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Political Party Eras

Decent Essays

Pg. 234-248
The Party in Government: Promises and Policy
• It is very important which political party has control over certain government positions as their elected representative must make their campaign promises reality. o Therefore, the more political power a party gets highly determines which aspect of society will receive the most and how it will received.
• Coalition- A group of individuals with a common interest on which every political party depends. o The aspect that people are most attracted to is when a party makes great advancements while in office. o However, there are some theories that campaign promises are actually meant to be broken; as with Lyndon Johnson and his promise regarding the Vietnam War. o Following this, similar …show more content…

o These other minor parties just never have gained enough support or voters to be represented in Congress or anything like that.
• However, throughout history, there have been times where one party had most of the political power for an extended amount of time. o Party Eras- Historical periods in which a majority of voters cling to the party in power, which tends to win a majority of the elections.
• Critical Election- An electoral “earthquake” where new issues emerge, new coalitions replace old ones, and the majority is often displaced by the minority party; critical election periods are sometimes marked by a national crisis and many require more than one election to bring about a new party era. o This is basically when coalitions permanently split up and support the opposing party in future elections. o Party realignment- The displacement of the majority party by the minority party, usually during a critical election period.
• It does not occur often but this did make certain elections very well known throughout …show more content…

o However, ironically, the party felt that in order to prove their worthy of keeping political power, there needed to be an opposing party. o This would come from the Whig party that was made up of both successful industrialist and rural community members.
• Rise of Republicans: o The issue of slavery greatly severed both of the existing political parties. o In fact, it was this issue that inspired the Republican Party to form in the 1850’s to serve as the primary anti-slavery force in the nation. o It was this party that gave numerous support for Abraham Lincoln, consequently starting the Civil War. o With a Union victory, the Republican Party pretty much too over the American government for over 60 years. o Then once again in 1896, where the Republicans faced off against the Democrats with candidates William Bryan and William McKinley. o The Republican Party made their positions on the conflict of gold vs. sliver, gaining them popularity. o After winning this election, the party remained the majority party for another few decades until the Great Depression

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