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| What is dealignment? | Rather than shifting loyalty from one party to another, voters today are less affiliated with either major party. Instead, they are registering as independents, which results in the dealignment of political parties. |
| What are critical realigning elections and when have they occurred? | Critical elections make a significant change in the way large groups of citizens vote, shifting their allegiance from one party to the other. The elections of 1860, 1896 and 1932 are seen as definite realignments. |
| What are the principal types of third parties? | Ideological parties, splinter parties, single issue parties and economic protest parties |
| Why is the US election system biased against the success of third party candidates? | The single member plurality does not allow third party candidates to get enough votes to be represented on the state or national level. A third party candidate would need to gain more votes than either major party candidate, which is unlikely. |
| What are the primary functions of political parties in the US? | Running candidates for office, connecting citizens to their government, informing the public and organizing the government. |
| Why have political parties declined in influence? | The government has taken over many of the functions that were performed by the party machines. This means party organization has fewer functions and less control over members. Also, many people feel the major parties do not represent their interests. |
| How are political parties organized? | Parties have three types of members. Government members (office holders/ candidates), organizational members (workers/ activists) and the electorate (voters). Parties are structured in a hierarchy, with the National Committee at the top, then the 50 state committees and then the local committees. |
| What are the historic eras in American political parties? | There are four eras: The First Party System (1787-1824), the Second Party System (1824-1865), 1865-1932 and 1932-Present. |
| What are the general differences between political parties in the US and in Europe? | In the US, parties are regulated by law, creating weaker parties. In Europe, the situation is reversed. The parties control the government. |
| What is political patronage? | Favors to reward party loyalty such as jobs and government contracts. |
| Characteristics of Political Parties | A linkage institution characterized by a group of people joined by common philosophy. The main goal is to get individuals elected to office in order to implement policy. Parties have local and national organizations and are responsible to members and electorate. Parties raise money to achieve these goals. |
| Functions of Political Parties | Nominate candidates for office, promote candidates, raise money for candidates, develop a platform and advocate for it, coordinate policy implementation and serve as a watchdog ("the loyal opposition") |
| Grassroots Politics | Political action at the local level such as voter registration and other forms of direct voter contact. |
| Party Realignment | A movement of the voters from one political party to another |
| Party Dealignment | The movement of voters away from either major party. |
