Political Parties Structure, Function, History and Purpose

Political Parties are organizations that seek political power by electing people to office.

What do you think are the functions of political parties? Discuss with a partner

Functions of Political Parties Organize the Competition Designate candidates to run Raise money; volunteers Unify the Electorate Moderate differences inside the party Take on the opposition and reach out to voters outside their party

Functions of Political Parties Help Organize Government State and National Government Patronage Translate Policy into Preference Enact its policies and implement campaign promises Candidate Centered Raise and spend $ Provide Loyal Opposition Accountability comes from the party our of power Honeymoon period

Even though the Parties can’t exert tight control over their candidate they can help raise and spend money. Money raised in unlimited amounts by political parties for party building purposed Soft Money Political contributions given to a party, candidate or interest group that are limited in amount and fully disclosed Hard Money Individuals, groups and parties can spend unlimited amounts in campaigns for or against a candidate as long as they operate independently from a candidate. Independent Expenditure

How do we nominate candidates?

Candidates can be nominated using the caucus system.

Starting in the 1830s, party conventions began voting on policy and selecting candidates for public office.

Candidates can also be selected in primary elections. Election in which voters choose party nominees Direct Primary Primary election in which any voter, regardless of party can vote Open Primary Primary election in which only persons registered in the party holding the primary may vote Closed Primary

In the United States, we have a two-party system; most other democracies have a multiparty system.

In some multiparty systems, winners are determined by proportional representation.

The United States uses the winner- take-all system, which inhibits the formation of 3 rd parties.

The two-party system tends to create centrist parties that appeal to moderate elements and suppress the views of extremist in the electorate.

Although we primarily have a two-party system in the U.S., we do have minor parties (aka third parties).

Candidate based parties arises around a candidate and usually disappears when the charismatic personality does.

Minor Parties that are organized around an ideology usually persist over a longer time that those built around a particular leader.

Major Parties have criticized 3 rd parties as “spoilers.”

3 rd parties draw attention to controversial issues, but have never shaped national policy from inside the government.

The Libertarian Party emphasizes individual liberties, personal responsibility and freedom from government.

The Green Party embraces pro- environmental positions.

The Reform Party focuses on national government reform, fiscal responsibility and political accountability.

The T.E.A. Party advocates strict adherence to the Constitution and a reduction in spending, taxes and the debt/deficit.

Let’s take a moment to review…9/11 What is the purpose of political parties? Functions of Parties? (4) 2 main procedures used by parties in selection? Impact of 2 party system? Types and Roles of 3 rd Parties INTRO TO TRENDS OVER TIME

A Brief History of American Political Parties

To the Founding Fathers, parties meant bigger, better-organizes factions that they did not want. “…Baneful effects of the Spirit of Party.” “If I could not go to Heaven but with a party, I would not go…” “…infinite mutual abuse of parties, tearing to pieces the best of characters.”

Political parties started out of political necessity in 1787.

Alexander Hamilton built an informal Federalist party.

The Democratic- Republican party was founded by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Democratic- Republican Democratic

American political parties have evolved and changed over time but some underlying characteristics have been consistent.

Realigning Elections are turning points that define the agenda of politics and the alignment of voters within parties during periods of historic change in the economy and society.

Critical/Realigning Elections in History

In 1824, Democrat Andrew Jackson won the popular vote, but did not win a majority of the electoral college; he later won in 1828.

Out of the crisis over slavery, the second Republican party (GOP) was born and Lincoln was elected in 1860.

The 1896 election between McKinley and Bryan was a converting realignment because it reinforced the Republican majority that had been in place since 1860.

The Progressive wing of the Republican party lead to much political reform in the early 1900s.

Trends Over Time Critical Elections– Realigning or Dealigning? Divided Government— Impact on gridlock? Impact on quality/quantity of legislation?

The 1932 election of Franklin Roosevelt was a turning point in American politics and lead to party realignment..

Since 1953, divided government has been in effect twice as long as united government.

It has been a long time since a realigning election; 2000 and 2004 were close and competitive but don’t appear to be realigning.

Over time, some demographics of parties have shifted.

But, our current system of party identification is built on the foundation of the New Deal and the critical election of 1932.

Recently, scholars feel that we are experiencing a rejection of partisanship in favor of becoming Independent (dealignment).

Let’s Review… Realignment happens when… Dealignment happens when… The modern Democratic party started when… The modern Republican party started when… Divided government is…

Journal: 09/09/14 Question to Consider: Copy and Respond “How would your minor party respond to an executive act issued by President Obama providing a path to legalized residency for undocumented persons currently living in the US? Explain with evidence from your party’s platform. SWITCH UP TIME---

Agenda: 09/10/14 Table Talk– IF US switched to a proportional system to select members to the HO/Reps– and together the Republicans secured 75% of the votes in the election– how would AZ’s 9 seats be distributed? Journal: List advantages and disadvantages of implementing this system.

Agenda: 09/10/14 Table Talk– IF US switched to a proportional system to select members to the HO/Reps– and together the Republicans secured 75% of the votes in the election– how would AZ’s 9 seats be distributed? Journal: List advantages and disadvantages of implementing this system.

2 Party vs Multi-Party Winner take All vs. Proportional 2 Party Proportional/ Parliamentary System Clear Choice for Voters Organized/Specific opposition to check power of majority party More efficient/effective in legislative process– quantity/quality of laws/policies Disadvantages— Less representative of a diverse population Candidates and parties lose their effective voice until the next election More democratic– Losers parties still have a voice for their voters More representative of society as a whole Voters would have a more specific label to describe their ideology/beliefs Disadvantages– Slower/less eficient Less effective in crisis Takes time to build coalitions to lead and implement policy

What are the institutional characteristics of Political Parties? National Chm. & Comm. National Cong. Camp Comm. National Party Leadership Adopt a platform every 4 years Party Platforms Organized around elections in states, cities or districts Parties at local and state levels

Discuss these questions with a neighbor… 1. Are you registered to vote? – If yes, why did you register? – If no, why are you not registered? Do you plan to register in the future? 2. Do you identify with a political party? - If yes, which one? Why? - If no, why not?

Political identification typically begins in childhood and is an informal and subjective affiliation with a political party.

Three allegations against the party system 1. Parties do not take meaningful and contrasting positions on most issues 2. Party membership is essentially meaningless 3. Parties are so concerned with accommodating the middle of the ideological spectrum that are are incapable of serving as an avenue for social progress. * Are these statements accurate? Explain?

Some think that the parties are in severe decline or even mortally ill.

But, there are signs of party revival or at least the persistence of the party.

Let’s summarize and review… 1. What are the functions of political parties? 2. How are party candidates nominated? 3. Why do we have a 2 party system in the U.S.? 4. What is the purpose of 3 rd parties? 5. Provide examples of 2 critical elections in history. Why are they important?