American Government

A political party is a group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and holding public offices. Each party is an organization made up of three distinct, but related elements: Party Organization- the party professionals who run the party at the national, State, and local levels. Party in Government- the elected officials of the party at every level. Party in the Electorate- these are the millions of people that consider themselves a member of the party and loyally vote for them.

Political parties are essential to the democratic process, they provide the link between the government and the people. Functions of the Party: Nominating Candidates- this is the major function of a party. Informing and Activating Supporters The Bonding Agent Function- the party helps ensure that elected officials are performing adequately. The Watchdog- the party out of power watches over the conduct of the party in power; ready to challenge and criticize any questionable or unethical behavior.

Two major parties dominant American politics. Why and how? The Historical Basis: The reasons for the parties were unintentionally built into the framework of our government. The Force of Tradition: Most Americans accept the idea of a two-party system because it has always been this way. The Electoral System: Single-member districts ensure that if you are able to win a plurality of the vote you get elected. Republicans and Democrats work together to shape election laws that hinder the emergence of third parties.

In a typical multiparty system, the various parties are based on a particular interest, such as economic class, religious belief, or political ideology. People that support a multiparty system say that it better represents the electorate and provides for more options. However, it often leads to instability in government. It is also hard to build a coalition between competing parties. The multiparty system has been a feature of many European democracies.

A “modified one party system” is found in about ¼ of States today. In those States one of the two major parties consistently wins most of the elections held there. There are also one-party systems in local areas as well. Milwaukee has not had a Republican mayor in over 100 years and has not sent a Republican to Congress since Many Southern States have not voted for the liberal candidate ever.

What are political parties? What are their main functions? Why do we have only two main political parties? What is the multiparty system?

American Government

The beginnings of the two-party system can be traced to the battle over the ratification of the Constitution. The Federalist Party was the first to appear. Formed around Alexander Hamilton. They favored a strong central government and a liberal interpretation of the Constitution. The Anti-Federalists formed in reaction to Hamilton’s party and was lead by Thomas Jefferson. They favored a limited role of the Federal government and support of small farmers and shopkeepers. Considered the party of the “common man”. The Anti-Federalist later became known as the Democratic-Republicans.

: Democrats Beginning with the election of Thomas Jefferson in 1800, Democrats went on to win 13 of the next 15 elections. They were challenged in the 1830s by the Whig party. The Democrats were formed by a coalition of small farmers, debtors, frontiersman, and slaveholders. The Democrats split in the 1850s over the issue of slavery and was later contested by the newly formed Republican Party.

s-1920s: The Republicans The Civil War damaged the Democratic Party which was blamed for the conflict. During this time Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson were the only Democratic presidents. Also, during this period, Republicans began to become aligned with big business and industry. The Democrats built up a coalition representing the working class and unions.

: The Return of the Democrats The Great Depression transformed the American electorate. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected to 4 consecutive terms. Republicans found it difficult to challenge Democrats in such an economically prosperous time period. The turmoil over the Vietnam and an economic slowdown influenced the electorate to elect Richard Nixon in 1968.

Present: Era of Divided Government Because of an ever fluctuating economy and changing foreign landscape, one party has not been able to dominate over the other. Since Ronald Reagan, there has been a turnover in power nearly every 8 years. Could the changing demographics in the United States lead to domination of one party?