Political Parties - AP US Government and Politics

1. Identify the term for a voter who does not align with any party.

   Independent voter. Chooses candidates based on issues, not party.

2. Which party was founded by Thomas Jefferson?

   The Democratic-Republican Party. Early party emphasizing states' rights and agriculture.

3. Which party traditionally supports a larger federal government role?

   The Democratic Party. Supports social programs and federal regulation.

4. What is a third party in U.S. politics?

   A political party other than the two major ones. Provides alternative to Republican-Democrat duopoly.

5. What is a dealignment in party politics?

   A decline in party loyalties. Voters become independent or switch parties.

6. What is a caucus in terms of political parties?

   A meeting to select candidates and decide policy. Grassroots party gathering for candidate selection.

7. Identify the term for a temporary alliance between political parties.

   Coalition. Unites diverse groups for common political goals.

8. Identify the party system in the United States.

   A two-party system. Republicans and Democrats dominate elections.

9. What is the term for a major shift in political party allegiance?

   Realignment. Major shift in voter loyalties between parties.

10. Which type of primary allows only registered party members to vote?

    Closed primary. Restricts participation to party members only.

11. Which party system allows for multiple parties to gain control of government?

    Multiparty system. Common in parliamentary democracies worldwide.

12. What is divided government?

    Different parties control the presidency and Congress. Creates gridlock but forces compromise.

13. Which system awards legislative seats based on the proportion of votes?

    Proportional representation. Encourages multiparty systems and coalition government.

14. Identify the term for the shifting of party coalitions.

    Party realignment. Major change in voter group allegiances.

15. Which party is associated with Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal?

    The Democratic Party. Transformed party into modern liberal coalition.

16. What is a critical election?

    An election signaling a significant change in party allegiance. Produces lasting changes in party coalitions.

17. What is the role of a political party's national committee?

    To manage party affairs between conventions. Coordinates fundraising and campaign strategies.

18. Which term describes a strong party loyalty?

    Partisan identification. Strong emotional attachment to a political party.

19. Which party is known for advocating for economic conservatism?

    The Republican Party. Promotes free markets and limited government.

20. What is party polarization?

    Increased ideological division between political parties. Creates gridlock and reduces bipartisan cooperation.

21. What is the significance of party identification in voting behavior?

    It influences electoral choices and loyalty. Strong predictor of candidate preference and turnout.

22. What term describes a party's long-term dominance in politics?

    Party era. Period of sustained electoral dominance.

23. Which party system is characterized by dominance of one party?

    Single-party system. Found in authoritarian or one-party states.

24. Which political party emerged in the 1850s opposing slavery?

    The Republican Party. Founded by anti-slavery activists and politicians.

25. Identify the party associated with the Whig Party's dissolution.

    The Republican Party. Republicans replaced Whigs as major party.

26. Identify the term for switching from one party to another.

    Party defection. Leaving one party to join another.

27. What is the primary function of political parties?

    To nominate candidates for public office. Parties organize candidates and provide voter choice.

28. What is the impact of political parties on policy formulation?

    They help develop and promote policy agendas. Parties research issues and propose legislation.

29. What is the function of a party's national chairperson?

    To oversee party operations and strategy. Manages daily operations and public messaging.

30. Identify the main purpose of a political party's primary election.

    To select candidates for the general election. Narrows field before general election.

31. Identify the term for a minor party's influence on major parties.

    Spoiler effect. Can determine close election outcomes.

32. What is a splinter party?

    A party that breaks away from a major party. Forms when factions disagree with main party.

33. What is the significance of a party's ideology?

    It shapes policies and political goals. Guides party positions and voter expectations.

34. What is a political party's convention?

    An event to select candidates and adopt platforms. Major gathering held every four years.

35. Identify the term for a party's formal statement of principles.

    Party platform. Official document outlining party beliefs and goals.

36. Identify one major impact of third parties in U.S. elections.

    Influencing major party platforms. Forces major parties to address new issues.

37. What is the role of political parties in voter mobilization?

    To encourage voter registration and participation. Get-out-the-vote efforts and registration drives.

38. What is a political party platform?

    A set of principles and policy positions. Outlines party's stance on key issues and goals.

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