Political Parties Intro VS Political Parties Intro

Political Party – DEFINED!!! Anthony Downs: “team of men [and women] seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election.” Edmund Burke: “an organized assembly of men, united for working together for the national interest, according to the particular principle they agreed upon.”

Basic Types of Party Systems One-Party Systems The party IS the government Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea Formerly Afghanistan Iraq under Sadaam Multi-Party Systems Many INFLUENTIAL parties Germany - ~6 Sweden - ~7 Two-Party SystemS Two MAIN parties – may be countless minor parties Ummm, us here in the US

Tasks of the Party Pick Candidates Run Campaigns Cue Voters Decide who we get to vote for Run Campaigns Manage those candidates Cue Voters Educate us, the electorate Articulate Policy Create political agenda Coordinate Policymaking Run the government, get that agenda cookin’!

“Downs Model” – Rational Party “The People” are in the center, so must the party be

Parties in History: 1796-1824 Federalist Paper Author James Madison warns of “evils of faction” Father of our Country George Washington cautions as to the “baneful effects of the spirit of party” Promptly descend into Federalists v. Democratic-Republicans Post-Adams, Federalists fade due to poor organization

1828-1856 D-R drops the R and becomes the Democrats Van Buren posits that opposition is necessary to keep the party true to its own principles – loyal opposition represents parts of society that the other party misses Opposed by Whigs

1860-1928 Slavery issue splits parts off of both parties Republicans emerge, collect splinters under anti-slavery banner Starting with Lincoln, Republicans control basically to the Depression

1932-1964 Democrats gain control and largely hold it until ‘68 Built on the ideals of Liberalism – more government to help those who need it

1968-Present Nixon – first 20th century president to enter office without control of Congress Brief periods of alignment (such as part of W’s presidency) Many of today’s voters lack strong party loyalty – frankly we get bored of the current party and want something new

Capitol Hill today  Public perception Gallup Poll Article Democrats Republicans