US Political Parties

?
  • Created by: KDallers-
  • Created on: 31-05-18 00:52
Why did the US political parties once have more 'intraparty divisions' than 'inter party divisions'?
The existence of the parties as 'big tent' or 'catch all' parties - internal coalitions of ideologies
1 of 81
Why are there more inter party divisions nowadays?
1) Polarising leaders (Goldwater, Reagan, Clinton, McGovern, Bush); 2) Divisive legislation (New Deal and Great Society), 3) End of the Cold War Consensus, 4) Decline of moderate factions (Blue Dogs and RINOs)
2 of 81
What were traditional Southern Democrats known as?
'Yellow Dog' Democrats - they would vote Democrat, even if a yellow dog stood as the candidate
3 of 81
What did the New Deal do in terms of voter support?
United Northern, urban white collar workers and minorities with Southern, blue collar Democrats under the Democrats - guaranteed support
4 of 81
How did the New Deal Coalition end?
The 'breakup of the solid South' in the 1960s - Southern voters were unhappy with the Democrat-led civil rights reforms and 'Great Society' - so they defected to the Republicans
5 of 81
What did effect did this 'dealignment' have?
The Republicans became the 'party of the South' - beginning with Goldwater's conservatism in 1964, and also with Nixon's 'Southern Strategy' in 1972; the Democrats became the party of the urban North - now controlled the 'solid Northeast'
6 of 81
How can the Democrat Party be described today?
As the 'liberal' party - supported by urban groups and minorities, they stand for: - big government and intervention, - regulation, - social welfare and abortion, - pro-choice, - social liberalism, - environmentalism, - affirmative action + Medicare
7 of 81
How can the Republican Party be described today?
As the 'conservative party - supported by rural southerners and blue collar workers + businesses: - fiscal conservatism, - small government, - deregulation, - meritocracy, - social conservatism(?), - high defence spending
8 of 81
Which party has seen the most success since the breakup of the Solid South?
The Republicans - 6/9 Presidents since - the parties are now more polarised
9 of 81
How have the Democrat Party become more ideologically united?
Decline of the 'Blue Dogs' - wiped out in the 2010 midterms, rise of the 'progressive wing' (marked by Sanders 2016) - now more ideologically united as 'liberals'
10 of 81
How have the Republican Party become more ideologically united?
Since the rise of the 'Tea Party' movement, the highly conservative Reagan presidency, and the decline of the RINO wing of the party
11 of 81
How does Congress show the increase in internal unity and polarisation?
Higher partisanship (no Republicans voted for Obamacare 2009, over 90% of votes along party lines), the 1994 'Contract with America' and the 2006 'Six for 06'
12 of 81
Describe the 'Progressive Democrats' faction.
Socially and fiscally liberal - favour intervention, and social welfare - supported Obama bailouts, Obamacare, environmentalism, civil rights and 'economic justice (Occupy movement) - represented by Bernie Sanders, George McGovern 1972 and E.Warren
13 of 81
How have the 'Progressive Democrats' functioned in Congress?
Have the Democrat Progressive Caucus with 77 Representatives in the House, and 1 Senator (Sanders) - a notable policy was the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act
14 of 81
Describe the 'New Democrats' faction.
Pro-opportunity, pro-responsibility and pro-community; support social liberalism, but relatively conservative fiscally - rose under Bill Clinton - also represented by Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi and Obama
15 of 81
How have the 'New Democrats' functioned in Congress?
They provide a centrist alternative as the 'New Democrat Coalition' - 68 House Seats, won 15 extra in 2016 - a rebirth?
16 of 81
Describe the 'Blue Dog Democrats' faction.
The most conservative Democrats, representing the old Southern Democrats of the 1960s - both socially and fiscally conservative (for Democrats) - individuals include Joe Lieberman and Ben Nelson
17 of 81
How have the 'Blue Dog Democrats' functioned in Congress?
In decline since the 2010 midterms - have only 18 members in the 'Blue Dog Coalition', and Ben Nelson lost his seat in 2010 - they used to represent the overlap, however now they are in decline, and the party is more internally united.
18 of 81
How did Dennis Brogan describe the two parties?
'Like two bottles with the different labels, both empty'
19 of 81
Describe the 'RINOs' faction.
These are the most moderate Republicans - they are socially liberal, but fiscally conservative - they are pro-choice, pro-gay rights and regulation, favour a 'dovish' foreign policy - however, did not vote for Obamacare - similar to UK Conservatives.
20 of 81
How have the 'RINOs' functioned in Congress?
