1. Party Organization

2. Decentralized Nature of Parties A.Role of Presidency- he is party leader B.Impact of Federalism- offices widely distributed at natl., state, & local levels C.Role of nominating process- made w/in party

3. National Party Machinery A.National Convention- party rules & platforms B.National Committee- composed of 2 people from each state (and territories)

4. National Party Machinery C.National Chairperson- leader (4 yr terms) 1. Duties: strengthen party/fortunes- promote unity, raise $, recruit voters D.Congressional Campaign Committees- each house tries to re-elect incumbents

5. State & Local Party Machinery A.State organization 1. Built around a central committee- work to further party interests in state

6. State & Local Party Machinery B.Local organization- varies widely- generally follow electoral map of state 1. Ward- unit in which cities are divided for election of city council members 2. Precinct- smallest unit- voters report to 1 polling place

7. Future of Major Parties A.Sharp decline 1. Drop in # of voters & increase in independents 2. Increase in split-ticket voting 3. Greater internal disorganization/conflict

8. Future of Major Parties 4.Changes in technology of campaigning for office (TV, internet, etc.) 5.Growth of single-issue organizations in politics