Political Parties Test Review

Political Parties Be sure to know the 6 functions of political parties and match with characteristics of each Political parties are the major means of making the will of the people known to the gov’t Federalist party- sought ratification of the Const.; lead by Alexander Hamilton Anti-Masons- 1 st political party to use national convention

“Know Nothings”- single issue party opposed to Irish immigration Right to Life- modern ideological party that is opposed to abortion Populists- party of 1890’s seeking regulation of Railroad and Telephone Co’s Know the characteristics of these parties or which party affiliation they hold: Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Abe Lincoln, oldest current party, emphasizes individualism, the GOP, the minor party that developed into a major party, and the symbols for the two main political parties of the US.

Anti-Federalists- opposed ratification of Const.; strict constructionists; became Dem-Rep; leader was Thomas Jefferson Free Soilers- single issue party of 1840’s that opposed the spread of slavery Whigs- formed after collapse of Federalist party; made of bankers, merchants, & industrialists; it was absorbed by the Republican party

Republicans- formed in 1854 to oppose slavery; Lincoln was 1 st Rep. President; only minor party to become major party; nickname is GOP (Grand Old Party), but is not the oldest party! Bull Moose- splinter party of the Republicans; formed around Theo Roosevelt; “spoiled” the election of 1912 for the GOP

Democrats- traces its ancestry to the Anti- Federalists, oldest political party; became the dominant political party w/ election of FDR during Great Depression until 1968 Libertarians- modern day ideological party; emphasizes individualism & elimination of most gov’t programs; not based on Marxism as are many ideological parties

Functions of Political Parties

Recruiting Candidates Select candidates for office Present candidates to the voters Maintain appeal of the party by avoiding disagreements Focus on uniting behind the party’s candidates

Educate the Public Publish the party’s stand on issues with TV and radio ads Campaign for the party’s candidates Simplify issues for voters

Operate the Government Make sure elected party members support the party’s stand on issues Act as a link for the legislative & executive branches Organize congress along party lines

Patronage Reward party loyalty w/ jobs, contracts, and appointments to political positions Reward contributors by being sympathetic to their problems

Loyal Opposition Criticize party in power Act as a “watch dog” over government activities

Reduction of Conflict Promote government stability by peacefully transferring power Adopt moderate policies with mass appeal Encourage compromise & need to work together

Voting Amendments 15 th Amend- removed voting restrictions based on race, color, or servitude 19 th Amend- gave women the right to vote 23 rd Amend- gave residents of Dist. Of Columbia the right to vote and electoral votes in presidential elections 24 th Amend- Abolished the Poll Tax 26 th Amend- voting age moved to 18

Vocabulary from Ch 16 WS Study the political party timeline Precinct Caucus Closed primary Open Primary Runoff primary Platform Plank Know the types of 3 rd parties and importance

Info from Ch 17 WS National election day Soft money Suffrage Reason for having to register to vote Ticket splitting

Ch 18 Lobbying Political efficacy Liberal Ideology- gov’t should promote health, education, and justice. Willing to curtail economic freedom to increase equality Conservatives- believe in limiting gov’t, except in supporting traditional moral values; believe in private individuals, not gov’t, should solve social problems

Moderates- fall between liberals and conservatives. Moderates may want gov’t to regulate business and support traditional moral values Libertarians- support complete economic & social freedoms, (ex. Free market and free speech)