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Author Question: Describe political parties and elections. What will be an ideal ... (Read 94 times)

javeds

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Describe political parties and elections.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

According to Merton's __________ theory, people feel tension when they are exposed to cultural goals that they are unable to obtain because they do not have access to culturally approved means of achieving those goals.
 
  a. opportunity
 b. conflict
 c. developmental
 d. strain



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Andromeda18

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Answer to Question 1

A political party is an organization whose purpose is to gain and hold

legitimate control of government; it is usually composed of people with

similar attitudes, interests, and socioeconomic status. A political party (1)

develops and articulates policy positions, (2) educates voters about

issues and simplifies choices for them, and (3) recruits candidates who

agree with those policies, helps those candidates win office, and holds

the candidates responsible for implementing the party's policy positions.

Political parties create a platform, a formal statement of the party's

political positions on various social and economic issues. Since the Civil

War, the Democratic and Republican parties have dominated the U.S.

political system. Although both parties have been quite successful at

getting their candidates elected at various times, they generally do not

meet the ideal characteristics of a political party. (1) the two parties do

not offer voters clear policy alternatives. Most voters view themselves as

being close to the center of the political spectrum (extremely liberal being

the far left of that spectrum and extremely conservative being the far

right). Liberals tend to focus on equality of opportunity and the need for

government regulation and social safety nets. By contrast, conservatives

are more likely to emphasize economic liberty and freedom from

government interference. (2) the two parties are oligarchies, dominated

by active elites. (3) primary elections determine nominees. (4) party

loyalties are declining. (5) the media have replaced the party as a means

of political communication. In general, voters tend to select candidates

and political parties based on social and economic issues that they

consider to be important in their lives. Social issues are those relating to

moral judgments or civil rights, ranging from abortion rights to gun control.

Other social issues include the rights of people of color and persons with

a disability, school prayer, and the environment. Economic issues fall into

two broad categories: (1) the amount that should be spent on government

programs, and (2) the extent to which these programs should encourage

a redistribution of income and assets.

Answer to Question 2

d



javeds

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Andromeda18

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Great! Please up vote :D



 

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