1. Chapter 5 Academic US Government Mr. LeHew
Political Parties

2. What Is a Political Party?
A group of people who seek to control the government through winning elections and holding public office
A group of people with common principles who seek to control the government in order to affect certain policies and programs.
Our parties are not issue oriented--they are election oriented (Definition #1)

3. What do Parties Do?
The will of the people is made known to the government through parties
Bring conflicting groups together by encouraging compromise
Nominate candidates for office
Inform and stimulate interest aided by the media and interest groups
Bonding agent to ensure good performance of politicians by choosing good candidates and holding them responsible once they are in office
Run the government -- develop and present policies
Act as a watchdog for the other party by criticizing the party in power (whoever holds presidency)

4. Why a Two Party System? Tradition
Began as a two party system (Feds v. Antifeds)
Electoral system
Because of the nature of our elections— single member districts with only one winner
Wins office based on plurality of votes
This discourages third parties as many view voting for 3rd party as wasting a vote
Parties also shape the laws to benefit them, making it harder for Third Parties to participate

5. Why Why a Two Party System? Ideological consensus
Though we are a pluralistic society (many different cultures)
Americans basically agree on fundamental issues
Conditions necessary to produce strong, rival parties do not exist consequently, parties tend to look alike

6. Other Types of Party Systems
Multiparty Systems
Several major and many lesser parties exist
Most European democracies are multiparty systems
Parties are based on particular interests, such as socio-economic factors, religion, or political ideology
Proponents agree that this provides a broader spectrum of representation
Governments usually built on a coalition-- which isn’t as stable a government because of frequent changes of the party(s) in control
One Party Systems - Usually dictatorships

7. First US Political Parties
Federalists
Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of Treasury)
Most were rich and well born
Supported the Constitution
Supported a strong central government
Urged liberal interpretation of the Constitution
Wanted policies to correct economic problems
Appealed to manufacturers
Wanted President to dominate government
Basis of today’s Republican Party
Pro British

8. First US Political Parties
Anti-Federalists
Thomas Jefferson (Secretary of State)
Favored the common man
Wanted the role of the federal government limited
Supported strong state governments
Favored strict interpretation of the Constitution
Wanted policies to help small shopkeepers, laborers, farmers
Wanted Congress to dominate the government
Basis of today’s Democratic Party
Pro French

9. History of Political Parties in the USA
Era of One Party Domination
: Democrats
Began with the election of Jefferson
Lasted until Civil War
Jackson best example (Jacksonian Democracy) with emphasis on common man, frontier, extension of suffrage, spoils system
: Republicans
Began with election of Lincoln
Supported by former Whigs (people who hated Jackson) and anti-slavery Democrats
Only party to make jump from third party to major party
Solid South develops during this time

10. History of Political Parties in the USA
: Democrats
Began with Great Depression and Roosevelt
New Deal strengthens party
1968-Present: Divided Government
Most of this time period Republicans have controlled Presidency and
Democrats have controlled Congress

11. Types of Minor Parties Ideological Parties
Based on a particular set of beliefs
Seldom able to win many vote but are long lived
Ex. Socialists
Single Issue
Concentrate on a single public policy issue
Names usually indicate their issue
Most die out
Ex. Free Soil Party (against slavery)
Prohibition Party (against alcohol)

12. Types of Minor Parties Economic Protest Parties Splinter Parties
Disgusted with both major parties
Usually focus on some economic issue
Disappear when crisis ends
Ex. Greenback Party (free coinage of silver)
Splinter Parties
Have split away from one of the two major parties
Usually form around a strong personality
Disappear when that leader steps aside
Ex. Bull Moose Party (split from Republicans, led by T. Roosevelt)

13. Importance of Third Parties
Can split the vote
Act as critic and innovator
Take stands on controversial issues that the major parties may have chosen to ignore
Challenge major parties
NOTE: A third party has never controlled Congress or elected a President

14. Decentralized Nature of Parties
Levels of party organization often act independently
President is the leader of his party, which helps organization
Out of power party has no clear leaders
Federalism
Because government is decentralized, so are the parties that serve it
Nominating process
Again incorporates federalism
Candidates receive nomination from a national party after being chosen in state primaries
Nominating process itself is divisive because candidates have to compete against each other for the party nomination

15. National Party Machinery
National Convention
Members from every state
Meets during the summer of presidential election years
Nominates President and Vice President
Adopts party rules
Writes party platform
National Committee
Handles things between Conventions
Responsible for planning conventions
2 members from each state; may include state party leaders

16. National Party Machinery
National Chairperson
Heads National Committee
Serves a 4 year term
Chosen by National Committee
Directs work at party headquarters
Promotes party unity
Raises money
Recruits new volunteers
Congressional Campaign Committee
Each party has one
Works to reelect incumbents
Ronna Romney McDaniel – RNC Chair
Tom Perez – DNC Chair

17. State and Local Orginization
State Central Committee
Headed by chairperson
Build party unity
Find candidates
Raise money
VA Democrats – VA Republicans
Local
Vary in organization
Usually a party unit for each district
Loudoun Democrats – Loudoun Republicans

18. Future of Parties
Most Americans accept parties as necessary while professing their distaste of partisan politics
Parties have been weakened by
Drop in those willing to identify themselves as Democratic or Republican
Increase in split ticket voting
Internal party disorganization/conflict
Changes in campaign technology making candidates less dependent on the support of the parties
Growth of single issue organizations