Political Parties II

History of Political Parties The Formative Years: Federalists and Anti- Federalists The Era of Good Feelings  James Monroe, a Democratic-Republican, won election  An era of little partisan activity ( ) An Era of Two Party Rivalry  Rise of Democrats and Whigs Democrats  Andrew Jackson  Standing for popular rule  Standing for the aspirations of the common man

History of Political Parties An Era of Two Party Rivalry  Rise of Democrats and Whigs Democrats Whigs  A coalition of bankers, merchants, southern planters  Opposed to Jacksonian democracy  Winning two presidential elections in 1840 and 1854 Civil War and Partisan Politics  Birth of Republican Parties Created in 1854 Against extension of slavery into territories

History of Political Parties Civil War and Partisan Politics  Birth of Republican Parties Created in 1854 Against extension of slavery into territories Founding members:  A group of Whigs  Free-Soilers  Anti-slavery democrats Replaced Whig as an alternative party to Democrats Grand Old Party

History of Political Parties The Post-Civil War Period  The Triumph of the Republicans 9 Republican Presidents out of 12

History of Political Parties The Progressive Interlude   Democratic Party in control of White House  Standing for government intervention of economy The New Deal Era  20 year Democratic control of WH (28-48) An Era of Divided Government  In the years after 1968, the general pattern was often a Republican president and a Democratic Congress.  2000 Presidential Election (Red state-blue state)

Election 1896

Election 2004

The Two Major Parties Today The parties’ core constituents Economic beliefs  Government intervention  Free enterprise and free market  Taxation Groups behind the parties  Democrats have the reputation of supporting the less-well-off, and Republicans the prosperous. Issues and Concerns

The Three Faces of a Party 1- Party loyalists The people who identify with the party or who regularly vote for the candidates of the party in general elections 2-Party activists and leaders  National Convention delegates National Committee National Chairperson  State party organizations  Local party organizations

Three Faces of a Party (cont.) 3-The Party in Government  Divided Government Different parties in control of WH and Congress  The Limits of Party Unity Voting along party line not ensured  Party Polarization

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  Presidential Voting  Popular Election of the Governors and President  Proportional Representation State and Federal Laws Favoring the Two Parties

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics Ideological Third Parties Splinter Parties The Impact of Minor Parties  Influencing the Major Parties  Affecting the Outcome of an Election

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