Political Party Systems - AP Comparative Government & Politics

An agreement between parties to work together for common goals. Strategic cooperation often seen in multi-party elections.

A document outlining a party's policies and objectives. Campaign tool that communicates party's vision to voters.

To contest elections and form government. Core democratic function that legitimizes representation.

The ability of a party to get its members to support policies. Essential for effective governance and party unity.

Increasing ideological distance between political parties. Can reduce compromise and increase political conflict.

Limited choices for voters. Reduces representation of diverse viewpoints and ideologies.

A meeting of party members to select candidates or decide policy. Democratic internal process for party decision-making.

A significant shift in the political landscape where new coalitions replace old ones. Fundamental changes in party support and electoral patterns.

To represent and direct the party's activities. Provides vision, strategy, and public face of the party.

A voting system where voters choose a party, and seats are allocated proportionally. Promotes proportional representation over winner-take-all systems.

A party that seeks to attract people with diverse political viewpoints. Maximizes electoral appeal across different voter groups.

A party official responsible for ensuring party discipline. Enforces voting compliance and maintains party cohesion.

To gain political power and implement its policies. Ultimate goal that motivates all party activities.

Internal divisions within a political party. Internal conflicts that can weaken party effectiveness.

Granting favors or rewards to supporters of the party. Reward system that builds loyalty but may encourage corruption.

One political party controls the government and other parties are banned. Authoritarian system with complete political monopoly.

The commitment of members and voters to their political party. Psychological bond that influences voting behavior consistently.

The way political parties are structured and interact in a political system. Framework that shapes democratic competition and governance.

Voters' long-term attachment to a particular party. Stable preference that reduces influence of short-term factors.

An agreement between different parties to achieve a common goal. Temporary cooperation that transcends traditional party lines.

A political party with minimal public support and influence. Represents extreme or unconventional political positions.

Members who actively promote the party and its candidates. Grassroots engagement essential for party mobilization.

An organization that seeks to influence government policy by getting its candidates elected. Distinguishes from interest groups by actively running candidates.

Only one political party is legally allowed to hold power. Authoritarian characteristic where opposition parties are banned.

Two major political parties dominate the political landscape. Common in systems like the US with Democrats and Republicans.

Multiple parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices. Allows diverse representation but may require coalitions.

A set of beliefs that a party stands for and promotes. Guides party positions and attracts like-minded voters.

Offers more choices and representation for voters. Prevents two-party monopoly and encourages diverse perspectives.

One party dominates elections and government for a prolonged period. Like Japan's LDP or South Africa's ANC for decades.