Political Parties and Realignments in the United States

The Role of Congress and the President

22. In the United States, the executive branch, separate from Congress, is not dependent on majority support.

23. In the United States, it is more difficult for a government to fall, resulting in early legislative elections.

Parliamentary Systems

24. In a parliament, leaders can obtain ministerial jobs, but could fail to re-nominate disloyal members.

25. In the United States, congressional members have less party loyalty and do not risk losing their seats.

Presidential Elections

26. From the 1820s to the 1850s, presidential elections would be temporary and weaker.

27. Roughly from the 1830s to the 1850s, the Democratic Party was elected by popular vote and supported a stronger national government, a national bank, public-private enterprises, higher tariffs, and anti-immigrant policies.

Party Realignments

28. From the Civil War to the 1890s, the Republican Party became dominant, and factions emerged within each party.

29. During the Progressive Era, Progressives pushed for primary elections.

30. During the Progressive Era, Progressives pushed for nonpartisan elections.

31. During the Progressive Era, Progressives pushed for strict voter registration.

32. During the Progressive Era, Progressives pushed for civil service reform.

Key Issues Dividing Parties

33. What was the specific main issue or set of specific issues that divided the two major parties BEFORE the realignment of 1860?

Positions on a national bank, public-private enterprises, tariffs, and immigrants

34. What was the specific main issue or set of specific issues that divided the two major parties AFTER the realignment of 1860?

Stands on the extension of slavery to the West

35. What was the specific main issue or set of specific issues that divided the two major parties AFTER the realignment of 1896?

Economic policy stands (Ex: Republicans favored: creditors, protective high tariffs, industry, urban interests and Democrats favored: debtors, low tariffs, farmers, rural interests)

36. What was the main issue or set of issues that divided the two major parties AFTER the realignment of 1932?

Divisions on whether there should be more federal government involvement in the economy

Voting Systems

37. There is more ticket splitting using the office-bloc ballot.

38. In plurality systems, the candidate with the most votes, not necessarily a majority, in a voting district wins.