The Role of Political Parties Ch. 22, Sec. 1 Pp. 590-594

How Parties Help Government Most elections are partisan (candidates run as members of political parties) Provide day-to-day leadership Party not in power is a “watchdog” and makes sure other party is honest

How Parties Help Citizens Provide a way for citizens to be heard Inform citizens about issues Encourage people to vote and participate in elections

Questions What is an organization of citizens who wish to influence government by getting their members elected to office? A political party Independent voters A caucus An open primary

Questions Which is true of candidates who run for a partisan office? They do not belong to any party They run as a party member They belong to the Partisan party They belong to the President’s party

Questions What are planks? Platform position statements Independent voters Voting districts Meetings to choose candidates

Questions When do Political parties act as “watchdogs?” When they set goals When they provide leadership When they check another party’s actions When they select candidates

Questions A voter who agrees with a political party’s basic position is likely to do which of the following? Vote for the opposing party Ask friends whom they support Support the party’s candidates Send mailings to other voters

Questions Which is not a job of a campaign volunteer? Make phone calls Canvass neighborhoods Send pamphlets to voters Cast votes for those who can’t get to the polls