Political Parties
Roles of Political Parties Party in the electorate Party in government Party in organization
Party Systems One-party system Two-party system Multi-party system
What do Political Parties do? Recruit candidates Nominate and support candidates for office Educate the electorate Organize the government
Party Identification and Membership Ideology Education Income Occupation Race or ethnicity Gender Religion Family tradition Region of the country Marital status
Two-Party Tradition in America Why a two party tradition? Historical roots Electoral system Election laws
Stages of Political Parties Party development Democratic Domination Republican Domination Return of Democrats Divided Government
Third or Minor Parties Ideological Splinter/personality/factional Single issue protest
Structure and Organization of Political Parties National Convention National Committee National Chairperson Congressional Campaign Committee State and Local Organization
Future of Political Parties Third party Challenges Loss of support by party loyalists Increased split ticket voting Lack of perceived differences Party reforms Methods of campaigning