Political Parties Wilson Chapter 7

Parties and the Constitution Where do political parties fit in the Constitution? A Article I B Article II C Article III D The 12 th Amendment E Nowhere

Parties and the Constitution What did the founders hope for? Washington: Avoid the “mischief of faction”

Parties and the Constitution Washington: Avoid the “mischief of faction” 200+ years later we know: Without strong political parties, no democracy has any chance of surviving. None! Shall we forgive Washington for being wrong?

Functions of parties: Organize competition: –Nominate candidates Party conventions Caucuses Direct primary –Narrow the choices create meaningful alternatives

Functions of parties: Unify electorate –Create preexisting groups of voters who share perspectives –They can act together –They can pursue common goals through their party

Functions of parties: Fund Candidates? –Old style: Donations to parties funneled to candidates –Post 1972 reforms: Donations directly to candidates Weaken parties Strengthen special interests? 2002, McCain-Feingold: More of the same?

Functions of Parties: Organize government –Patronage? –Appointments –Civil Service Spoils system Andrew Jackson Civil service exam system and civil service protection

Functions of Parties: Turn preferences into policy –Party platforms –Party agendas –Policy approaches

Functions of Parties: Provide Loyal Opposition –A group whose loyalty to the Constitution and the overall system is unquestioned, but who work to oppose the specific policies of the current incumbent. –Crucial to functioning democracy

Functions of Parties: Provide Loyal Opposition –When an incumbent attacks the loyal opposition’s loyalty, always suspect the incumbent of a power grab “those who question this policy are demonstrating disloyalty” “our opponents on this matter are clearly un-American” “to question this policy is to embolden our enemies; it is an act of disloyalty to our nation and our troops” If a leader or majority party makes any of these claims, be afraid.

America’s Two-party system Why 2 parties in the US? –It’s Our Electoral System: Single member districts Plurality elections –Majority = 50% + 1 vote –Plurality = the one with the most votes wins

Opinion Distribution Super liberal Super conservative moderate

Political Parties Greens LibertariansRepublicansDemocrats “TEA Party”

1992 Election Nader Ross PerotBush 41Clinton 42%39%19% 0% Voter Distribution 58% voted for a conservative

2000 Presidential Election Nader BuchananBush 43Gore 2% 0% % % Florida Election Results

America’s Two-party system Strengths of 2-party system Stable governments Clear choices Simple elections Problems with 2-party system Fringe group opinions disregarded Alienation Stagnation without “real” change

Alternative Election Systems Proportional Representation Runoff elections with Majority requirement Instant runoffs??? (IRV) –

Comparative Perspective American Political Parties in Comparison: How different are they and why? –Weaker Funding and nomination systems –Less disciplined Funding and nomination systems –Decentralized and fragmented Federalism