1. Political Parties
Unit 2

2. Political Party
An organized group who share common beliefs who work to win elections, control government, and set public policy.

3. Ideology
A set of beliefs that allow a person to view issues in a consistent manner;

4. Democrat
A person who believes in the political or social equality of all people.
Government regulation of the economy
Social programs (welfare, healthcare..)

5. Republican A person who is more conservative in their views.
Free market capitalism
Strong national defense

6. The GOP
Grand Old Party
Another name for the Republican Party.

7. Liberal
Believes that government should peacefully promote social reform; likes change.

8. Conservative
Cautious about new policies and that the gov’t should stay out of the lives of private citizens and businesses; likes the status quo (No Change)

9. Moderate
A person whose beliefs are somewhere between a liberal and a conservative. COMPROMISE.

10. Bipartisan
Supported by two parties.

11. Platform
Where the party stands on key issues
Planks

12. Planks
Positions on issues that make up the platform.

13. Coalition
An alliance of political groups formed to oppose a common enemy or pursue a common goal.

14. Electoral College
Electors who perform the formal duty of electing the President and VP of the U.S.A.

15. Popular Vote
The vote for a U.S. presidential candidate made by the qualified voters.
One person one vote.

16. Primary
Party elections to decide party’s candidate for the general election

17. Caucus
Voters gather at a location and group together based on candidate support (Iowa) to decide who should run for the general election.

18. Capital Punishment
The legal killing of a person who has committed a serious crime such as murder.
Death Penalty