Chapter 9 Questions
1. How do American political parties compare with political parties in Europe?
2. Explain the rise and decline of political parties in the United States. Be sure to
explain the realigning of the parties.
3. What is the main purpose of a national convention? How often do these
conventions occur?
4. Explain how the Republican Party used technology to change their internal
structure.
5. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the Democratic Party made reforms that unintentionally
led to it becoming more fragmented. What was the original purpose of these
reforms?
6. Define the term “soft money”?
7. What is the role of a super delegate? How are these delegates chosen?
8. Define the following terms, list the pros and cons, and give contemporary
examples of the following:
a. Political machines
b. Ideological Parties
c. Solidary Groups
d. Sponsored Parties
e. Personal Following
9. What is a two-party system and why are they so rare?
10.
What two reasons explain why scholars do not agree that the twoparty system should be a permanent feature in American politics?
The 2 reasons were the systems of elections and the distribution of public
opinion.
11.
What are minority parties? Discuss a positive impact and a negative
impact they have on American politics.
Minor parties are third parties that have four major types. A positive impact
is the major parties can fall on the minor parties when in need. A negative
impact is that many may not agree with the terms and conditions.
12.
List and explain the four types of minority parties.
1. Ideological Parties- professing a comprehensive view of American
Society and Government.
2. One-Issue Parties- seek a single policy, usually revealed by their names
and avoiding the issue.
3. Economic-Protest Parties- usually based in particular region that protest
against depressed economic conditions.
4. Factional Parties- created by a split in a major party, usually over the
identity and philosophy of the major parties.
13.
What are the two major issues political parties face when nominating
a president? What does your textbook mean when it states that these
issues are “acute?”
14.
Do the party activist and the party leaders tend to disagree with major
issues?
15.
Why is voter turnout so low in primary elections?
16.
What is a caucus?
17.
What does it take to become a party delegate today? How
has the selection process changed? What are the advantages
of becoming a delegate?
18.
Why is the Democratic Party more successful in
congressional elections than presidential elections?