1. Political Parties and Ideology
Chapter 11

2. Political Parties
Political Party- Group of people who seek control of government through winning elections and the holding of public office.
Republicans and Democrats are election oriented
Three groups of party loyalists:
Party organization: Leader of Party, activists, consultants attached to the party, etc.
Party in government: Candidates, officeholders
Party in the electorate: millions of people who identify with a party and will vote.

3. Political Spectrum
Each party has a range of views across the political spectrum, such as the extreme Left (Liberal) in the Democratic Party and the extreme Right (Conservative) in the Republican Party. 
Political Parties seek to find compromise between the more extreme elements of the party with the more moderate (centrist) wing of the party.

4. Role of the Political Party
Nominate candidates
Informing and activating supporters
Inform people
Bonding Agent-choosing people of good character and who will perform well in office-(Vetting)
Governing-partisanship-support of party position
Help government run more smoothly
Watchdog-party out of power usually serves this role to make sure the party in power doesn't abuse its' role

5. Two-Party system Born from the ratification of the Constitution
Federalists-supported the Constitution and a strong national government
Anti-Federalists favored a more limited role for the national government
This has led to the tradition of the two-party system, where one party maybe dominant for a while, or lead to divided government like today

6. Electoral System
Single-member districts- only one candidate is elected to each office on the ballot.  Nearly all elections in America are like this.
The winning candidate receives a plurality-largest number of votes cast for the office.  Do not confuse with plurality with majority
majority is over 50%

7. Election Law discourages Non-major party candidates
Stringent State Election Law and Ballot Access Law usually prevents minor party candidates from appearing on the ballot
_for_Presidential_Candidates_487894_7.pdf 
This link provides information for ballot access in Michigan for the presidential election.
Bipartisan efforts help keep both major parties in power through election law.

8. Ideological Consensus
Since major parties are made up many different interest groups, it is important for consensus-general agreement among various groups-to occur.
Our history shows that we have been able to reach consensus more often than not.
This consensus usually leads to candidates from both parties who may appear to be similar in their views, with exceptions on government regulation, taxes, the role of government, etc.

9. Multiparty and One-Party Politics
Some say a multiparty system would be better in terms of representing a broader base of people.
However, its' major weakness is that instability with in the government is a common problem, and a coalition (temporary alliance) may need to be formed in order to get anything accomplished.  Germany and other European nations are examples of a multiparty system.

10. One-Party Politics Can be seen within a dictatorship
Also can be seen in some states and some cities in the United States.  For instance, California would be considered a 'one-party' state because it is impossible for a Republican to win in most places within the state.  Texas would be the reverse.

11. Third and Minor Parties within the U.S.
Libertarian, Reform, Socialist, Prohibition, Natural Law, Communist, American Independent, Green, and Constitution Parties exist in the U.S.
Chances are that they will not win, but they can drain support needed from major parties.
Ideological Parties-parties that exist based on a core set of beliefs
Single Issue parties- Focus on one public policy issue. Ex-taxes abortion, etc.
Economic Protest Parties-formed in times of Economic discontent.  Ex- Greenback Party, Populists (silver)
Splinter Parties-Parties that break away from the major parties either because of a candidate or a single issue. Ex- Roosevelt and the Bull Moose Party; the Dixiecrats

12. Green Party
Came into being as a single-issue party, but has evolved into much more. Akin to environmental socialism or communism.

13. Spoiler Role Third parties have affected elections.
1912-Bull Moose hurt the Republican Taft
1968-George Wallace and the American Independent Party. He won states that were historically Democratic.
1992, 1996-Even though an Independent, Perot took away a lot of votes from President Bush.  He would run with the Reform Party in 1996.

14. Party Organization
In a lot of cases, the local party organizations run independent of the national organization.  This can be attributed to Federalism
The President of the United States is the party leader, and that party is usually more unified and organized.
The nominating process is another factor contributing to decentralization.  The Macomb County Republicans may want someone different than the Republicans at the state level, and the National Republican Organization may want some one different than the other two organizations.

15. National Party Functions
National Convention-meeting to choose a candidate for President (although this is done through the primary process)
Adopt a platform
Make peace between factions of the party. Ex-Hillary Clinton and  Bernie Sanders 2016; Ronald Reagan 1980

16. National Committee
This group handles the party's affairs between conventions.
Focuses on campaigns, raising money from donors, recruiting volunteers, communication with voter, etc.
The head is the National Chairperson, chosen by the committee to a four- year term at the convention.  Choice is made by the presidential candidate.
Trump recommended Ronna Romney McDaniel to replace Reince Priebus, who became his Chief of Staff.
Tom Perez is the head of the DNC.

17. State and Local Party Functions
State Organization-centered around state committee and its chairperson.
Usually an important political figure who fronts for the Governor, U.S. Senator, or some other figure. 
Committee members come from different regions o the state
Chose in primary elections, local caucuses, or at state conventions.
This committee tries to effectively organize and promote party unity.

18. Local Organization Wards-division of city for city council members
Precinct: smallest unit of election administration.  This is where voters from the precinct go to vote.
Party organization usually follows electoral map
Ex- The Democratic Party is much more organized and powerful in Chicago than the Republican Party
Congressional and legislative districts; counties, cities, towns, wards, and precincts