Competency 3.3 - identify the effects of voter behavior, political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and mass media on the electoral process in the United States

an organization comprised of people who hold similar ideas about government and seek to influence government by electing its members to public office

led by Alexander Hamilton, this political party favored a “loose construction” approach to the interpretation of the constitution, advocating a strong federal government with the power to assume any duties not prohibited or clarified in the constitution

led by Thomas Jefferson, this political party took a “strict constructionist” approach, interpreting the constitution as it is, or in a narrow, limited sense; sympathetic to the needs of the “common man,” this party was mistrustful of powerful centralized government

organized from remnants of the failed Federalist party and National Republicans party, this political party opposed the Jacksonian Democrats

political parties that fall outside the two main parties

this political party successfully advocated for the prohibition of alcohol in the 18th amendment (later repealed)

third party that championed the causes of the farmers and workers, impacting mainstream parties with its reform agenda

a mechanism that allows voters to put proposed legislation on the ballot; a populist party innovation

a political party that breaks away from an established party, such as the Bull Moose party from the Republican party

third party that champions environmental causes

modern-day political party divided from the Whigs due to slavery issues; these supporters were pro-slavery

modern-day political party that came together to halt the spread of slavery

allows voters ro express their preference for candidates to a major election

the fundamental unit of organization of a political party, usually has a captain or commitee handle routine chores such as voter registration and organizing party meetings

the largest and most visible political precinct, this group writes party platforms, raise money to finance political activity, amd carry out the election campaign

a summary of positions on major issues of focus for a political party

the process by which individuals form their political allegiances

the culture that develops as a result of political socialization

divides in a political party; factors that cauae this could include family ties, race/ethnicity, sex/gender, socioeconomic class, religion, education, region, or even differing opinions about any of the above

firm and consistent beliefs with respect to political, economic, and social issues

although difficult to define precisely, this political ideology tends to favor change and views the government as a tool to support and increase quality of life

although difficult to define precisely, this political ideology views both change and government with suspicion, emphasizing individual initiative and local solutions to problems

these groups constantly work to pressure political leaders into creating (or destroying) legislation that benefits the group

individuals who try to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group or special interest