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 Political Parties Recruit candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government Organize and run elections Present Alternatives Accept responsibility of operating government 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

History of Political Parties 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 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.

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

Most Successful Third Party Campaigns

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

Party Identification: 1937-Present

Possible FRQ Question Ideas Do democratic governments need political parties? If a democratic government has political parties, will the structure always be a two-party system? What factors impact how many political parties will exist? Is party identification a major factor for voters in presidential elections?

Possible FRQ Question Ideas Why is it difficult for independent candidates or minor party candidates to get elected to Congress? What inferences can be made about the voting population through the closely divided elections of 2000 and 2004?