Political Parties, Interest Groups, PACs, 527s

Political Parties 2 party system – Republican – Democrat Bipartisan Third Parties – Types – Why they fail? Linkage Institution

Function of Political Parties Party among the Electorate – Voters identify with party that represents their ideas Party in Government – Government officials Party as an organization – Political professionals who organize campaigns, hold rallies, mail information, advertise

Function of Political Parties Recruit and nominate candidates Educate and mobilize voters Provide campaign funds and support Organize government activity Provide check to opposing party

Democrats v Republicans Party bases Independent voters Centrist Role of government

Democrats Less spending on defense Less disposed to use vouchers Social Welfare Government run health care Tax relief to middle and lower classes Regulate firearms

Party Realignment Political coalitions fall apart – Members of majority party defect to minority party – Signaled by critical election Dealignment – Members of party disaffected and don’t vote or vote for person not the party

Interest Groups/ Lobbyists Christian Coalition National Association for the Advancement of Colored People American Medical Association Sierra Club Common Cause (political reform)

Interest Groups and Lobbyists Economic Groups – Protect Economic interests US Chamber of Commerce AFL-CIO American Medical Association Public Interest Groups – Sierra Club – NRA Government Interest Groups – Foreign Governments – Mayors/Governors

Influencing the Government Direct Lobbying Testify before Congress Socializing Donations (PACS) Endorsements Court Action Rallying membership Propaganda

PACs Federal Election Campaign Act 1974 – PACs Corporations, Unions, Trade Associations 527 – Named after tax code – Not in coordination with candidate – Bipartisanship Campaign Reform Act 2002 McCain-Fiengold Act