1. American Political Parties

2. Political Party
An organization that sponsors and supports candidates for office under its label.
Are they disintegrating? Becoming more vital?

3. History of American Parties - 3 Eras
Federalists and Jeffersonian Democrat-Republicans
Federalists - pro-England, anti-France; active federal government supporting business
Dem/Rep - pro-France, anti-England; weak federal government supporting farmers
Whigs and Democrats
Whigs - basically opposed to Andrew Jackson and Jacksonian policies; nationalistic and pro-business
Democrats - led by Jackson; pro-agriculture interest
Democrats vs. Republicans

4. Democratic Political Theory (Standard View)
Party Identification
Democratic Political Theory (Standard View)
American Independent
Labor
Democratic Socialist
Southern Party
Natural Law
R.C.P.U.S.A.
Constitution
Reform
Green
American Tax Payer
Workers World
Aryan Nation
Peace and Freedom
American Nazi
Communist
Democrats
Republicans
Libertarian
Socialist
Revolutionary
Progressive
Liberal
Conservative
Libertarian
Reactionary
AKA “Fascist”
AKA “Radical”
“Communist”
Ideology
Moderate
“Left Wing”
“Right Wing”

6. Looking at Parties in Action
1. Party in the Electorate - ordinary people who identify with that particular party
2. Party Organization - active party workers, precinct captains, county chairpersons, etc...
3. Party in Government - candidates who have won in their respective parties

7. Functions of Political Parties
1. Linkage institutions
2. Recruit candidates
3. Provide a convenient label
4. Educate the public
5. Resolving conflict

8. Current Day Republican and Democratic Parties
Current day Republicans and Democrats are not really conservative nor liberal precisely. Many Republican positions are traditionally liberal, and many Democratic positions are traditionally conservative.
The positions of each party are designed to gain supporters, as opposed to forwarding an ideology.
Republican
Winning the War on Terror
Ushering in an Ownership Era
Building an Innovative Economy
Strengthening Communities
Protecting Families
Democratic
A Strong, Respected America
A Strong, Growing Economy
Strong Healthy Families
A Strong American Community

10. What is Conservatism and Progressivism?
Conservatism – Emphasis on personal freedom, personal responsibility, low (or no) taxes, limited government, lassiez faire ideology, capitalism, isolationism.
Progressivism – Emphasis on civil liberties, collective responsibility, progressive taxes, government intervention (regulation and social safety nets), wealth redistribution, engagement.

11. Critical Elections
Elections which drastically alter the balance of power in American politics
Realigning Elections - majority party sinks to minority status and the underlying voter conditions change
Converting Elections - majority party stays dominant, but the parties' conditions change

12. Conditions Leading to Critical Elections
New Issues
Incompetent Party Leadership
External Factors
Public opinion polling
Proliferation of information

13. Political Parties and the 4 Theories
Democratic theorists emphasize the linkage function of parties and note how party helps to organize alternatives for voters to facilitate their choice on election day
Pluralists contend that each party is composed of a coalition of interests. Much bargaining and negotiation take place to produce- party positions that give each of the various constituent groups something of value '
Elite theorists counter that there is little difference between the parties and that both parties are firmly dedicated to corporate capitalist interests for their survival. Voters get little meaningful choice

14. A Final Note on Fascism
Tendencies towards Fascism, especially in a country that has very strong corporate power, needs to be countered actively, or corporate power will naturally move a country in that direction. To this end, knowing the characteristics of fascism is crucial.
The Fourteen Defining Characteristics of Fascism
Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
Supremacy of the Military
Rampant Sexism
Controlled Mass Media
Obsession with National Security
Religion and Government are Intertwined
Corporate Power is Protected
Labor Power is Suppressed
Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
Obsession with Crime and Punishment
Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Fraudulent Elections