Chapter 5 Academic US Government Mr. LeHew Political Parties

What Is a Political Party? A group of people who seek to control the government through winning elections and holding public office A group of people with common principles who seek to control the government in order to affect certain policies and programs. Our parties are not issue oriented--they are election oriented (Definition #1)

What do Parties Do? The will of the people is made known to the government through parties Bring conflicting groups together by encouraging compromise Nominate candidates for office Inform and stimulate interest aided by the media and interest groups Bonding agent to ensure good performance of politicians by choosing good candidates and holding them responsible once they are in office Run the government -- develop and present policies Act as a watchdog for the other party by criticizing the party in power (whoever holds presidency)

Why a Two Party System? Tradition Began as a two party system (Feds v. Antifeds) Electoral system Because of the nature of our elections— single member districts with only one winner Wins office based on plurality of votes This discourages third parties as many view voting for 3rd party as wasting a vote Parties also shape the laws to benefit them, making it harder for Third Parties to participate

Why Why a Two Party System? Ideological consensus Though we are a pluralistic society (many different cultures) Americans basically agree on fundamental issues Conditions necessary to produce strong, rival parties do not exist consequently, parties tend to look alike

Other Types of Party Systems Multiparty Systems Several major and many lesser parties exist Most European democracies are multiparty systems Parties are based on particular interests, such as socio-economic factors, religion, or political ideology Proponents agree that this provides a broader spectrum of representation Governments usually built on a coalition-- which isn’t as stable a government because of frequent changes of the party(s) in control One Party Systems - Usually dictatorships

First US Political Parties Federalists Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of Treasury) Most were rich and well born Supported the Constitution Supported a strong central government Urged liberal interpretation of the Constitution Wanted policies to correct economic problems Appealed to manufacturers Wanted President to dominate government Basis of today’s Republican Party Pro British

First US Political Parties Anti-Federalists Thomas Jefferson (Secretary of State) Favored the common man Wanted the role of the federal government limited Supported strong state governments Favored strict interpretation of the Constitution Wanted policies to help small shopkeepers, laborers, farmers Wanted Congress to dominate the government Basis of today’s Democratic Party Pro French

History of Political Parties in the USA Era of One Party Domination 1800-1860: Democrats Began with the election of Jefferson Lasted until Civil War Jackson best example (Jacksonian Democracy) with emphasis on common man, frontier, extension of suffrage, spoils system 1860-1932: Republicans Began with election of Lincoln Supported by former Whigs (people who hated Jackson) and anti-slavery Democrats Only party to make jump from third party to major party Solid South develops during this time

History of Political Parties in the USA 1932-1968: Democrats Began with Great Depression and Roosevelt New Deal strengthens party 1968-Present: Divided Government Most of this time period Republicans have controlled Presidency and Democrats have controlled Congress

Types of Minor Parties Ideological Parties Based on a particular set of beliefs Seldom able to win many vote but are long lived Ex. Socialists Single Issue Concentrate on a single public policy issue Names usually indicate their issue Most die out Ex. Free Soil Party (against slavery) Prohibition Party (against alcohol)

Types of Minor Parties Economic Protest Parties Splinter Parties Disgusted with both major parties Usually focus on some economic issue Disappear when crisis ends Ex. Greenback Party (free coinage of silver) Splinter Parties Have split away from one of the two major parties Usually form around a strong personality Disappear when that leader steps aside Ex. Bull Moose Party (split from Republicans, led by T. Roosevelt)

Importance of Third Parties Can split the vote Act as critic and innovator Take stands on controversial issues that the major parties may have chosen to ignore Challenge major parties NOTE: A third party has never controlled Congress or elected a President

Decentralized Nature of Parties Levels of party organization often act independently President is the leader of his party, which helps organization Out of power party has no clear leaders Federalism Because government is decentralized, so are the parties that serve it Nominating process Again incorporates federalism Candidates receive nomination from a national party after being chosen in state primaries Nominating process itself is divisive because candidates have to compete against each other for the party nomination

National Party Machinery National Convention Members from every state Meets during the summer of presidential election years Nominates President and Vice President Adopts party rules Writes party platform National Committee Handles things between Conventions Responsible for planning conventions 2 members from each state; may include state party leaders

National Party Machinery National Chairperson Heads National Committee Serves a 4 year term Chosen by National Committee Directs work at party headquarters Promotes party unity Raises money Recruits new volunteers Congressional Campaign Committee Each party has one Works to reelect incumbents Ronna Romney McDaniel – RNC Chair Tom Perez – DNC Chair

State and Local Orginization State Central Committee Headed by chairperson Build party unity Find candidates Raise money VA Democrats – VA Republicans Local Vary in organization Usually a party unit for each district Loudoun Democrats – Loudoun Republicans

Future of Parties Most Americans accept parties as necessary while professing their distaste of partisan politics Parties have been weakened by Drop in those willing to identify themselves as Democratic or Republican Increase in split ticket voting Internal party disorganization/conflict Changes in campaign technology making candidates less dependent on the support of the parties Growth of single issue organizations