Chapter 5:Political Parties
Section 1 and 2
Words to Know
1. Bipartisan- describes the two
major parties when they work together
2. Coalition- when parties share
power to make a majority
3. Partisanship- influences
appointments at all levels
of government
Words to Know
4. Incumbent- the current
officeholder
5. Electorate- all of the people
who are allowed to vote
in an election
6.Spoils
system-
Political Parties
7. Political Parties:
group of persons who seek to control
government through the winning of elections.

Framers initially did not want political parties
The United States is a two party system
dominated by two major parties:
Democrats and
Republicans.

This is because much of American
election law is written to discourage
non-major party candidates.
Why do you think the framers
were against political parties?
Democrat
Republican
Era of Divided Government
Political Parties
8.
Bonding Agent Function: political parties
act as a “bonding agent” to ensure the
good performance of their candidates
and elected officeholders.
a.
b.
they try to pick good candidates
they try to make sure their candidate
governs well
Multi party system
9. Multiparty Systems: a system
in which several major and
many lesser parties exist
- In this type of system, a coalition
(temporary alliance of several parties)
would be formed to get things done.
Section 3:
Minor Parties
Words to Know
10. Ideological Parties- parties based on a
particular set of beliefs.
Democratic and Republican parties have
different positions on major issues such as
taxes, the role of government, entitlements
(Social Security, Medicare), gun control,
immigration, healthcare, aborting
and gay rights.
Splinter Parties
11. Splinter Parties- breakaway parties;
parties that have split away from one of the
major parties.
Most splinter parties form around
a strong personality and tend to
fade when that leader steps aside.
Single-Issue Parties
12.Single-issue parties focus
on only one public policy matter.




The Free Soil Party is an
example of a single-issue
party.
Free Soil Party were
primarily concerned
about the spread of slavery.
Single-issue parties usually fade
into history because their issues
loose relevance.
5.4: Party
Organization
13. Precinct- the smallest unit where
voters go to vote.
14. Ward- a unit into which cities
are divided.
National
Party
Machinery
Purpose of major party’s national
convention is to select the party’s
presidential and vice-presidential
candidates.
The leader of each party’s
national committee is the national
chairperson.
What determines the party
structure at state and local levels?
- state law
National Committee
Between presidential elections, the national
committee of each party raises money and
recruits new voters.
Congressional campaign committees are
responsible for re-electing party incumbents
(occupants) and capture new seats.