1. 3-1: Functions of Political Parties

2. Big Idea: Competing Policy-Making Interests Enduring Understanding: Political parties provide opportunities for participation and influence how people relate to government and policymakers.

3. Learning Objectives:
Describe linkage institutions.
Explain the function and impact of political parties on the electorate and government.

4. Overview of Political Parties
Purpose
Win elections
Cicero: make promises, friends, and rumors
Much more important than ideology
Operate government
Determine policy

5. Linkage Institutions Connect people with government
Elections
Parties
Interest groups
Media
Parties as linkage institutions
Provide information
Mobilize voters
Raise funds
Provide alternatives

6. Types of Party Systems Two-Party System Multi-Party System
Majority dictates policy
Minority can check power
Multi-Party System
Widely different ideologies balanced proportionally
Coalitions
One-Party System

8. Levels of Political Parties
In the Electorate
Citizens
Ticket-splitting
Divided government
Organization
Party staff
Conventions
Decentralization
In Government
Officeholders
Determine policy