Parties and Interest Groups II

60’s Realignment 1840s on- Democrats largely represent the south Post new deal- Uneasy coalition Like 2 separate parties Democrats become more supportive of Civil Rights Many southerners defect to the Republican party

Coalitions Today Democrats Racial and Ethnic Minorities Women Blue Collar/Unions Social Liberals Republicans Slight edge among whites MenBusinesspeople Social Conservatives

Instability- Reagan Democrats 1980 Election Reagan Splits Democrats Union and blue collar workers Support Dems on Economics Support Dems on Economics Socially conservative Socially conservative Carter- Poor economic performance Reagan- Focuses on Social Issues, swings former democratic voters

Contemporary Instability? Republicans Libertarian Wing Libertarian Wing Business Wing Business Wing Evangelical Wing Evangelical WingDemocrats DLC DLC More liberal wings More liberal wings Holding on to black voters Holding on to black voters

Parties in Government Provides accountability Provides division that cuts across geography Provides policy proposals Provides Discipline Provide Moderation?

Parties in Government Congress Committee assignments/Leadership Party line voting Defections

The Presidency 2 Party System Tension- Representing Party vs. Representing Nation Works with his party in congress Most public face of his party Midterm Elections Coattail effects

Parties in the Electorate Party Identification- longstanding alignment with a particular party Sources Early Socialization Family Family Ethnic Group Ethnic Group Religious Group Religious Group Economic Factors Economic Factors Events Events Running tabs of issues? Short term fluctuations?

Trends Decline? 50s- High Identification (80%) Rise of “Independent” voters in 70s Independents make up 40% of electorate Independents make up 40% of electorate But- Many independents behaved as partisans In 90s- Increased Identification, increased importance

Parties in the Electorate FunctionsHeuristic Issue Ownership Democrats better on Social Welfare issues Democrats better on Social Welfare issues Republicans better on taxes, military Republicans better on taxes, military Information Filter

Electoral Function of Parties Early Task of parties- Elect Favorable individuals Parties control Important Resources MoneyServices Polling Polling Advertising Advertising Volunteers VolunteersPublicity

Electoral Functions of Parties Present a “team” image Presidents campaign for congressional candidates Coattail effect Mobilization

Importance of Parties to Candidates Party power through resources The rise of candidate centered campaigns? Independent fundraising Ability to purchase services elsewhere Mobilization Party support still critical

Questions Can parties credibly change their public image? What would it take? How different are the 2 major parties? How can the Republicans Balance issues, ideologies and regional differences that might divide their constituencies? What strategy ought the Democrats follow to be a viable party in 2006/2008?

Interest Groups Organized groups attempting to influence policy –or- Group that claims to represent some segment of the population Differ from parties Promote interests by attempting to influence government rather than by nominating candidates

Kinds of Interest Groups Multi-Issue or Single issue E.g. NOW vs. NARAL Economic interest groups Includes business, unions, farmers, etc. Includes business, unions, farmers, etc. Public interest groups State and Local Governments

History Madison and Faction Early groups- Farmers and Liquor Turn of the century- organized labor, trade groups 70s-80s- rise of environmental, Christian right groups

Functions Lobbying-Attempt to seek influence over legislation Testifying in congress Material benefits Not bribery Registration of Lobbying Act (1946)

Lobbying Executive and Judiciary Executive Meetings with administration officials Formal staff positions Courts Amicus Curiae briefs Testimony in confirmation hearings

Grassroots Lobbying Attempt to stir up support of members “Tell George Bush what you think” has increased ProtestsAstroturf

Electoral Functions Campaign Contributions EndorsementsRatings Occasional formation of political parties

Success Do you get your legislation? FundingMembership Challenge- Free Rider Problem and Collective Goods

Elections Opportunity to choose who controls government Citizens’ main official input LegitimacyAccountability Retrospective voting Prospective voting

Elections And Accountability Candidates are motivated by electoral success Elected officials wish to continue to hold office Ensures at least some responsiveness Move towards center Balancing act

Elected Offices Federal President President Congress CongressState Governor Governor State Legislature State Legislature Judges (sometimes) Judges (sometimes) Local Elections County Boards Mayor City Council School Boards Other offices

Types of Election General Election Primary Election Open Open Closed Closed Non-Partisan Non-Partisan

Referenda and Recall ReferendumInitiative May Increase Responsiveness Majority Tyranny? ConfusionRecall In Many States for certain offices In Many States for certain offices Not at federal level Not at federal levelRetention

Presidential Primaries Select delegates for national convention Winner take all Winner take all Proportional representation Proportional representationCaucus Trend towards more primaries and more open caucuses

Voting in primaries Open Primary Closed Primary More democratic? Extremism? Primary voters more partisan