Chapter 9: Political Parties

A group that seeks to elect candidates into public office

Faction of the Republican party which was made up of reformers who opposed patronage

A period when a major, lasting shift happens in the popular coalition supporting one or both parties

Election held to determine the nominee from a certain party

Primary election where only registered party members can vote for a nominee

Primary election where all voters, regardless of party can vote

Party leaders and elected officials who are delegates in the national convention without having to run in primaries

Process by which candidates try to attract the support of key party leaders before the election begins

Meeting of party delegates every 4 years

Delegates who run the party affairs between national conventions

Party committee in Congress that provides funds to members and would-be members

The day-to-day party manager, who is elected by the national committee

Party organization that recruits members by dispensing patronage

The long term, stable attachment  a voter has to a party

Another name for partisan identity

Electoral system with two dominant parties

Electoral system where the winner gets the most votes even if they did not receive a majority

Weakening of partisan preferences that points to a rejection of both major parties and a rise in the number of independents

An election during periods of expanded suffrage and change in the economy and society that proves to be a turning point, redefining the agenda of politics and the alignment of voters within parties