- Identify a disadvantage of a two-party system.
- Limited choices for voters. Reduces representation of diverse viewpoints and ideologies.
- What is party ideology?
- A set of beliefs that a party stands for and promotes. Guides party positions and attracts like-minded voters.
- What is a fringe party?
- A political party with minimal public support and influence. Represents extreme or unconventional political positions.
- What is the role of a party manifesto?
- A document outlining a party's policies and objectives. Campaign tool that communicates party's vision to voters.
- Define party registration.
- The process by which voters enroll to vote for a specific party. Formal affiliation process in some electoral systems.
- What is a political party?
- An organization that seeks to influence government policy by getting its candidates elected. Distinguishes from interest groups by actively running candidates.
- What is the definition of a party whip?
- A party official responsible for ensuring party discipline. Enforces voting compliance and maintains party cohesion.
- Define party loyalty.
- The commitment of members and voters to their political party. Psychological bond that influences voting behavior consistently.
- What is a party system?
- The way political parties are structured and interact in a political system. Framework that shapes democratic competition and governance.