| A | B |
|---|
| The american political process is characterized by a | two party system |
| Political parties allow citizens to | participate in the political process |
| The two major parties are the | Democrats and Republicans |
| Third parties | raise awareness of new ideas and issues |
| The most important function of a party is to | win the election |
| Educate the electorate means | teach the voters |
| Nominating a candidate means | to select a qualified person to run for office |
| Act as watchdogs | monitor office holder actions |
| Differences are stated in | platforms and reflected in campaigns |
| Similarities | Organize to win, influence public policy, reflect liberal and conservative views, appeal to the political center |
| The political center is where- | a majority of American voters are on the political spectrum |
| Functions | recruit and nominate, educate the electorate, help to win, act as watchdogs |
| A public policy is a | law |
| A platform is | the issues a candidate will support if elected |
| Republican | more conservative, right leaning, elephant |
| Democrat | more liberal, left leaning, donkey |
