2. Political party-organized group which seeks to win elections in order to influence the activities of government
Democrat-federalist party, symbol is the donkey, supportive of minorities, small businesses, civil rights, public education, Social Security, healthcare for everyone
Republican –anti-federalist party, symbol is the elephant, supports corporations, school choice, home ownership, and the military
Third parties-any party other than the two major parties, often champion individual issues (like the Green Party)
Independent-not affiliated with any party

3. Precinct-smallest unit for administering elections and voting
Ward-voting district made up of several precincts
State committee-committee running election for state made up of numerous wards
National convention-Convention where states bring their candidates together to vote to select the candidate for the national campaign
National committee-runs the national convention and national political party

4. Moderate-in the middle between liberal and conservative
Moderate-in the middle between liberal and conservative. Most swing voters are moderates.
Liberal-seeks change, supports strong national government, usually Democrat
Conservative-seeks tradition, prefers smaller national government, usually Republican

5. Platform-a political parties stand on important goals
Plank –individual issues which make up the platform
Ideologies-underlying belief system and ideology of a party
Gridlock-political traffic jam; when Congress gets nothing done because of disagreements

6. Patronage-people supporting parties are then supported by them; elected officials may place in office those people who worked on their campaigns
Two party system-Two parties compete with each other, represent multiple issues, and are dominant over other parties.
Precinct captain-leader in the smallest political unit in an election.