AP U.S. Government Rixie April 16th, 2018 Review Session #3 AP U.S. Government Rixie April 16th, 2018

Political Parties Functions & History

Three-Headed Giant Three “Heads”: General functions: Electorate, government, organization General functions: Recruit candidates Run campaigns & nominate candidates Educate the electorate (linkage institution) Organize gov’t/coordinate policymaking

Party Eras 1st party system, 1796-1824 Democrats dominate until 1860 Hamilton’s Federalist party is 1st Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans begin to dominate in 1800 Democrats dominate until 1860 Andrew Jackson (D) appealed to masses Opposed by Whigs (not very successful)

Party Eras Republican domination, 1860-1932 Began with Lincoln’s election (antislavery) New Deal Coalition 1932-1968 Democrats take back control with FDR United workers, Catholics, Jews, women, urbanites & African-Americans

Party Eras Divided Government Era 1968- present Began with Nixon’s election (R) Often one party controls the presidency and the other controls congress Gridlock occurs

Other Terms Realignment Dealignment During a critical election Dominant party loses power and new dominant party takes its place (ex: 1860 & 1932) Dealignment Voters continue to become more independent, not loyal to any party

3rd / Minor Parties Any other than Dems & Reps Cause-based Single-issue or ideological Splinter parties Personality-based Rarely win, but still have impact: Bring issues to light Express discontent Shift votes of the electorate (Bush v. Gore)

The Party in the Electorate Voters Many vote based on party identification (which is voluntary & free) Ticket-splitting has grown more common Voting for one party for one office and another party for another office

The Party in Government The elected officials of that party The Party in the Organization National Convention Every 4 years to select Prez nominee National Committee Manages business between conventions (establishes rules, fundraising, etc.) National Chairperson – directs work of committee

State & Local organization State law governs these levels State parties are better organized today than previously Party machines & patronage (spoils) system dominated in cities until reforms in the 1930s Turned to merit system & non-partisan elections

Elections & Campaigns Types, Participation, tactics

Legitimacy Belief in the fairness of the electoral system (fair & free elections); accept results People vote due to: Political efficacy Civic duty Because they see a clear difference between candidates

Voter Turnout Very low in the U.S. Higher in years with POTUS elections Less likely to vote: Low education Blue-collar workers or lower income workers Young people Those who don’t identify with a party, religion, union, etc. Unmarried Minority groups

Expansion of Suffrage Amendments: Civil Rights & Voting Rights Acts 15th – no discrimination based on color 19th – women can vote 23rd – DC can vote 24th – no poll taxes 26th – 18 and up Civil Rights & Voting Rights Acts No literacy tests Helped enforce anti-discrimination measures

Voter Registration Barriers: transportation, identification, citizenship, language, disabilities Motor Voter Act – register to vote at DMV

Types of elections Primary – nominate party candidates General – vote between parties More voter turnout in prez election years Direct democracy – referendums get on ballot by Congress; initiatives get on ballot by public; public votes on both

Presidential Nomination Most states hold primaries: People cast votes for the delegate that will vote for their candidate Closed (only party members) Open (decide on election day) Blanket (all parties on one ballot) Caucuses: town-hall style meeting to vote on candidate (generally very low turnout)

Presidential Nomination Frontloading: States try to move primaries earlier in the season for higher importance National convention: Write party platform Delegates formally vote for POTUS nominee & VP Speeches/spectacle

Electoral College On election day, voters actually vote for electors, who will later cast their vote for POTUS & the VP State’s # of electors = # of reps & senators Winner-take-all except Maine & Nebraska 270 electoral votes needed to win!

Campaign Strategies Direct mail or email Advertising $$$ Public rallies/speeches Website & social media tactics Appealing to states/cities based on specific issues relevant to them

Campaign Finance Federal Election Campaign Act (1971 & amended in 1974) Reporting requirements for campaign contributions Individual contributions limited to $1000 Federal Election Commission to enforce campaign laws Public financing of elections available, but limits spending if accepted

Campaign Finance Buckley v. Valeo Soft money Ruled part of FECA limiting self-financing of campaigns was unconstitutional (against freedom of speech) Soft money Loophole – businesses & people can donate unlimited money to a party’s “general use,” rather than a specific candidate McCain-Feingold / BCRA Closed this loophole Increased group/individual contribution limits

Campaign Finance PACs 527 groups 501 (c) groups Campaign-funding arm of interest groups Limit on direct donations to candidates 527 groups Political organizations formed post-BCRA often focused on single policy issue Don’t directly support candidates 501 (c) groups Non-profit vehicles for political donations; don’t have to disclose donors

Campaign Finance Citizens United Decision Limiting $ people & corporations can spend on their own to try to elect/defeat candidates is unconstitutional (direct contribution limits still okay) Super PACs emerge Unlimited money spent to influence politics! Only major rule – can’t coordinate with a candidate’s campaign