Chapter 7: Wilson AP Government and Politics “I adore political parties. They are the only place left to us where people don't talk politics.” Oscar Wilde

 What is a political party?  Group primarily focused on nominating and electing candidates, and controlling government  3 “areans” in which parties operate  On the ballot – how? ▪ Weaker or stronger?  In nominating and electing candidates – how? ▪ Weaker or stronger?  In governing – how? ▪ Weaker or stronger  What reforms to the ballot and voting habits have made US parties a great deal weaker in the US?

 European parties typically are considered “stronger” than US parties in the three areas in which parties operate…  How are US and European parties different?  As a label?  In nominating and electing?  In governing?  Reasons for these differences?  Federalism  Rules/methods whereby candidates are selected  Presidential vs. Parliamentary system

 The political culture of Americans also tends to make our parties weaker than their European counterparts…  “segmental” vs. “comprehensive role” in our lives.  Why is this the case?

 The Founding  Founding to 1820s  The Jacksonian Period  1820s to Civil War  The Civil War and Aftermath  Civil War to 1930s  The Era of Reform  1930s to ???

 The Founding  What were the two earliest parties based on?  How would you characterize this early period?  How did the election of 1800 essentially signal the beginning of the end of this period?  How did the parties represent heterogeneous economic and regional interests?

 The Jacksonian Period  How was this a “democratization of democracy?” ▪ Voting, nominating candidates, electors  What 2 parties emerged during this period? 

 The Civil War and Aftermath  How did slavery affect the election of 1860? ▪ Democrats, Whigs (Constitutional Union), Republicans  What was the result of the election?  What divisions emerged after the 1860s and characterized the nation until 1896 and beyond?

 The 1896 Election –  Bryan and Democrats lose; new Republican solidify  Shores up the parties in certain regions of the US  Why were there internal divisions of parties after the 1896 election? ▪ Old Guard vs. Mugwumps – what reforms were attempted?  The election of 1932  What triggered this “realigning election?  How did FDR and the Democrats overcome their isolation as a “regional” party (midwest, south)?  Who comprised the New Deal coalition?

 What is a “critical” or “realigning” election?  The 1800 Election – ▪ Begins the initial “fading” period of parties – Republicans victorious  The 1828 Election – ▪ Begins the Jacksonian period  The 1860 Election – ▪ Republican party emerges; Whigs disappear  The 1896 Election – ▪ Bryan and Democrats lose; new Republican solidify ▪ Shores up the parties in certain regions of the US  The 1932 Election – ▪ Emergence of the “New Deal Coalition

 Will it be a critical, or realigning election?  What would have to happen?  Can you envision a scenario in which this happens?

 How does the author illustrate that the relationship between the Constitution and political parties is an “unhappy marriage?”  Explain how the author builds a case for his so- called “law of the imperfect political mobilization of interests.