Politische Partei der Vereinigten Staaten von

Amerika

political party major parties Parties can be principle-oriented, issue-

oriented, or election-oriented. The American parties are election-oriented.

Nominate Candidates Inform and Activate Supporters : Shared

with media and interest groups. Act as a Bonding Agent: Select candidates

who are qualified and of good character. If they don’t perform well, they will suffer in the next election.

Govern: help legislative branch and executive branch work together. Appointments based upon partisanship.

Act as a Watchdog-party that is out of power party in power. They urge voters to throw the party in power out.

The Historical Basis-the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists were the basis for a two-party system

The Force of Tradition- two-party system-Minor parties

The Electoral System-single-member districts-winner-take-all system.

People have Ideological Consensus (people with similar beliefs)

Ch. 5.2 Terms

Minor party-a political party without wide support. Two-party system-system where two parties dominate the

political system. Single-member district-Where one person is chosen by

the voters for each elected office. Plurality- In an election, the number of votes that the

leading candidate obtains over the next candidate. Pluralistic society-consists of several distinct cultures and

groups. Consensus-General agreement among various groups. Multiparty- several major and minor groups (parties) Compete for elected office. One-party system- only one party exists and holds power.

Two other types of political systems: Multiparty One-party Multiparty-comprised of several major

and many lesser parties (Europe) Each party has their own interests and

ideology.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a multiparty system.

Advantages Provides broader representation of the

people. More responsive to the will of the people. Give voters more choices at the polls.Disadvantages Cause parties to form coalitions, which can

dissolve easily. Failure of coalitions can cause instability in

government.

Types of One-Party Systems

Types of One-Party Systems

One Party Systems where only one party is allowed.One Party Systems where only one party is allowed.

Modified One-Party Systems where one party regularly wins most elections

Modified One-Party Systems where one party regularly wins most elections

Example: Dictatorships CubaExample: Dictatorships Cuba

Example: VenezuelaExample: Venezuela