Political Ideology & Voting Chapter 5 Sections 2 & 4 Chapter 6 Sections 1 & 4

Two Party System – system of government that sees two major political parties dominating power (USA) Multiparty System – a system where several major and many lesser parties compete for and actually win public offices. (Great Britain) One Party System – government run by a dictatorship…only party in existence is that of the dictator. (Cuba) Types of party systems

“America has a two party system because it has a two party system” Electoral System – many states make it difficult for a minority party to get on a ballot. Ideological Consensus- Americans share many of the same basic principles. Why a Two Party System?

Minority Parties

Types of Minority Parties Ideological Parties Single-Issue Parties Economic Protest Parties Splinter Parties Types of Minority Parties

Based on a particular set of beliefs – such as comprehensive view of social, economic, and political matters Examples – Socialist, Communist, and Libertarian Parties. Ideological Parties

Single-Issue Parties Generally focus on one public-policy matter. Generally short lived… die when their issue dies. Examples – Know Nothings Single-Issue Parties

Economic Protest Parties No clear-cut ideological base General discontent with the major parties. Rooted in times of economic hardship. Example – Greenback Party, Populist Party Die when the economy rebounds. Economic Protest Parties

Splinter Parties Occur when a group breaks away from a majority party. General the most effective minority parties. Examples – Progressive Party aka Bull Moose Party, Green Party Splinter Parties

Importance of Minority Parties Role of Spoiler Innovation of ideas – minority parties are quick to tackle controversial issues. Downside – when minority party issues gain popular support the majority parties absorb the issue(s) into their platforms. Importance of Minority Parties

The Right to Vote Chapter 6 Section1

Five Stages of Suffrage 1810 – no state required a religious test, property ownership as a qualification 15th Amendment – 1870 prohibited restricting the right to vote based on race or color. 19th Amendment – prohibited restricting voting based on gender. 23rd & 24th Amendments – added D.C. votes to the electorate, eliminates the poll tax. 26th Amendment – lowered the voting age to 18 years. Five Stages of Suffrage

Voter Behavior Chapter 6 Section 4

Idiot – Greek idiotes – citizens who did not vote or otherwise take part in public life. 1968 – 60.9% of eligible voters cast votes in the Presidential election. Last time the percentage has been above 56%. Off-year Elections – ones where the Presidency is not up for grabs…even worse numbers. See chart page 165 Nonvoters

Cannot-voters – 10 million resident aliens, 5- 6 million citizens ill or physically disabled, 2-3 million unexpectedly traveling, two million incarcerated, 100,000+ who cannot vote because of religious beliefs. Actual nonvoters Group 1 – generally approve of the way things are going and do not care who wins as they believe things will stay the same. Group 2 – people who distrust the political system and do not feel their vote will have an influence. Why People Do Not Vote