Represented by both the 'Tuesday Group' and the 'Main Street Partnership' - represents 123 Republicans; individuals such as Olympia Snow, John McCain - also Schwarzenegger and Colin Powell
21 of 81
Describe the 'Religious Right' faction.
These are strongly socially conservative Republicans that are influenced by Mormon and Evangelical beliefs - promote Christian values; pro-life, pro-school prayer, anti-gay marriage and pro-2nd amendment
22 of 81
How do the 'Religious Right' group function?
They are supported by highly motivated and high turnout supporters, keen to spread the word of God - so are successful. Key individuals include Reagan, Pence, Palin, Newt Gingrich and Bush's 'compassionate conservatism' of 2004
23 of 81
Describe the 'Neo-conservatives' faction.
Fiscally and socially conservative Republicans - pro-free market, interventionist foreign policy, pro-life, pro- 2nd amendment and anti-regulation - pro-Iraq
24 of 81
How have the 'Neo-conservative' group functioned in Congress?
Largest Republican faction - 154 members of the 'Republican Study Committee' - represented by Goerge Bush, **** Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Steve Scalise and Mark Walker.
25 of 81
Describe the 'Libertarians' faction.
Support the rights of the individual and individual liberty - pro-free market, pro-choice and anti-taxation - oppose 'big government' in all its forms - support deregulation, decriminalisation of drugs and gun rights.
26 of 81
How do the 'libertarians' function in Congress?
Through the Republican Liberty Caucus and House Freedom Caucus - 40 members total, but growing - supported by Rand Paul, Ron Paul and Barry Goldwater.
27 of 81
How have US parties become more polarised in the last 30 years?
In late 20th, both parties similar, and much bipartisanship - now, a number of different theories and more partisanship
28 of 81
What does the '50:50 nation' idea suggest?
Following Bush v Gore 2000, there was a close election, and parties with similar ideologies - the nation was '50' for the Republicans, and '50' for the Democrats
29 of 81
What is the idea of 'Red' America?
'Red' (Republican) America consists of white men, religious people, the wealthy and rural Southerners - conservative America that favours 'small government'
30 of 81
What is the idea of 'Blue' America?
'Blue' (Democrat) America consists of ethnic minorities, females, urban dwellers and liberal people - also atheists
31 of 81
What is the argument against Red and Blue America?
That there are 'Shades of Purple' - that there is still overlap - for example, in 2008, 9 states that voted Bush voted Obama - including a 21% swing in IN - due to 'candidate centred' elections, split-ticket voting and 9/11 introducing bipartisanship
32 of 81
What does the idea of a '100 party system' suggest?
That in each state, every party is different - for example, the Alabama Democrats will be more conservative than the California Democrats - examples include the 'Reagan Democrats' and the walkout of Southern Democrats in the 1960s.
33 of 81
What are the reasons for the increased polarisation of US politics?
1) Breakup of the Solid South, 2) The Reagan Presidency, 3) End of the Cold War, 4) More partisan Presidents, 5) The media, 6) Growth of 'Movements' (Tea Party)
34 of 81
How strong are US parties in comparison to UK parties?
US parties are much weaker and more decentralised than UK parties due to the size of the USA and the federalist structure of the nation.
35 of 81
Why are US parties weaker than UK parties?
Lack of mass membership; existence of dedicated activists and 'bosses'; lack of party leaders (although ex-Presidents can boost a Presidential candidate (Obama - Clinton and Carter supported); weakness of party platform'; use of primaries
36 of 81
How does the Constitution disadvantage US parties from the outset?
Separation of powers means a party cannot form ties between each branch due to checks and balances and a high number of elections, and federalism gives rise to the '100 party system'
37 of 81
How can recent events suggest that party organisation is growing in strength?
The growth of national campaigns (1994 'Contract w/ America, 2006 'Six for '06'); increased party discipline (2008 Democrat front loading punishments)
38 of 81
What is the structure that provides some leadership at the 'top' of parties?
The National Committee - meets twice annually in Washington DC
39 of 81
What is the National Committee and who are the chairs?
The Committee is a coming together of the state parties - chairs are elected - Democrat Tom Perez, Republican Ronna Romney-McDaniel
40 of 81
What are the roles of the National Committees?
1) Making policy pronouncements (RNC - Trump Israeli Embassy), 2) Fundraising (RNC Chair Preibus helped Trump), 3) Helping activists to canvass with publications, 4) Organising the conventions, 5) Enforcing party rules (2008 frontloading discipline)
41 of 81
How have the National Committees strengthened?
