1. Political parties
Chapter four

2. The role of political parties in Texas politics
What is the purpose of political parties?
Helps candidates win elections– how?
Helps voters decide on who they’ll vote for– how?
Certain stereotypes and/or affiliations will imply membership in a specific political party. Can you think of any?
Big corporations are bad
Big businesses are always good
Rich
Poor
Religious
Liberal
Conservative

3. Party Structure
Neither the Texas or the U.S. Constitution mention political parties, but political parties are a big part of the governmental process. Why do you think that is?
Parties can also help raise money for a candidates’ campaign, help with the campaign itself and help voters make their electoral choices.
What is a political party?
An organization influenced by political ideology whose primary interest is to gain control of government by winning elections.
There are four levels of political parties: national, state, county and precinct.
Each party is organized similarly in structure.

4. Temporary party organization
State Conventions: Both parties hold state conventions every other year for the purpose of nominating candidates for statewide office, adopting a platform, electing the party’s leadership, and in presidential election years selecting delegates for the national convention and choosing presidential electors.
This is what follows from a precinct and county convention.
The caucus (dem and rep) happens before the convention, where the final nominee and platform is chosen for the party.
A platform is a document that sets forth a political party’s position on issues such as income tax, school vouchers, or public utilities regulation.
It summarizes the party’s views on current issues like religious freedom, second amendment, welfare reform, Obamacare, immigration reform, wage, and Medicaid
Notice, the issues on the platform are your hot-button issues. Why else are those the main ones on the platform?
These can now be found online so it has become easier for the public to see what their candidates stand for.
In 2013, the legislature provided flexibility to the state’s political parties by allowing party officials to determine the date, time, and place of all conventions.
Think about the implications of this change in local politics.

6. Permanent party organization
The precinct chairs, county and district committees and the state executive committee form the permanent organization of a political party.
Here, they recruit candidates for statewide and district offices, plan statewide strategies, and raise funds for the party at the state level (although most funds are raised by the candidate himself).
This folks are very important and have essential roles. They are the key strategists and the chief spokesperson for that party.
At its 2012 state convention, the Democratic Party chose the first Latino chair of a major political party in Texas when it selected former court of appeals judge Gilberto Hinojosa as its state chair.

7. Political ideology
Traditions that have been determined by centuries of political experience and culture influence current attitudes toward parties, candidates, and issues.
But these are likely to change with changes in demographics, population and progressive ideologies.
Conservatism: minimal government intervention in social and economic matters. High priority is given to reducing taxes and curbing public spending.
Can you think of some stereotypes of conservatives?
Liberalism: advocates government support in social and economic matters and who favors political reforms that extend democracy, achieve more equitable distribution of wealth, and protect individual freedoms and rights.
Can you think of some stereotypes of liberals?
Review pages

8. Electoral trends
Over the years, political parties have become more competitive and more nationalized. Texas politics today is more partisan (party centered).
Dealignment: occurs when citizens have no allegiance to a political party and become independent voters.
As evidenced by recent election results and polling.
Realignment: occurs when members of one party shift their affiliation to another party.
Switching from DR or RD.
Third Parties: party besides the R and D parties that have minimal membership and support. Sometimes called the “minor” party.
Why is it difficult for third parties to win? Why is it important to have third parties?