Political Parties Chapter 7

The Meaning of Party Political Party: A “team of men [and women] seeking to control the government by gaining office in a duly constituted election.” Parties can be thought of in three parts: Party in the electorate Party as an organization Party in government

The Meaning of Party Parties, Voters, and Policy: The Downs Model Rational-choice theory: Assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, weighing the costs & benefits. Figure 8.1

The Meaning of Party Tasks of the Parties Linkage Institution: The channels through which people’s concerns become political issues on the government’s policy agenda. Parties Pick Candidates Parties Run Campaigns Parties Give Cues to Voters Parties Articulate Policies Parties Coordinate Policymaking

The Party in the Electorate: Voters Party identification is a citizen’s self-proclaimed preference for one party or the other. We are not “card carrying” party members in the U.S. and we do not pay dues to parties. Ticket-splitting: Voting with one party for one office and with another party for other offices. Ticket-splitting has become the norm in American voting behavior.

The Party in the Electorate

The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington These are the people that work for the party. Local Parties Party Machines: A type of political party organization that relies heavily on material inducements to win votes and to govern. Patronage: A job, promotion or contract given for political reasons rather than merit. Used by party machines. “Chicago party machine” was a famous example in the 1960’s Now urban party organizations are generally weak. County organizations have partially filled the void.

The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington The 50 State Party Systems State party organizations are on an upswing in terms of headquarters and budgets. State primary Systems Closed primaries: voters must be registered with their party in advance and can only vote for that party Open primaries: voters decide on election day which party to participate in, and then only that party Blanket primaries: voters get a list of all candidates and can vote for one name for each office, regardless of party label

The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington The National Party Organizations National Convention: The meeting of party delegates every four years to choose a presidential ticket and the party’s platform. National Committee: One of the institutions that keeps the party operating between conventions. National Chairperson: Responsible for day-to-day activities of the party.

The Party in Government: Promises and Policy These are the party members actually elected to government. Candidates are less dependent on parties to get elected today, but they still need help. Coalition: A group of individuals with a common interest upon which every political party depends. Parties & politicians generally do what they say they will do.

Party Eras in American History Historical periods in which a majority of votes cling to the party in power. Critical Election An electoral “earthquake” where new issues and new coalitions emerge. Party Realignment The displacement of the majority party by the minority party, usually during a critical election.

Party Eras in American History 1796-1824: The First Party System Madison warned of “factions” First parties were the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans 1828-1856: Jackson and the Democrats Versus the Whigs Modern party founded by Jackson Whigs formed mainly in opposition to Democrats

Party Eras in American History 1860-1928: The Two Republican Eras Republicans rose as the antislavery party 1896 election revolved around the gold standard 1932-1964: The New Deal Coalition Forged by the Democrats - relied upon urban working class, ethnic groups, Catholics and Jews, the poor, Southerners

Party Eras in American History Party Coalitions Today (Figure 8.2)

Party Eras in American History 1968-Present: The Era of Divided Party Government Party dealignment - disengagement of people from parties Party neutrality - people are indifferent towards the two parties Even with one-party rule since 2008, it won’t be an “era” unless it lasts for several election cycles.

Party Eras in American History Partisan Control of State Governments: 2005 (Figure 8.3)

Reasons Why We Maintain a Two-Party System Ideological consensus Electoral System Single-member districts A vote for a minor party seen as a wasted vote Election laws (made by state legislators who are mostly either Democrats or Republicans) Historical Basis Tradition

Third Parties or Minor Parties Political parties other than Democrat or Republican Rarely win elections Third parties bring new groups and ideas into politics Find it easier to take a stand on controversial issues. Innovators Play the “spoiler” role

Types of Third Parties Ideological Single-Issue Economic Protest Libertarian, Socialist, Green Single-Issue “Right to Life Party” “Pot Party” Usually fade quickly Economic Protest “Populist Party” “American Taxpayers Party” Splinter Bull Moose; Reform Party

Understanding Political Parties Democracy and Responsible Party Government 1. Parties have distinct comprehensive programs. 2. Candidates are committed to the program. 3. Majority party must carry out its program. 4. Majority party must accept responsibility.

Understanding Political Parties American Political Parties and the Scope of Government Lack of uniformity keeps government small But, it also makes cutting government programs harder to do

Understanding Political Parties Is the Party Over? Political parties are no longer the chief source of information for voters State and national party organizations are getting stronger Majority of people still identify with a party, but still split their tickets Parties will continue to be around