Chapter 12 & 13 Political Parties and Elections

What is a Political Party? A political party is an organized effort by office holders, candidates, activists, and voters to pursue common interests by gaining and exercising power within the government. (Pg. 388) The goal is to win office and exercise power.

Roots of the Two-Party System The Development of Political Parties, 1800- 1824 Washington’s warning Adam’s and the Federalist V.S. Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans Parties used more as tool to win office Jacksonian Democracy, 1824-1860 Parties fade in importance Party growth at state level with population growth. 1st National presidential nomination convention Whig Party

Roots of the Two-Party System The Golden Age, 1860 - 1932 From 1860 to this day, two party system: Republicans and Democrats. Political Machine: party organization that uses incentives such as jobs and favors to win votes. Think expansion of political party power! Modern Era Candidate- Centered Politics: Politics that focus on the candidates, their particular issues, and character rather than party affiliation.

Political Platforms

Political Party Activities Run for office Raising money Mobilizing support Voting Parties in Congress – influence law making. Parties in the Judiciary – influence Constitution interpretation. Presidential Party – role as head of party. Parties in State Governments Governmental Influences

Why not a Third Party? Winner-take-all system over proportional representation. Electoral College requires 270 votes (a majority) of the 538 available votes to win office. Money and fundraising Absorption – if a third-party gains too much notoriety they can be absorbed by the other two parties.

Function of Elections Elections serve as another linkage institution between the people and their government Most basic form of political participation Give citizens the opportunity to change their leaders without overthrowing them Hold political leaders responsible to the people Legitimize government power and authority Winner gets a mandate to govern

Guidelines for Elections Elections are generally held every 2 years in the US House of Reps re-elected every 2 years 1/3 of the Senate every 2 years The President every 4 years Plurality v. Majority Plurality = Most votes Majority = 51% of the votes. Constitution defines elections broadly The electoral college is the exception Most election law is determined by individual states not the national government

Types of Elections Primary Elections (Within the party) Voters decide which candidates within a party will represent the party in the general election. Open, closed, runoff primaries Crossover Voting- participating in primary election of a party with which the voter is not affiliated. General Elections (Party vs Party) Voters decide which candidates will actually fill elective public office. Ballot Measures Initiative and referendum allow voters to enact public policy at the state level.

Presidential Elections Held every 4 years. 50 separate state election. National Conventions winners square off! Electing National Convention Delegates Winner-take-all primary Proportional representation primary Caucus

The Electoral College The Twelfth Amendment (Amendment XII) to the United States Constitution provides the procedure for electing the President and Vice President. It replaced the procedure provided in Article II, Section 1, Clause 3, by which the Electoral College originally functioned. 270 of 538 Electoral votes to win presidency Electoral votes are based on the number of representatives congress. (2 senators + number of reps in the house) The District of Columbia is accorded 3 electoral votes

The Electoral College The Electoral College is fluid (it changes) Reapportionment - The reallocation of the number of seats in the House of Representatives after each decennial census

Electoral College Pros and Cons It insures the states play a role in the election of the president. It makes candidates spend time campaigning in both big cities and smaller cities. Maybe a better indicator of representing the country as a whole Cons: The winner of the Electoral College might not be the candidate who received the most popular votes nationwide. Direct elections are seen more consistent with democratic principles. The amendment has outlasted its usefulness.

Voter Turnout Turnout is the proportion of the voting-age public that casts a ballot. Generally, all citizens who are 18+ are eligible to vote Who can’t vote? Anyone under age 18 Non-citizens Unregistered Felons (per state basis) What effects voter turnout? Income / Education Race and Ethnicity Gender Age Interest in politics