Political Parties Midterm Prep

Pol 160: American Political Parties

Study Guide

Fall 2015

Midterm Study Guide:

The final is not designed to test knowledge of specific facts, but rather to demonstrate your understanding

of the major concepts and questions we have studied so far. You will be responsible for material covered

both in lecture and in the assigned readings (even if I have not directly referenced particular aspects of the

readings). All of the material up through the date of the midterm will be relevant.

Format:

The exam will have two parts. The first part will be a series of short answer questions. The second part of

the exam will be a medium length essay. The exam will be closed book and closed notes. Please bring a

blue book to the exam.

Below are major concepts and ideas that we have discussed in class and are discussed in the various

readings. These are, however, not exhaustive of the concepts that are important for the exam.

Coordination and Free Riding

Party machines

Party bosses

Australian Ballot

Direct Primaries

Registration

Patronage and Civil Service Reform

The one-party south

The New Deal Coalition

Presidential election sequence

Invisible Primary

Frontloading

Implications of the Electoral College for campaign strategy

Below are some questions to help guide your study efforts. They are not, however, exhaustive of the

types of questions that may be asked.

What factors explain why political parties emerged in the United States despite the Framers original

disdain for parties?

What effects were the Progressive Era reforms intended to have on political machines and why?