Through the enforcement of party rules and growth of informal functions of the convention - Reince Preibus' role won him the role of Chief of Staff - however, still a VERY WEAK organisation
42 of 81
How are local parties organised?
Local party organisations select candidates for local elections; however, role of 'machine politics' has decreased (Mayor Daley 1960s); state parties created rules (MA, 500 pages)
43 of 81
How do state parties have power?
State governors and city mayors have power (Rick Scott, FL Gov over Marjorie-Stoneman Douglas); choosing convention delegates; district reapportioning; organising the party through committees
44 of 81
How are the parties organised in Congress?
The Democratic Caucus and the House Republican Conference - the party leadership sets the agenda and appoints committee chairs; parties assist with 'permanent campaign'
45 of 81
What concepts suggest that parties are also loosely organised in Congress?
'Pork-barrelling' and cross-party groupings - also, separation of powers - Alison Grimes anti-Obama ad 2008 KY Senate
46 of 81
What factors suggest that parties are strengthening?
1) Campaign finance (growth of 'soft' money), 2) Rallies, 3) Opinion polls, 4) Ideological unity, 5) Media, 6) National party growth, 7) Party discipline
47 of 81
What are 'Hill Committees'?
Groups that work to get candidates elected, having a great amount of influence
48 of 81
How is a 'two-party system' defined?
A system in which two major parties win at least 80% of the popular vote in general elections, and 90% of the seats in legislative elections
49 of 81
How is the two party system shown in US elections?
Every President a R/D since 1853; over 90% vote D/R in Presidential election since 1968 w/ 2 exceptions; all House members R/D in 2016 - only 2 independent Senators (who caucus with Democrats)
50 of 81
How do state level elections demonstrate a 2-party system?
98.5% of state legislative seats are Republican or Democrat; only 1 independent Governor (Bill Walker, AK - campaigns with Democrats)
51 of 81
What are the reasons for a two-party system?
1) FPTP (all 3rd party votes are wasted), 2) Electoral College (singular executive, 3rd parties have 'shallow' support), 3) Big tent parties (no space for 3rd parties), 4) Partisan alignment, 5) Duopoly on issues, 6) Primaries
52 of 81
How does the increased use of primaries promote a two-party system?
3rd party candidates can seek the nomination of a major party through primaries - so, opt for this as opposed to the 3rd party ticket
53 of 81
What criticisms exist of the 2 party system model?
Idea of a 'four party' system (conservatives and liberals in both), the 100 party system, a 2 party system with no party rule (divided government), a 'no-party system' (candidate centred), a one-party system in some states (Rs in WY)
54 of 81
How do pressure groups show criticism of the two party system model?
Americans show allegiance to movements as opposed to parties - for example, 'Tea Party' activists, the NRA and Greenpeace
55 of 81
What influence have third parties had on the result of elections?
Many 3rd parties, but little influence - no ECV since Wallace 1968 - Perot 1992 got 19% of vote as billionaire, anti-establishment candidate, but no ECV - 1.7% of vote in 2012
56 of 81
How did Richard Hofstadter describe third parties?
'Destined to sting like a bee, then die'
57 of 81
What types of third parties exist?
National (Green, Libertarian), Regional (American Independent), Permanent (Constitution), Temporary (Dixiecrat)
58 of 81
How much of an impact to third parties have in terms of winning elections?
Very limited - only 2 independent Senators (Sanders + King); even then they lean either Democrat or Republican - only 1 independent governor, B.Walker of AK
59 of 81
How can Hofstadter's argument be supported?
Wallace won 46 ECV in 1968, and ran for the Democrats in 1972; Perot won 8% in 1996 under 'Reform' banner - 'then die' after 'stinging'
60 of 81
Why do third parties struggle in the USA?
1) FPTP, 2) Campaign finance (lack of matching funds - need 5% in previous election - must be rich)
61 of 81
How do ballot access laws restrict third party candidates from success?
Some states have particularly tough ballot access laws - CA - 1% of state population needed
62 of 81
How can a lack of media attention and fundraising affect third party candidates?
It is difficult for third party candidates to fundraise, and ballot access is expensive - you must be rich to stand (Perot 1992 and 1996) - 3rd party candidates are also excluded from TV debates, making it harder to achieve 'free coverage'
63 of 81
How do the 2 main parties damage 3rd party campaigns
Through portraying 3rd party candidates as 'extremists' (Wallace as Hitler) and through the cooptation of policies.
64 of 81
How can third parties have an impact through 'cooptation'?
