Chapter Study OutlineIntroduction Show Political parties are teams of politicians, activists, and voters whose goal is to win control of government. To do so, parties perform essential tasks of recruiting and nominating candidates, garnering the resources needed to run campaigns, and pursuing a policy agenda that can help them appeal to voters. Although Americans tend to be suspicious of “party rule,” the Democratic and Republican parties are essential to the daily operation of government and the conduct of American democracy in elections. This two-party system helps to structure voters’ electoral choice and provide coordination to America’s otherwise divided and separated governing institutions. 1. Why Do Political Parties Form? What fundamental problems do political parties help politicians and voters overcome?
2. What Functions Do Parties Perform? Once formed, what are the essential functions that political parties perform in American democracy and governance?
3. Parties and the Electorate How and how well do political parties organize the electorate? What groups tend to identify with Democrats and Republicans, respectively?
4. Parties as Institutions How are contemporary political parties organized? What functions do they serve and what services do they offer to candidates?
5. Party Systems What is a “party system”? What have been the major “party systems” throughout American political history? What is the place of third parties in the American party system?
Why have political parties weakened quizlet?They're weakened by state and federal laws. Federalism is a main reason. Separated powers of branches weaken parties. Briefly summarize the differences between political parties in the United States and in Europe.
What factors have led to the evolution of political parties?Political factions or parties began to form during the struggle over ratification of the federal Constitution of 1787. Friction between them increased as attention shifted from the creation of a new federal government to the question of how powerful that federal government would be.
What are the major causes of the decentralized nature of political parties quizlet?Decentralization in political parties is a result of the party out of power lacking a strong leader, the federal system distributing power too widely, and pitting parties against each other in the nominating process.
What are some criticisms of political parties quizlet?What are some criticisms of political parties? Trying to appeal to all voters loses the message, lack unity and loyalty. Not able to fulfill the promises. Money from PACs and influence from Interest Groups.
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