Political Parties Chapter 9

An alternative to a state primary in which party followers meet, often for many hours, to select party candidates.

Separate committees in Congress for each political party to help members who are running for reelection or would-be members running for an open seat or challenging a candidate from the opposition party.

A proposal originated by progressive reformers to open up political parties to their membership. It permits a vote of party members to select the party's nominee in the general election.

Parties, usually based in a particular region, especially involving farmers, that protest against depressed economic conditions. These tend to disappear as conditions improve. An example would be the Greenback party.

Parties that are created by a split in a major party, usually over the identity and philosophy of the major party's presidential candidate. An example would be the "Bull Moose" Progressive party.

The original party structure in which political parties were loose caucuses of political notables in various locations. It was replaced around 1824.

A political party organization that values principle above all else and spurns money incentives for members to participate.

A proposal favored by progressive reformers to curtail corruption. It allows a law to be enacted directly by vote of the people without approval of a legislative body.

One of two major factions, largely within the Republican party, who opposed the heavy emphasis on patronage and disliked the party machinery because it only permitted bland candidates to rise to the top, was fearful of immigrants, and wanted to see the party take unpopular stances on certain issues. They challenged the Old Guard from around 1896 to the 1930s.

The person responsible for managing the day-to-day work of a national political party. The person is given a full-time, paid position and is elected by the national committee.

Delegates from each state and territory who manage party affairs between national conventions. These exist at the national level for both major political parties.

The ultimate authority in both major political parties in the United States. The conventions are held every four years to nominate each party's candidate for the presidency.

One of two major factions, largely within the Republican party, composed of the party regulars and professional politicians. They were preoccupied with building up the party machinery, developing party loyalty, and acquiring and dispensing patronage. They were challenged by progressives from around 1896 to the 1930s.

Parties seeking a single policy, usually revealed by their names, and avoiding other issues. An example would be the Free Soil party.

A type of local party organization in which a candidate gets people to work for him or her for a campaign and then the organization disbands until the next election. To run this type of campaign, a candidate needs an appealing personality, name recognition, a lot of friends, and a large bank account.