Chapter 9 Political Parties

What is a political party? a group of activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government and to determine public policy

Functions of Political Parties in the U.S. Recruiting candidates for public office Organizing and running elections Presenting alternative policies to the electorate Accepting responsibility for operating the government Acting as the organized opposition to the party in power

Parties in U.S. History – the creation of parties – the era of one party rule – two era of national two party rule – the post Civil War period – the Progressive era present – the modern era

The Three Faces of Party Party-in-the Electorate – members of the general public who identify with a political party or who express a preference for one party over the other Party Organization – the formal structure and leadership of a political party, including election committees; local, state and national executives and paid professional staff Party-in-Government – all of the elected and appointed officials who identify with a political party

Why Do We Have a Two- Party System? historical foundations of the system –sectional politics –class politics self-perpetuation of parties commonality of views among Americans the winner-take all electoral system state and federal laws favoring the two party system

Minor Parties in the U.S. most successful minor parties have been splinter parties, parties that broke from a major party –Examples Bull Moose Progressives (from the Republicans0 the Dixiecrats (States Rights) Party (from the Democrats) often, minor parties’ platforms are adopted by major parties sometimes minor party candidates can have an impact on the outcome of an election