Political Parties Introduction

“The public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties, and…measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority.” James Madison, The Federalist No. 10

Political Party Group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and thereby influence government policies. The role that parties play differs with each nation’s political system.

One-Party Systems One Party System – The party is, in effect, the government. The decisions of party leaders are essentially government policy. Usually found in nations with authoritarian governments. China, Vietnam, North Korea, Cuba Non-authoritarian governments Iran Government dominated by religion is known as: Theocracy

Multiparty Systems Most common type of political system. France: 5 Major Parties Italy: Over 10 Major Parties These parties often represent widely differing ideologies! Ideologies: Basic beliefs about government. In multiparty systems, governments rarely gain enough support to control the government Coalition Government: Combination of parties in a multiparty system to gain a majority. Disputes will often breakdown coalition governments

Two-Party Systems System in which two parties compete for power, although minor parties compete for power.

Third Party Any party other than one of the two major parties in a two-party system. Could have multiple third parties.

Types of Third Parties Single-Issue Party: Focuses exclusively on one major social, economic, or moral issue. Liberty Party and the Free Soil Party formed to take stronger stands against slavery than either the Democrats or the Whigs had taken. Ideological Party: Focuses on overall change in society rather than on an issue. Socialist Labor Party and the Communist Party USA advocated government ownership of factories, transportation, resources, farmland, etc…

Types of Third Parties Splinter Party: Splits away from one of the major parties because of some disagreement. Bull Moose Party, Theodore Roosevelt

Obstacles to Third Parties Names of Democrats and Republicans are automatically placed on the ballot were as third party nominees must receive a large number of voter signatures. Single Member District: No matter how many candidates run, only one will win. (Winner take all) VS Proportional Representation: Offices are filled in proportion to the votes each parties candidate receives. Money

Positives of a Third Party Often have promoted ideas that were at first unpopular or hotly debated. Major parties are forced to take a stance on even adopt their controversial issue if the Third Party becomes powerful enough. Example of issues: Minimum Wage, Five-Day Workweek, and Health Insurance.

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