CHAPTER 5 – POLITICAL PARTIES Ch. 5-1 – PARTIES AND WHAT THEY DO
A political party is a group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office. Two major parties—Democrats and Republicans Some minor parties but few have had a major impact in elections
Political parties are essential to democratic government Develop broad policy and leadership choices Vital link between people and government “power brokers” Encourage compromise Soften the impact of extremists
1) NOMINATING CANDIDATES Parties select candidates and present them to voters Parties work to get their candidate elected Almost exclusively a party function 2) INFORMING AND ACTIVATING SUPPORTERS Parties campaign for their candidate Conducts education through pamphlets, signs, buttons, advertisements, internet, speeches
3) THE BONDING AGENT FUNCTION Political parties act as a bonding agent to ensure good performance of its candidates and officeholders Parties prompt its candidates to do well in office GOVERNING Government in the USA is government by party
Public officeholders are chosen on the basis of party. PARTISANSHIP—the strong support of their party and its policy stands Most appointments at the state and federal level are made with an eye to party considerations Parties provide channels through which branches of government can communicate
ACTING AS WATCHDOG Party in Power—political party that has the majority of office holders in government Party out of power tries to convince voters that they should “throw the rascals out” The End