3rd party policies are adopted by the 2 main parties - this allows influence, but removes future electoral viability - 1992 - Perot 'balanced budget' taken by Clinton; 1968 - Wallace 'Southern strategy' taken by Nixon
65 of 81
How can third parties have an impact through the 'spoiler effect'?
They can 'spoil' the election for one of the 2 main parties - Ralph Nader had the election 'spoiled' in 2000 for Al Gore with 2.7% of the vote, particularly in FL - Wallace in 1968, 'spoiled' for Democrats, Stein for Clinton in WI 2016, Perot/Bush 92
66 of 81
Can third parties win elections?
Rarely, but yes - often at a state level - Lincoln Chaffee as RI Gov., Michael Bloomberg as NY Gov. 2009, Sanders and King
67 of 81
What years had notable 3rd party candidates?
Wallace 1968, Anderson 1980, Perot 1992, Perot 1996, Nader 2000
68 of 81
What does the theory of 'party decline' suggest, and who suggested it?
This suggests that parties are actively in decline due to developments in the 1970s such as McGovern-Fraser, FECA 1971 and the media - suggested by David Broder in 'The Party's Over'
69 of 81
How did 'communication' support his theory of 'party decline?
COMMUNICATION - party leadership does not coordinate media any more - TV, internet and social media have made it more candidate centred - growth of political consultants - Alison Grimes 2014 - anti-Obama
70 of 81
How did 'nomination' support the theory of 'party decline'?
NOMINATION - until 1960s, dominated by party bosses - now, primaries for everything - since McGovern-Fraser - personality is more important, and primaries divide and weaken party unity - 2016 - Ds prefer Clinton to Sanders
71 of 81
How did 'organisation' support the theory of party decline?
ORGANISATION - campaign is organised by advertising and media, not the party - more about candidate identification - victory is for the candidate - 'Trump' voters in 2016, not Republicans
72 of 81
How does campaign finance regulation support the theory of party decline?
CAMPAIGN FINANCE - candidates raise their own hard money through PACs, parties cannot donate to candidates following FECA 1971, 'soft' money through Super PACs goes to the candidate - 2000s reforms make fundraising more candidate centred
73 of 81
How have special interest groups supported the theory of 'party decline'?
Voters are now passionate about single issues, such as gun control, abortion and the environment, and they support interest groups for this - movements such as the Tea Party garner more activist support and thus strong organisation - same with Occupy
74 of 81
What does the theory of 'party renewal' suggest?
That due to the increasing partisanship in Congress and candidate selection in elections, parties are experiencing a rebirth.
75 of 81
How does 'candidate selection' support the idea of party renewal?
CANDIDATE SELECTION - the role of 'super delegates' means the party can influence the nomination process - can do so before the convention - Obama 2008
76 of 81
How does 'partisanship' support the idea of party renewal?
PARTISANSHIP - the Democrats are now 'liberals', and are pro-choice, pro-gun control and support Obamacare; Republicans are 'conservative' and support the opposite on most issues - a 'duopoly'; no Reps for Obamacare, 113th: party line votes 90% time
77 of 81
How do Congressional trends support the idea of party renewal?
CONGRESS - more rewards for party loyalty through committee roles - a decline in overlapping 'Blue Dogs' and 'RINOs' - ALL Democrats more liberal than Rs and vice versa - less 'cross-party groupings (Conservative Coalition 30s-90s)
78 of 81
What national trends in elections support the idea of 'party renewal'?
The 1994 'Contract With America' and 2006 'Six for 06' have encouraged candidates to campaign increasingly on party lines.
79 of 81
How does campaign finance support the idea of party renewal?
Through the growth of leadership PACs, that can fundraise for a candidate in exchange for party loyalty.
80 of 81
To conclude, are US parties weak, or strong?
Much weaker and more decentralised than the UK - politics is candidate centred, parties restricted from fundraising, and Broder's reasons in 1972.
81 of 81

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Why are there more inter party divisions nowadays?

Back

1) Polarising leaders (Goldwater, Reagan, Clinton, McGovern, Bush); 2) Divisive legislation (New Deal and Great Society), 3) End of the Cold War Consensus, 4) Decline of moderate factions (Blue Dogs and RINOs)

Card 3

Front

What were traditional Southern Democrats known as?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What did the New Deal do in terms of voter support?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

How did the New Deal Coalition end?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Government & Politics resources:

See all Government & Politics resources »See all US political parties resources »