Unit II Study Guide
Chapter 5: Political Parties
a. Definition: Group who seeks to control the government by winning elections and holding
office.
5 Functions of a Political Party
1. Nominate Candidates
2. Inform and Activate supports
3. Insuring good performance
4. Govern
5. Act as a Watchdog
Types of Party Systems
Single Party System: One major political party holds power
Two-Party System: Two major political parties hold power. Third parties may exist BUT hardly
gain enough support to win. Least common system in the world. Exists in the U.S. because the
nation started with two-parties, has always had two parties, and most Americans have a
general agreement on fundamental matters.
Multi-Party System: Three or more political parties hold office. No party gains control of the
government. Parties must work together.
Minor Parties
Types of Minor Parties
1. Ideological – based on a set of beliefs – comprehensive view of social, economic, and
political matters
2. Single-issue party – concentrate on only one public policy matter.
3. Economic protest party – rooted in periods of economic discontent
4. Splinter Party – party that split away from one or other major parties
Why are minor parties important?
Acting as the “spoiler” – pulling decisive votes away from major parties’ candidates.
Critic – taking stands/draw attention to controversial issues major parties ignore.
Innovator – draw attention to important issues and propose innovative solutions to problems. If
gain support, often integrated into the platforms of the two major parties.
Political Spectrum:
LEFT
RIGHT
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Liberal
Democrat
Social Programs
Higher taxes on wealthy
Protect the environment
Republican
Conservative
Free market
Against gun control
No amnesty
Chapter 6: Voter and Voter Behavior
Suffrage: the right to vote.
Laws/Amendments for each stage:
1. Amendment 15 – African Americans gain right to vote
2. Amendment 19 – Women gain the right to vote
3. Amendment 23 – citizens of DC given the right to vote
3. Amendment 24 – eliminate the poll tax
4. Amendment 26 – Voting age is 18
5. Voting Rights Act – guaranteed right to vote for minorities
Voter Qualifications: Citizenship, Resident, 18 years old.
Gerrymandering: The practice of drawing or altering the boundaries of a constituency or congressional
district in a way that affects the vote.
Voters vs. Non Voters:
Voters: Those most likely to vote: higher level income, education job; long term resident; strong
party identity.
Non voters: Lack of interest, distrust politics, cumbersome election process, “time zone fallout”,
believe vote doesn’t matter.
Chapter 7: Electoral Process
Ways to Nominate a Candidate:
1. Self-announcement: person who wants to run for office announces candidacy.
2. Caucus: private meeting of local bigwigs, not widely used since 1820s.
3. Convention: More democratic than caucus, delegates selected to choose candidate.
4. Petition: candidate gathers required # of signatures.
5. Direct Primary: party election to choose candidates.
Electoral College: (How it works)
Of 538 electoral votes a candidate needs 270 to win the election. If candidate wins the popular vote, but
not the electoral vote, they do not become president.
Ballots: What you vote on.
Types of Ballots:
Office-group ballots – organized based on office candidate is running for.
Party-column ballots- party symbol appears on ballot and can vote down entire ballot for political party.
Precinct: Smallest political unit in elections.
Polling Place: Where those in a precinct vote.
Five Sources of Funding for an Election:
1. Small contributors
2. Wealthy contributors
3. Candidates
4. Nonparty groups (PACs)
5. Temporary fundraising organizations
Political Action Committees (PACs) Influence on Elections:
Raise campaign finances for candidates. Raise and distribute money to candidates who further their goals.
Federal Election Commission (FEC) Influence on Campaign Funding:
Enforces campaign finance rules: timely disclosure of finance information, limits on campaign
contributors, limits on expenditures, provisions for public funding of presidential campaigns.