Government

Organization of American Political Parties Section 2

Key Terms National Committee: Representatives from the 50 state party organizations who run a political party. National Party Chairperson: Individual elected by the national committee who manages the daily operations of the national party. Caucus: A meeting of political party members to conduct party business. Precinct: A geographic area that contains a specific number of voters. Ward: Several adjoining precincts making up a larger election unit. County Chairperson: A person who runs a county committee, often having a great deal of political power in the county. Political Machine: A strong party organizations that can control political appointments and deliver votes.

National Party Organization Both Major Parties hold national conventions Parties are organized at local, state and national levels United to help the party win as many offices as possible

National Committee Run by the National Chairperson –Manage the office –Direct committee staff –Lead fund-raising efforts

National Convention Held every four years –Why? Delegates nominate candidates for Pres. and V.P. Choose delegates through presidential primary elections and caucuses

Delegates Each party writes their Platform –May be difficult Why? Party member differences Nominate candidate Speeches and demonstrations –Support

Senate Campaign Committees Both parties have them Made up of members of congress Work to help elect party members as senators and reps.

State and Local Organization Each party have 50 state committees or organizations Some weak, some strong –Money, staff, organization Focus on electing party candidates to state offices –Governor –Attorney general –State legislators Work to elect party candidate to national offices

Precinct/District All cities and counties divided into districts or precincts May consist of: –Entire town –Group of neighborhoods Voters in precinct cast vote at same place

Precinct Captain Volunteer –Organize party volunteers during campaigns –Encourage people to vote

Ward Several adjoining precincts Each ward elects a volunteer to represent the ward at the county committee

County Committees Largest political unit in the state Both parties have them County chairperson runs the committee –Person had political power in the county

Local Party People Very important Higher-level party leaders depend on them –Build party at the “grassroots” Want to know the important issues

Political Machines Local party organizations became powerful –Swept elections year after year Give needed people: –Jobs –Food –Fuel –Help with medical care Why? –votes