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Chapter 18 Political Parties

Functions of Political Parties Assisting the Electoral Process- Help Citizens with the voting process. Distribute information Encourage people to register to vote Provide a broad political stance on major issues. Act as a watchdog over policies made by elected officials.

Functions of Political Parties Organizing the Government Party members often fill positions in the executive branch. Nominating Candidates Support candidates who represent the party as whole. Reduces the size of candidates to a manageable size.

Types of Party Systems One- Party systems Only one party is allowed to participate in the government Or the power in party makes it difficult for an opposing party to gain control.

Types of Party Systems Two-Party Systems Two major political parties that hold all the power. Other parties exist but, rarely win elections Least common system around the world.

Types of Party Systems Multi-Party Systems Three or more political parties share power. Most European countries, and many others countries around the world have multi-party systems.

History of the U.S. Political Parties No political parties in the constitution! 1st split: Federalist- favored ratification of the constitution. Antifederalist- opposed ratification.

History of the U.S. Political Parties Democratic Republicans established control of the government By 1824 the federalist party ceased to exist The democratic party split into two factions Democrats: “Government is best that governs least.” Whigs: Supported an active role for government

History of the U.S. Political Parties Tensions from the North and South over slavery made it impossible for the party system to work. The Whig party ended and a new party formed called the Republican party. Antislavery Whigs and antislavery democrats joined the republican party.

History of the U.S. Political Parties Democrats also tried to help the poor but, had never endorsed government action or spending for the poor. Shift towards larger government. Republicans Republicans began shift towards smaller government. Wanted less government involvement especially in financial situations ( like tariffs).

History of the U.S. Political Parties FDR’s New Deal completed the reversal of the two parties traditional roles.

Third Parties and Independents Third party is any political party besides the two dominate parties. No third party candidate has every won however, they can affect elections. An independent candidate is one not associated with any party.

Other Parties Splinter parties People who feel that their party has failed to address an issue. Ideological parties Group whose basic political views differ from that of the majority of the population. Exs: Socialist party

Party Organization Local Parties: Highly organized Party Machines Held lots of power Patronage- Promised political favors in exchange for support.

Party Organization Local Party corruption: Local parties print their own ballots Forced a straight ticket vote: voting for candidates from only one party. “Vote Early, and vote often.” Kickbacks

Party Organization Local party reform: Progressive era: Reforms led to state legislation and cut back power of local parties. New ballot system- government printed Allowed a split ticket vote: or to vote for candidates from different parties. Voter Registration- only one vote! Lowered number of patronage jobs.

Party Organization States also passed laws determining how parties selected candidates. Primary elections- when parties nominate their candidates for office. General elections- when voters actually chose their elected officials.

Party Organization Local parties today: For the most part replaced by state and national organizations. Precincts- districts that cities, towns, and counties, are divided into. Several precincts make up a ward. Local parties are overseen by the state.

State Parties Early parties- little authority, often in someone's home Today- Much larger, gain funds from national parties (subject to national rules and requests) Run voter registering campaigns Endorse state candidates,

National Parties Early: Negotiated with competing parties and nominated presidential candidates. Today: Democratic and national parties have headquarters, TV studios, and schools. Use polling and media to help their candidates. Raise millions in funds.

Political Parties and the public good Criticisms of political parties: Support decisions that only support their party not the public good. Won’t agree with the other party on pure politics.

Political Parties Benefits of the two- party system: Provide a brand name Include many interests to gain support. Discourage sudden shifts Encourage political participation.