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Published byAlexandra Hines Modified over 9 years ago
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National Party Structure Both Republicans and Democrats have similar organizational structures ◦ National Convention ◦ National Committee ◦ National Chairperson
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National Convention Officially nominate party’s presidential candidate (ratify choices made in primary season) Develop party platform Formulas used to allocate delegates to the conventions ◦ Democrats also have superdelegates Delegates tend to be more liberal than ordinary Democratic voters and more conservative than Republicans It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s the superdegelates!
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National Committee Formally selected at the convention Directs and coordinates party activities during four years between conventions
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National Chairperson Selected by party’s presidential candidate Serves as spokesperson for the party Establishes national headquarters, raises campaign funds, etc. Tim Kaine, Democrats Michael Steele, Republicans
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State Party Structure Real strength and power of a national party at the state level No “average” state party because all 50 are different, but most have some organizational features in common ◦ State party chairperson ◦ State central committee Responsible for policy decisions of party’s state convention Composed of members representing congressional districts, state legislative districts, or counties
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Local Parties The Machine ◦ Recruits members via tangible incentives Ideological Parties ◦ Principle is more important than winning elections Solidary Groups ◦ Members motivated by solidary incentives Sponsored Parties ◦ Created or sustained by another organization Personal Following ◦ Political supported provided to candidate on the basis of personal popularity and networks
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The Two-Party System Rare Why has it endured? ◦ Winner-take-all system ◦ Opinions of voters ◦ State and federal laws
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Minor Parties Ideological parties One-issue parties Economic protest parties Factional parties
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Impact of Minor Parties Develop ideas that major parties later adopt Influence public policy Affect outcomes of elections?
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