Patrick Bushnell, Alex Parrish

Period 3
Pages 258-266

Political Parties
• Since we have a weak party system, it is easier for congressmen to act
independently from party lines.
• This system can cause political grid lock.
• When the president and the majority of congress share the same political ideology
there is more policy agreement.

• Compared to other industrial nations, the U.S. has a narrow scope of government.
• It is easier for politicians to get money for their constituents because no one party
has dominate control over the government.

• Political information can now be gathered from other sources besides political
parties, such as: media and interest groups.
• Although political parties do not dominate the political scene it is
unlikely that they will ever disappear completely.

Nominations and Campaigns

• 2 Stages for American politics:
o Nominations is the prize in which politicians receive their parties
endorsement.
o Campaigns between two nominees – the prize for which is obtaining the
office.
 Campaign strategy is the plan candidates create to help get them
elected.

• Not every politician wants to become president because it is emotionally and

physically demanding.
• Other industrialized nations campaigns are shorter in comparison to the U.S.
• Most politicians have a background in senators , representatives, or
governors before running for president.