Chapter Eight political parties

Learning Outcomes Define the concept of a political party and explain how political parties participate in the political system. Demonstrate an understanding of how the political parties originated in the United States and how their strength has increased or decreased over time. Explain the major differences in the demographics of the supporters of Republicans and Democrats and discuss how the party positions differ on issues.

Learning Outcomes Identify the three major components of the political party and explain why these components are not necessarily consistent with each other. Explain the factors in the American political system that reinforce a two-party system and discuss why minor or third parties are rarely successful.

What Is a Political Party? Group of political activists who organize to: Win elections Operate the government Determine public policy Factions: subgroups trying to obtain power or benefits No permanent organization

What Is a Political Party? Political Parties Run government Select candidates Multiple issues (party platform) Tends to blur issues Interest Groups Influence government Support candidates Often a single issue Tends to sharpen issues Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Tea Party Rally A California Tea Party supporter holds her sign at the annual tax day rally on April 15, 2012. Why does the Tea Party claim that it is not a political party although it does endorse candidates and work for their election? (© ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy)

What Is a Political Party? Functions Recruit candidates Organize and run elections Present alternatives to electorate Responsibility for operating government Provide organized opposition

A History of Political Parties in the United States Two-party system since 1800 Shaped by unique historical forces Emergence linked to form of government created by Constitution

A History of Political Parties in the United States Major periods: Creation of parties (1789 to 1816) Personal politics, one-party rule (1816 to 1828) Jacksonian to pre-Civil War (1828 to 1860) Civil War and post Civil War (1860 to 1896) Progressive era (1896 to 1932) New Deal era (1932 to 1968) Modern period (1968 to the present)

A History of Political Parties in the United States The Formative Years: Federalists/Anti-Federalists Partisan politics Two parties emerge Thomas Jefferson, founder of the first Republican Party. His election to the presidency in 1800 was one of the world’s first transfers of power through a free election. (Library of Congress) Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

A History of Political Parties in the United States Era of Good Feelings James Monroe administration (1817-1825) Competition between Republican candidates Era of personal politics Democrats and Whigs Two-party politics returns Jackson/Democratic party (1828): common man Whigs (Republican faction): active federal government

A History of Political Parties in the United States Civil War crisis and post-Civil War period Divided by slavery issue Northern Whigs unite with antislavery Democrats to form modern Republican Party After war, Democrats dominate the South “Rum, Romanism and rebellion” Populism Triumph of the Republicans

The 1896 Presidential Election Figure 8-1 (© Cengage Learning)

A History of Political Parties in the United States Progressive Interlude (1896-1932) Political reform due to economic pressures Republican Party temporarily splits Democratic progressive Wilson elected Democratic Party changes No longer party of limited government In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt campaigned on a third-party Progressive, or Bull Moose ticket. Here you see a charter membership certificate showing Roosevelt and his vice-presidential candidate, Hiram W. Johnson. (© Bettman/CORBIS)

A History of Political Parties in the United States New Deal Era Major Democratic intervention in economy Democrats gain African American support FDR forms broad political coalition Democrats mostly dominate until 1968

A History of Political Parties in the United States Era of Divided Government Social issues gain in importance Civil rights/Vietnam change alliances Neither party dominates Era of shifting majorities Red States vs. Blue States

A History of Political Parties in the United States Partisanship trends in 2012 elections

The Presidential Elections of 2012 Figure 8-2

The Two Major Parties Today The parties’ core constituents Economic beliefs Recent economic convergence? Cultural politics Democrats: social programs and increased government intervention in economy Republicans: private marketplace, limited government and self-reliance Regional factors

The Two Major Parties Today 2012 elections: economic and social values

Republican Issues and Democratic Issues, 2008 and 2012 Figure 8-3 (The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, a project of the Pew Research center, March 11, 2012)

The Three Faces of a Party Party-in-the-electorate All individuals claiming attachment Do not need to formally participate

Three Faces of a Party Party organization (structural framework) National Convention delegates National Committee National Chairperson State party organization Local (grassroots) organization Patronage and city machines Local party organizations

Three Faces of a Party Party-in-government Elected officials and appointed officials Role of partisanship Divided government increasing Party unity limited Party polarization

National Party Conventions Democratic Convention Republican Convention (LEFT) Two convention delegates from Colorado cheer as their governor, John Hickenlooper, addresses the convention. The Party conventions are intended to build enthusiasm among party members and supporters and to show off their political leaders to the American public. (The Washington Post/Getty Images) (RIGHT) Republican Convention delegates wave flags on the last day of the 2012 Convention in Tampa, Florida. They await the arrival of nominee Mitt Romney who will give his acceptance speech that night. (ROBYN BECK/Getty Images) Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Three Faces of a Party The state party organization More than 100 state party organizations State central committee and chairperson Local party machinery: the grassroots District leaders, precinct/ward captains, party workers Patronage and city machines Local party organizations still powerful Factions

Convention Delegates and Voters: How Did They Compare on the Issues in 2008? Figure 8-4

Why Has the Two-Party System Endured? Historical foundations Political socialization and practical considerations Winner-take-all electoral system Presidential voting (electoral college) Proportional representation State and federal laws favor the two-party system Ruling parties work to remain in control Party organization limited for independents

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics Third parties Formed from scratch by those committed to issue or ideology Major party split Form around charismatic leader Often barometers of change H. Ross Perot, third-party candidate for president in 1992 and 1996, speaks before a California Senate committee in 2002. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics Ideological third parties Members regard themselves as outsiders Do look for immediate electoral success Splinter parties/factions Split from major parties Bull Moose Progressive Party Reform Party

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics Impact of minor parties Influencing the major parties Affecting the outcome of an election Spoiler in 2000 elections? But should voters ignore third parties?

The Most Successful Third-Party Presidential Campaigns since 1864 Table 8-1 (Source: Dave Leip’s Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections, www.uselectionatlas.org)

Mechanisms of Political Change Realignment (voters switch party allegiance) Myth of dominance Myth of predictability Realignment still possible?

Mechanisms of Political Change Dealignment (decline in party loyalties) Independent voters Decline in straight ticket voting Not-so-independent voters Tipping Often due to immigration

Party Identification from 1937 to Present Figure 8-5

Mechanisms of Political Change On to the future Both parties striving for dominance Republicans hope to gain votes on basis of cultural and economic conservatism Democrats looking to attract youth, female and Latino voters Impact of moderates and independents