1. Party Organization

2. The Four Main Elements 1. National Convention Nominates the candidate
Presents the platform

3. 2. National Committee
Handles the business of the party between Conventions(held only in year of presidential election)

4. 3. National Chairperson Leader of the national committee
Chosen after a convention by the candidate nominated, ratified by the national committee

5. 4. Congressional Campaign Committees
Both parties have one in congress
Job is to reelect incumbents
Win back seats of representatives that are retiring

6. Decentralized Organization
Party not in power lacks a strong leader
Federalism causes division of power in politics
Nominating process encourages competition and divisiveness

7. Possible causes for eventual fall of parties
Growing number of independents
Split-Ticket Voting
Changes in technology and advertising
Growth of single-issue candidates