1. American Government and Politics Today
Chapter 8
Political Parties

2. What is a Political Party?
Definition: a group of political activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy.
Parties versus interest groups

3. Functions of Political Parties
Recruit candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government
Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections
Bear the responsibility of operating government at all levels
Act as a “Watchdog” Providing organized opposition to the party in power is an essential role for a party that does not control one or another branch of the government.
Bonding agent – ensures good character

4. Three Faces of a Party (cont.)
State party organization
Local (grass roots) organization
3-The Party in Government
Divided Government
The Limits of Party Unity
Party Polarization

5. The Three Faces of a Party
1-Electorate-The people who identify with the party or who regularly vote for the candidates of the party in general elections
2-Party organization
National
Convention delegates
National Committee
National Chairperson

6. TYPES OF PARTY SYSTEMS
ONE PARTY
TWO PARTY
MULTI-PARTY

7. Why the Two-party system?
Historical (America began as a 2 party system)
Federalist, and
Anti-federalist
Tradition
Ideological homogeneous society (American share basic beliefs and principles; more than 2 strongly opposing sides are rare)
Structure of the electoral system
270 to win

8. The Two Major Parties Today
The parties’ core constituents
Economic beliefs
Republican and Democratic
Liberal v. Conservative

9. Why Has the Two Party System Endured?
Often, on major issues confronting the country there have been two clear sides. This duality helped to initiate a two-party system and has maintained this system through the present.
Political socialization and practical considerations
The Winner-Take-All Electoral System
State and Federal Laws Favoring the Two Parties

10. Why do people join parties?
Political socialization

11. The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics
The Impact of Minor Parties
Influencing the Major Parties
Nadar
Affecting the Outcome of an Election
“Spoiler Effect”

12. Most Successful Third Party Campaigns

14. Mechanisms of Political Change
Realignment: a process in which a substantial group of voters switches party allegiance, producing a long-term change in the political landscape.
The Myth of Dominance
The Myth of Predictability
Is Realignment Still Possible?
Dealignment: a major drop-off in support for the parties.
Independent Voters
Not-So-Independent Voters

15. Party Identification: 1937-Present

16. Shift in party
Party realignment
Party dealignment

17. Questions for Critical Thinking
Do democratic governments need political parties? If a democratic government has political parties, will the structure always be a two-party system? What factors impact how m
any political parties will exist?
Is party identification a major factor for voters in presidential elections?

18. Questions for Critical Thinking
Why is it difficult for independent candidates or minor party candidates to get elected to Congress?
What inferences can be made about the voting population through the closely divided elections of 2000 and 2004?