Functions of Political Parties Political parties are an integral part of the American democratic system. Parties bring key issues to public attention and involve people in the political process. Political parties help the government operate smoothly, and they dispense political patronage. The winning party implements its key policy initiatives, and the losing party is a “watchdog.” Parties contribute to political stability.

Party Systems One-party systems are usually found in nations with authoritarian governments. Minor parties exist in two-party systems, but two major political parties compete for power. In multi-party systems, several parties often combine forces in a coalition government.

Evolution of American Parties Opposing political parties had organized before the end of President Washington’s second term. The Federalists and the Democratic- Republicans disagreed over federal versus state power. The Democratic-Republican party split into the Democrats and the Whigs. In the 1850s, a new Republican Party opposed the spread of slavery. Following the Civil War, the two dominant parties were Republican and Democrat.

Minor or Third Parties Third parties have been on the American political scene since the early days of the Republic. A third party generally forms as a single-issue party, an ideological party, or a splinter party. Minor parties have influenced the outcome of national elections. As a result of the two-party tradition, third parties face a number of obstacles.

Political Ideology People with a liberal ideology are more willing to trade economic freedom for greater equality. People with a conservative ideology tend to believe the role of government should be limited. Most people are moderates, falling somewhere in between liberal and conservative. Currently, the Democratic Party is more liberal and the Republican Party more conservative.

Party Platforms Both the Democratic and Republican Party agree on a number of foundational beliefs and values. The Republican Party supports the rights of individuals as opposed to large government. The Democratic Party supports governmental involvement in many areas. The Green Party is more liberal and the Constitution Party more conservative. The Libertarian Party supports personal responsibility and minimal government.

Party Identification Party identification is a state of mind; voting is a behavior. The Republican Party tends to attract white, male, educated, and religious people. The Democratic Party tends to attract women, minorities, and young people. The Democratic Party tends to be stronger in the Northeast and in cities. The Republican Party tends to be stronger in the suburbs, South, mountain West, and rural areas.

Political Party Polarization The two political parties have become more polarized and ideologically homogenous. Both parties now tend to nominate ideological, rather than centrist, candidates. Conservative “Tea Party” organizations helped shift Republican Party ideology to the right. This more extreme party membership leads to increased political gridlock.

Party Organization and Membership Each party needs strong leadership and good organization at all levels. At each level, the party endorses and works for the election of its candidates. Fundraising is a key function of state and national parties. Generally, citizens join a political party when they register to vote or vote in certain elections. Party membership provides a way for citizens to increase their influence on government.

Selecting Candidates to Represent the Party A vital function of political parties is to nominate candidates for elected office. To get onto the ballot, a candidate must file by fee or by petition. Candidates are chosen by caucuses, primaries, or conventions. Rules for presidential primaries vary among the states and even within many states. Primaries are a long, costly process and states with late primaries may receive less attention.

National Party Conventions Every four years, delegates for each major party select a ticket for the November election. Many delegates are pledged to a candidate, but others are uncommitted. Delegates to the convention debate the various planks before adopting the party’s platform. Delegates vote state by state, but there is rarely a mystery about who will be nominated. The party’s presidential nominee is usually the one who selects the vice- presidential candidate.