Chapter 8Review
How much can an individual give to a Senatorial campaign?
$2000 in the primary campaign, and $2000 in the general campaign
Many changes in the presidential nomination process has created changes since the 1960s. What are they?
More women and minorities are delegates at the Presidential nomination conventions
As the primary system became the way we choose our party nominees, what significant change has come about?
The party leaders have less of an impact on the nomination process, and now the people choose
What is the function of political parties?
Get their candidates elected organize the different interests in our society getting voters out to the polls informing the public of key issues
What effect does the plurality system in the US have on new parties?
It discourages new parties from forming because the winner-take-all system gives a distinct advantage to the Democratic/Republican, because there is no advantage in finishing in second place
Since the 1970s, what groups have been the most loyal to the Democratic Party?
Jewish voters, minority (black mostly, but Hispanic as well) groups, Unions.
George Washington and some of his pals did not like the idea of political parties. Why?
Because we were a new nation, and disputes between people on issues and elections were hard to separate from disputes over the legitimacy of the new government
How do national convention delegates differ from the rank and file party members?
Democrats are more liberal, and Republicans are more conservative
What is most responsible for weakening the power of party leaders?
The election of Teddy Roosevelt? No, it’s the primary and caucus system to select our national nomination.
How has party realignment affected the South?
As a result of Democratic support for the Civil Rights movement, it has become solidly Republican
How has party realignment affected the Northeast?
While the NE was solidly Republican, the change of population (minorities) and the Republican adherence to a Prolife position, and affirmative action, as created a shift in Democratic influence
Which party has more conservatives, which party has more liberals?
The Republican Party is mostly conservative, the Democratic Party is mostly liberal
The McCain-Feingold Act limited campaign contributions, but there was a loophole. What was that loophole?
The contribution of hard money to political parties, that could then be funneled to the candidates, then called “soft money” (see Money Laundering)
What are linkage institutions?
Institutions that link people to the government (political process)... Such as political parties, interest groups, elections, the media are the four major linkage institutions
What is an “Open Primary”?
A primary that allows everyone to vote, regardless of party. You can decide what primary you can participate in on election day.
What are “closed primaries”?
Primary elections that are open ONLY to members of that specific party
These primaries have all the candidates from both parties listed, and everyone votes using that same ballot, but can only vote for one.
Blanket Primaries
Hamilton and Jefferson, their ideological disagreements during Washington’s term in office, had the effect of what on American politics?
Creating our first political parties
How has the influence of political parties declined?
The development of Committees within the legislature, a seniority system that rewards incumbents, incumbents and their position of strength, the primary system of selecting a candidate
How have political parties maintained influence?
With party caucuses within the government, party leadership positions that hold power, those who vote the party line (party voting), and GOTV efforts by each party (Rock the Vote, League of Women Voters…)
This has taken power away from party bosses in America.
The primary system for choosing a nominee
The End