Linkage Institutions Unit 3, Video 1 Political Parties
Linkage Institutions Connect people to the government Political parties Elections Interest groups Media
Political party Organization that seeks political power by electing members to office – Purpose: Gain power; influence public policy
Political Parties America vs. Europe Decentralized—State and local Primaries—Choose candidates, not party leaders Weaker—Less voters identify with a party
Political Machines Recruit voters by offering tangible benefits Operate at state and local levels
Political Machines Patronage—Give government jobs, $, and political favors to party members Strong leadership over members Values winning above all else
Candidate-centered politics Focus on candidates as individuals, rather than party identification