1. Party Organization
Chapter 5
Section 4

2. KEY TERMS
Ward
Precinct

3. Decentralized Nature of Parties
Described as
Close knit, Well disciplined, Well organized
They really are
Fragmented
Plagued by factions
Internal squabbling
Neither party has a chain of command that goes from nation- state-local

4. Role of the Presidency Usually more organized then the other party
President- automatic leader
Ready access to media
Personal popularity
Power to make appoinments

5. Impact of Federalism Major reason for decentralization
Basic goal of parties is to gain control

6. Nominating Process Major cause of party decentralization
Candidate selection is on intraparty basis
Pits members against members
Republicans fight Republicans
Democrats fight Democrats
Prime function of parties is the making of nominations

7. National Party machine
Both parties composed of 5 elements
1. The National Convention
Picks Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates
Adopt party rules and platform
Has little authority
Helps to make peace amongst the factions

8. 2. The National Committee
Between the conventions they handle the party’s affairs
Composed of Committee men and women from each state
Chosen by part organization
RNC also seats members from D.C., Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

9. DNC Larger body Committee people
Chair and Vice-Chairperson from each state and territories
Now include dozens of members from larger states

10. On paper appears powerful
Loaded with leading party figures
Do not have a lot of clout
Most center on the party’s strategy of the convention

11. Only two have been women
3. National Chairperson
Each party has one
Chosen for a 4 year term
Only two have been women
Jean Westwood 1972 DNC
Mary Louis Smith 1974 RNC

12. Direct party headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Presidential elections and focuses on the convention
Works to strengthen party
Promote unity
Raise money

13. 4. Congressional Campaign Committee
Committee for each house
Work to re-elect incumbents
Get open seats to party members
Unseat incumbents of the other party
Chosen by their colleagues

14. State and Local machinery
National largely product of custom and rules
States and local determined by state law

15. 4. State Organization State Central committee
Chairperson chosen by the committee
Person fronts for the Governor or Senator
Composed of members from several geographical areas
Meet infrequently
Chairperson and central committee work together to further party’s interest in the state

16. 5. Local Organization Vary widely Follow electoral map of the state
Divided into ward, precincts
WARD- is a unit in which cities are divided for the election
PRECINCT- is the smallest unit of election administration voters cast ballots at one polling place
Sometimes broken down into residential blocks