Civics & Economics Goal 4 Organization of Political Parties

Organization The two major parties are organized at the local, state, and national levels; they are loosely tied together but have roughly the same political beliefs

National Organization Each party has a national committee made up of representatives from every state It helps raise funds for presidential elections and organizes the party ’ s national convention

National Organization A national party chairperson runs the committee; their job is to manage the office, direct committee staff, and lead fundraising efforts

National Party Convention The national convention is held once every four years; it is where party members nominate their candidates for president and VP of the US

National Organization Each party chooses delegates through a combination of presidential primary elections and caucuses, or meetings of state and local party organizations Delegates ’ first job is to write the platform; after it has been approved they nominate the party ’ s presidential candidate Major parties also have campaign committees made up of members of Congress; they work to elect party members and raise money

State and Local Organization Each major party has 50 state committees or organizations; they focus on electing party candidates to state and national offices Each city or county is divided into election districts or precincts, a geographic area that contains a specific number of voters

State and Local Organization All voters in a precinct cast their ballots at the same voting place; each precinct has a precinct captain, whose job is to organize other party members during campaigns and encourage voters on Election Day

State and Local Organization Several geographically connected precincts make up a larger election unit called a ward

County Committees Counties are the largest political units within a state; both parties have county committees A county chairperson runs the committee and has a great deal of political power in the county

County Committees If it is a large county state party leaders such as the Governor or a US Senator may consult them about important appointments such as judgeships Precinct and ward leaders build the party at the “ grassroots ” or neighborhood level; they “ deliver the vote ” for party candidates at every level

Political Machines A political machine is a strong party organization that can control political appointments and deliver votes One of the most famous was New York City ’ s Tammany Hall ruled by “ Boss ” Tweed, he and his friends grew rich off of bribes and kickbacks

Political Machines Political machines provided needy citizens with jobs, food, fuel, and help with medical care in return for votes Today political machines are viewed as harmful; political leaders are less accountable to citizens when they do not have to worry about getting reelected

Joining a Political Party You do not need to join a political party to vote but they offer a great way for citizens to get involved in politics Party membership involves no duties other than voting; you may contribute money, do volunteer work, or participate in election campaigns