American Government and Politics Today Chapter 8 Political Parties

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 Functions of parties Recruiting 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 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.

History of Political Parties The Formative Years: Federalists and Anti-Federalists The Era of Good Feelings National Two-Party Rule: Whigs and Democrats The Civil War Crisis The Post-Civil War Period “Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion” The Triumph of the Republicans The Progressive Interlude The New Deal Era An Era of Divided Government In the years after 1968, the general pattern was often a Republican president and a Democratic Congress. 2000 Presidential Election (Red state-blue state)

Election 1896

Election 2000

Election 2004

The Two Major Parties Today The parties’ core constituents Economic beliefs Recent economic convergence? Republican and Democratic Budgets Democrats have the reputation of supporting the less-well-off, and Republicans the prosperous. Cultural Politics Cultural Politics and Socioeconomic Status The Regional Factor in Cultural Politics The 2004 Election: Economics and National Security

Fig. 8-4 Republican Issues and Democratic Issues

The Three Faces of a Party 1-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

Three Faces of a Party (cont.) State party organization Local (grass roots) organization Patronage and City Machines Local Party Organizations Today 3-The Party in Government Divided Government The Limits of Party Unity Party Polarization

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 Presidential Voting Popular Election of the Governors and President Proportional Representation State and Federal Laws Favoring the Two Parties

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics Ideological Third Parties Splinter Parties The Impact of Minor Parties Influencing the Major Parties Affecting the Outcome of an Election

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 Tipping

Fig. 8-5 Party Identification: 1937-Present

The Most Successful Third Party Campaigns Since 1864