1. Political Parties

2. Informer-stimulator function
To inform/stimulate the people to participate in public affairs.

3. Bonding agent
This ensures the good performance of its candidates and office holders.

4. Governmental Function
Officeholders chosen on the basis of party.

5. Watchdog Function
Watching out for the interest of the public (party out of power).

6. Single Member District
One candidate elected to each office on the ballot.

7. Plurality
The largest number of votes cast for the office.

8. Consensus
Agreement by all.

9. Ideological Parties
Based on a particular set of beliefs.

10. Single Issue
Concerning a single issue (Free Soil Party- slavery).

11. Economic Protest
These parties will be rooted in periods of economic discontent.

12. Splinter Parties
These parties split off from one of the major political parties (Bull Moose 1912).

13. Split-ticket voting
Voting for candidates of more than one political party in the same election.

14. Straight Ticket Voting
Voting for all candidates of one party in the same election.