American Government and Politics Today Chapter 8 Political Parties

What is a Political Party? Definition: a group of political activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy. Parties versus interest groups

Functions of Political Parties Recruit candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections Bear the responsibility of operating government at all levels Act as a “Watchdog” Providing organized opposition to the party in power is an essential role for a party that does not control one or another branch of the government. Bonding agent – ensures good character

Three Faces of a Party (cont.) State party organization Local (grass roots) organization 3-The Party in Government Divided Government The Limits of Party Unity Party Polarization

The Three Faces of a Party 1-Electorate-The people who identify with the party or who regularly vote for the candidates of the party in general elections 2-Party organization National Convention delegates National Committee National Chairperson

TYPES OF PARTY SYSTEMS ONE PARTY TWO PARTY MULTI-PARTY

Why the Two-party system? Historical (America began as a 2 party system) Federalist, and Anti-federalist Tradition Ideological homogeneous society (American share basic beliefs and principles; more than 2 strongly opposing sides are rare) Structure of the electoral system 270 to win

The Two Major Parties Today The parties’ core constituents Economic beliefs Republican and Democratic Liberal v. Conservative

Why Has the Two Party System Endured? Often, on major issues confronting the country there have been two clear sides. This duality helped to initiate a two-party system and has maintained this system through the present. Political socialization and practical considerations The Winner-Take-All Electoral System State and Federal Laws Favoring the Two Parties

Why do people join parties? Political socialization

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics The Impact of Minor Parties Influencing the Major Parties Nadar Affecting the Outcome of an Election “Spoiler Effect”

Most Successful Third Party Campaigns

Mechanisms of Political Change Realignment: a process in which a substantial group of voters switches party allegiance, producing a long-term change in the political landscape. The Myth of Dominance The Myth of Predictability Is Realignment Still Possible? Dealignment: a major drop-off in support for the parties. Independent Voters Not-So-Independent Voters

Party Identification: 1937-Present

Shift in party Party realignment Party dealignment

Questions for Critical Thinking Do democratic governments need political parties? If a democratic government has political parties, will the structure always be a two-party system? What factors impact how m any political parties will exist? Is party identification a major factor for voters in presidential elections?

Questions for Critical Thinking Why is it difficult for independent candidates or minor party candidates to get elected to Congress? What inferences can be made about the voting population through the closely divided elections of 2000 and 2004?